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1. Raw-material route
A whole-fruit line adds receiving, washing, sorting, peeling and peel handling. A peeled-flesh line starts at acceptance and feeding. The preparation scope is often a significant share of the project, especially where labour and waste handling are included.
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2. Capacity and operating pattern
A larger line needs larger machines, utilities and space, but the operating pattern also matters. Frequent product changes, long cleaning cycles and batch operation can require more buffer and cleaning capacity than a continuous line.
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3. Core equipment
Pulping, refining, transfer and controls are the heart of the line. Two-stage pulping, variable-speed drives and additional screens add cost. The cheapest machine may not meet the texture target or may be expensive to maintain.
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4. Finishing and packaging
Deaeration, heat treatment, aseptic filling and package handling can be a major part of the budget. A hygienic bulk filler and a validated aseptic system are different projects.
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5. Utilities, installation and validation
Steam, chilled water, power, drainage, flooring, installation, commissioning and training are often underestimated. Validation, documentation and spare parts should be priced explicitly.
| Cost driver | Low end | High end |
|---|---|---|
| Material bruto | Purchased peeled flesh | Whole fruit with manual/assisted peeling |
| Capacity | Pilot or small production | Multi-tonne continuous line |
| Texture | Single-stage pulping | Two-stage plus refining and screens |
| Finishing | Bulk fill for freezing | Validated aseptic treatment and filling |
| Utilities | Existing services | New steam, chilled water and drainage |
| Scope | Equipment only | Installation, commissioning, validation, spares |
Before you enquire
Practical questions
Can you give an approximate price?
Only after the raw material, capacity basis, texture target, finishing route and site constraints are clear. A single price without those variables would be misleading.
What is the cheapest way to start?
A peeled-flesh line with a simple bulk finish can have a lower equipment scope than a whole-fruit aseptic line. The operating cost and supplier dependence may change the comparison.
Should I buy the cheapest quotation?
Compare the scope, materials, controls, documentation, spare parts and support, not just the price. A lower price may exclude installation, screens, training or validation.
These notes are a project-preparation framework, not a validated operating procedure or a performance guarantee.
Next step
Put the product in the brief.
Share the actual feed, texture target and measurement point. The equipment discussion becomes much more useful.