Expansion into Plant-Based Production: Fidel Dreher Relies on Flottweg Decanter Technology

From Fruit Processing to Plant-Based Innovation

For decades, Fidel Dreher GmbH has stood for high-quality fruit processing. Founded in 1924, the family-owned company is now managed by the third generation and combines tradition with a clear focus on the future. At its Stockach facility, the company primarily produces freshly pressed juices, purées, and concentrates.

In 2023, Fidel Dreher expanded its portfolio to include plant-based dairy alternatives, responding to changing market demands and growing consumer interest. While this step opened up new opportunities, it also introduced new technical challenges.

Felix Dreher, Head of Production and Technology, describes it this way: “What makes oat drink production so exciting is its variety. At the same time, the processes behind it are relatively complex. You have to work very precisely to achieve the desired final product.”

Oat drink production requires precise controls in place.

Complex Processes Require Precise Control

The production of oat drinks differs fundamentally from traditional fruit processing. It requires the precise coordination of multiple process steps to ensure consistently high product quality. At Fidel Dreher, cleaned oat raw materials are first mixed with water and enzymes before being processed in a two-stage milling process. This is followed by hydrolysis, during which the raw material is enzymatically broken down.

Plant-based dairy alternatives place particularly demanding requirements on manufacturing processes. Consumers expect a product with a consistent texture, pleasant mouthfeel, and high stability. At the same time, manufacturers need processes that are flexible enough to reliably accommodate different formulations and sweetness levels. From unsweetened products to more extensively hydrolyzed recipes, each product variant requires precise process control.

One particularly critical process step is the subsequent solids separation. Following hydrolysis, the suspension still contains solid particles that must be removed in a controlled manner to achieve the desired product quality. The efficiency of this separation step has a decisive impact on the texture, stability, and homogeneity of the final product. Reliable and precise separation is therefore essential to ensuring consistent results.

Fidel Dreher uses a Flottweg Z5E decanter centrifuge for their oat drink production.

Efficient Solids Separation with the Flottweg Decanter

To perform this task, Fidel Dreher relies on a Flottweg Z5E decanter centrifuge. Integrated directly into the process after hydrolysis, it separates solids and ensures a homogeneous final product.

“The decanter removes the solids very effectively, allowing us to achieve a highly uniform final product,” explains Matthias Theuerkauf, Bottling Manager at Fidel Dreher.

In day-to-day operation, the system impresses with its reliability and ease of use. Thanks to recipe-based control and integration into the central process control system, the decanter operates largely autonomously. This reduces operator involvement while ensuring stable process conditions and reproducible product quality.

“We don’t have to worry about the decanter. It does exactly what it is supposed to do,” says Theuerkauf. In a production environment where multiple formulations are processed and quality requirements remain consistently high, this level of automation provides provides greater operational reliability. At the same time, it allows the team to focus on other critical production tasks.

A Decision Based on Many Years of Experience

Fidel Dreher’s decision to choose Flottweg was no coincidence. It was built on a longstanding partnership. Since 2006, the company has relied on Flottweg equipment in its fruit juice production operations, initially with belt presses and later complemented by separators.

These positive experiences, combined with recommendations from plant engineering partners and successful reference projects, led Fidel Dreher to choose Flottweg once again for its new production line. “We have been working with Flottweg centrifuges for years, so the decision was very easy,” explains Dreher.

A long-standing partnership between Fidel Dreher and Flottweg has contributed to reliable and efficient production processes

Partnership and Service as Key Success Factors

In addition to the technical performance of the equipment, the collaboration between Fidel Dreher and Flottweg plays a crucial role. From the project phase and commissioning through ongoing operation, the partnership has been characterized as reliable and efficient.

“Working with Flottweg has always been smooth, professional, and highly satisfactory,” emphasizes Dreher.

The strength of the partnership is also reflected in service and support. Fast response times, extensive technical expertise, and direct communication help ensure stable production, even in challenging situations.

“The people at Flottweg are very approachable, and it’s simply a pleasure to work together,” he adds.

The right technology and partner enabled Fidel Dreher to successfully enter the growing market for plant-based products.

A Strong Foundation for Future Growth

By combining decades of fruit processing expertise with modern separation technology, Fidel Dreher has successfully entered the growing market for plant-based products. The Flottweg decanter centrifuge serves as a key foundation for maintaining consistently high product quality and a stable production process.

This example demonstrates how established food manufacturers can successfully expand into new business areas. With the right process technology and a reliable partner, even complex production processes can be implemented efficiently and dependably.

Felix Dreher summarizes: “We would recommend Flottweg at any time.”

Learn more about Fidel Dreher’s journey into oat drink production

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