The water retort is an equipment or vessel (or sterilization through the application of heat) of food products packed in retort pouches (like suman, bibingka, fruit puree, rice, milk and chocolate flavored porridge).

A retort pouch is a flexible packaging material that basically consists of laminates or bonded layers of different packaging films (e.g. polyethylene (or plastic), polyethylene, terepthalate (PET), nylon, aluminum foil) that can withstand high (121^oC or higher) processing temperature. Using retort pouches for sterilized food products is now preferable due to the high cost of cans and glass jars.

The ITDI's Food Processing Division has the expertise for the design and fabrication of water retort of different capacities. The retorts use water or steam/air combination as processing medium to heat the container/packages. Compressed air or additional steam is introduced during the processing cycle to provide the overpressure (any pressure supplied to the retort in excess of that which can be normally achieved under steam at any given retort temperature). Overpressure is important in preventing package damage or loss of seal integrity (like bursting), during the heating process.

Specifications:

Stainless steel trays

Digital temperature control

Automatic

Water spray with counter pressure

Advantages:

Water Retort

Import substitute 800% savings on cost of equipment of the same capacity is guaranteed (cost of imported equipment is about PhP 16M)

Provides an opportunity for food processor to shift to retort pouch as alternative packaging for thermally processed products at lower cost.

Retort Pouch

Convenient for consumers.

Lightweight and easy to open

Better package presentation

Environment-friendly (80% waste reduction)

Reduced process time translating to lesser cost of utilities, lesser storage space, lesser transportation costs, and improved yield
Conforms to regulations for thermally processed foods