INDIA – Bühler Group, a leading global provider of food processing technology, has recently inaugurated two innovative machinery lines in Bengaluru, India, to enhance the capabilities of biscuit manufacturers in the region.
This launch comes as the Indian biscuit market is experiencing significant growth. The industry is projected to expand at % Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5-6%.
Bühler’s SmartLine series includes two new products: the DirectBake Smart oven and the RotaMold Smart rotary moulder.
The DirectBake Smart is a Direct Gas Fired (DGF) oven designed to accommodate a variety of baking needs, while the RotaMold Smart allows manufacturers to create biscuits in numerous shapes and intricate designs.
Both machines are built with Bühler’s advanced technology, emphasizing reliability, versatility, and efficiency.
Ajith Dharan, Head of Consumer Foods Business at Bühler India, highlighted the significance of these new solutions, stating, “The biscuit industry in India is substantial and growing rapidly, especially with the expansion of both domestic and international brands.
‘’ To meet this increasing demand, we are launching these solutions at our facility in Bengaluru. We are providing innovative and affordable technology that is commercially attractive for the Indian market.”
The DirectBake Smart oven features state-of-the-art heat transfer technology and a recipe-controlled burner system, ensuring optimal performance and easy adjustments for various products.
This oven is particularly noteworthy as it is designed and manufactured in India, marking a shift from Bühler’s previous models, which were developed in Denmark.
This local production aligns with the company’s commitment to the “Make in India” initiative to boost domestic manufacturing capabilities.
In addition to the DirectBake Smart, the RotaMold Smart rotary molder enhances production efficiency by ensuring consistency in biscuit shapes and sizes across batches.
This capability allows manufacturers to diversify their product offerings and cater to evolving consumer preferences.
Prashant Gokhale, Managing Director of Bühler India, elaborated on the market dynamics, noting that in the fast-paced life where convenience is vital, cookies and crackers are poised to drive new growth, with variety and product differentiation closely following.
He also mentioned that their target audience consists mainly of biscuit customers seeking superior baking technology at competitive prices.
Bühler’s commitment to sustainability is also evident in its new production facility in Bengaluru, designed to minimize water usage and utilize renewable energy sources like solar power. The company has set ambitious goals to reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030, compared to its 2019 levels.
Johannes Wick, CEO of Grains & Food at Bühler Group, emphasized the importance of flexibility in today’s market.
He highlighted that, in a world of rapidly changing requirements, customers need to adapt their products to key issues such as healthy diets, affordability, local raw materials, and sustainability.
He also noted that this focus on customer needs has driven Bühler’s continued investment in the Indian market, reinforcing its position as a key player in the global food processing industry
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