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From the stone fruit seed to a superfood
Kern Tec was distinguished as one of the most innovative start-ups of Anuga 2023. Could you please briefly explain to us what your company does and what it stands for?
Kern Tec is an Austrian food tech start-up that specialises in the sustainable recovery of stone fruit seeds. Our aim is to transform by-products from the fruit processing industry - such as seeds of apricots, plums or cherries - into high-quality plant-based food ingredients and finished products. We connect innovation with environmental awareness here and make an active contribution to the reduction of food waste.
Which vision does Kern Tec pursue in the sustainable food section?
Our vision is a world in which unused resources are totally exploited, before new ones have to be grown. Worldwide over one million tonnes of waste stone fruit seeds are generated annually. We assert ourselves in making this hitherto unexploited potential useful by implementing modern upcycling methods - to minimise food waste, reduce CO₂ emissions and drive a functioning circular economy forward.
How did the foundation of Kern Tec come about - what was the inspiration behind it?
The idea for Kern Tec arose in Wachau, Austria - a significant fruit growing region. A local fruit farmer brought it to our attention that several tonnes of stones are thrown away annually, although they contain valuable seeds. The founders quickly recognised the potential of this hitherto unexploited raw material and developed an innovative method of putting the stones to industrial use. This includes among others the gentle cracking of the hard shell and the safe removal of the natural hydrocyanic acid. Our mission ensued from this: Saving valuable resources - and creating tasty, sustainable products from these.
© Kern Tec
Your company processes apricot stones that are otherwise considered to be waste. How exactly does the process work?
Our production process is broken down into several carefully aligned steps:
1. Procurement & Processing: We collect the fruit stones from manufacturers of the juice and jam production, clean, dry and select them.
2. Splitting Open & Sorting: The stones are split open using a specially developed method and the edible seeds are separated from the stone.
3. Removal of the hydrocyanic acid: Using specially developed technologies, we ensure that the seeds can be safely consumed without a qualm.
4. Further processing: Subsequently the seeds are processed into high-quality products like pastes, oils or ready-to-use compounds - ideal as a basis for plant-based dairy products or other innovative foodstuffs.
5. Holistic usage: The stones are also used - for example as a natural peeling replacement in the cosmetic industry or as sustainable mulch material in the agricultural sector.
Which products are made from them and how do they differ from conventional alternatives?
Our main products encompass:
- Sustainable pastes as a basis for plant-based milk, yoghurt or cheese alternatives.
- High-quality, cold-pressed oils for the food and cosmetic industry
- Roasted or natural seeds as snacks
- Chopped or ground seeds for bakery products and sweets like chocolate
In comparison to conventional alternatives our ingredients convince because of their particularly low ecological footprint - since no additional cultivation areas are required, less water consumed and CO₂ saved. In terms of taste they offer a pleasantly mild, nutty aroma that is reminiscent of almonds.
Stone fruit seeds – nature’s overlooked potential - © © Kern Tec & www.foto-hoefinger.at
Which challenges did you encounter while developing your products?
The biggest technological challenge was without doubt the safe removal of the natural hydrocyanic acid to make the seeds edible. Beyond this, processing the stones so that they satisfy the highest sensory and quality demands was a complex task. Also the development of a scalable production infrastructure and the establishment of reliable supply chains were decisive milestones on our path.
To what extent does your innovation contribute to the reduction of food waste?
By processing the stones from the fruit juice and jam production we avoid thousands of tonnes of a valuable by-product ending up on the garbage dumps. Instead we transform them into high-quality ingredients for the food and cosmetic industry. In this way, we not only save resources, but also reduce the need for new raw materials like almonds or soy - which in turn saves water, land and emissions.
Which industries or companies have shown special interest in your products?
Our products are particularly generating high interest in the following sectors:
- Manufacturers of plant-based milk and yoghurt alternatives
- Sweets and snacks industry
- (Industrial) bakeries
- Cosmetic manufacturers, for instance for natural oils and peelings
Our cooperation with the private dairy Bauer in Germany, whom we have developed a vegan product line based on our apricot stone paste with, is a particularly successful example here. Our products - among others in collaboration with Coop and Emmi - can already be found on the shelves in Switzerland too.
Since when have you been exhibiting at Anuga? What are your experiences so far?
We have been represented at Anuga with our own stand since 2023 - and we have already been able to establish many valuable contacts with international food manufacturers there. The distinction as one of the ten most innovative start-ups of the trade fair was a true highlight for us and a strong indication of the relevance of our mission
What does it mean for you to be under the Top 10 innovations of Anuga 2023? Which doors has this award opened to you?
Being voted under the Top 10 innovations of Anuga is a huge honour and confirmation for our team. It has significantly increased our international visibility, enabled new partnerships and substantially reinforced our position as a pioneer in the section of sustainable food innovations.
Author
Kern Tec
