A quick guide to buying candy processing machinery
February 21, 2023
Industry overview
The global confectionery industry is seeing stable growth in volumes and values after recovery in 2021. Beyond 2022, the market is forecast to grow by 6% year-on-year to 2026 in value terms. Whether you are seeking to buy new candy processing equipment or upgrade an existing line, here are nine points to consider. It’s a two-minute read, so grab a bag of your favourite gummies and get ready!
Your 9-point candy processing machinery checklist
1. What is the machine made of?
The best modern candy processing machines, like the tna Mogul, are made from stainless steel. This really is the only material you should be considering – it’s corrosion resistant, so it won’t rust. It has high tensile strength, making it strong and stable. And it’s extremely easy to clean, so you can always keep it well intact and free of contamination.
2. The control system
Like many other industrial and commercial devices, your candy processing equipment should have a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) system with touch screen so the candy can be made automatically.
3. Versatility
With such a huge array of candies on offer in stores, it’s crucial that your candy processing machinery can make lots of different shapes and colours with minimal fuss. If engineers can quickly change parts on the machine, the range of candies you can produce will be increased significantly.
4. What are the automation capabilities?
To maximise profitability and minimise effort, the candy processing machine should allow you to configure it, then simply let it produce the candy. This approach will increase the accuracy and speed of production with minimal human intervention, resulting in cost savings for your business.
5. Security & safety
Ensure the confectionery processing equipment has sensors to sound a warning and / or automatically shut down the machine in the event of any malfunction.
Also make sure the equipment is easy to clean and maintain – in part this will come from the material it’s made from (stainless steel) but the size of the parts and the ease with which they can be removed for cleaning are also important factors to consider.
As well as these security & safety advantages, being able to easily clean & maintain your candy processing machinery will reduce maintenance costs by reducing staff resourcing to maintain the equipment.
6. What is the maximum production output?
The output of the production line has a close relationship with product specifications and candy types you’re seeking to produce. So before you procure a candy manufacturing machine, calculate your minimum requirements and be sure to source a machine that can exceed those volumes.
As a frame of reference, the tna Mogul can produce up to 2,000 kg per hour for gummy candy, and up to 3,000 kg per hour of pectin or starch-based recipes.
7. Value for money
Value is about more than a price. It’s the sweet spot where cost and functionality intersect, so don’t just look at the bottom-line purchase price. Consider overall functionality – because that could save significant costs elsewhere – as well as versatility, production capacity and the level of automation offered.
8. Which standards does the machinery comply with?
As a minimum any confectionery manufacturing equipment you purchase should comply with these standards:
• Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) quality standards
• CE quality standard for correct electrical configuration
• International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Eligibility Criteria
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) quality standards.
9. Testing
Finally, when you’re satisfied with everything else about your shiny new candy processing machinery, make sure you test it in the manufacturer’s plant. When everything is working as expected, you will receive an FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) certificate before the equipment is installed in your facility.
Summary
This guide is intended to give you a general overview of the most important things to consider when buying candy processing machinery. However, if you have more specific questions, why not reach out to one of our many experts for a quick chat?
Background
With the acquisition of NID, tna provides combined expertise of over 60 years along with cutting-edge innovations in applications including gummies, jellies, marshmallows, fondant cremes, liquorice, chewy candies, caramels and crusted liqueur, among others. In the ever-evolving world of candy manufacturing, new innovations can make it difficult to know which machine to purchase.
