Swiss technology firm Bühler Group has enhanced its food processing capabilities by integrating NapaRoast’s steam-vacuum pasteurization technology into its product portfolio. This move strengthens Bühler’s position in the growing nuts processing market, which is expanding at a rate of up to 7% annually, driven by demand for healthy snacking options.

NapaRoast’s system offers a high level of microbial safety with a >5 log pathogen reduction in nuts, seeds, and other low-moisture foods. The process uses saturated steam to heat product surfaces in a partial vacuum, effectively pasteurizing without the need for a drying phase. This gentle approach helps preserve product quality, including texture, color, and flavor, while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

“The integration of NapaRoast puts us in the unique position to be a one-stop shop for our customers,” says Cathrin Flühler, Head of Market Segment Nuts at Bühler. “It complements our existing offerings in transport, sorting, storage, roasting, and grinding, and creates synergies across the value chain.”

The technology has already been implemented in over 40 facilities across the US, Europe, and Africa. Systems are available in throughput capacities from 1 to 6 tonnes per hour. The design allows bulk-bin treatment, which reduces product breakage, dust, and downtime during changeovers. It is suitable for processing whole nuts, chopped ingredients, and powders.

Cameon Ivarsson, Co-Founder of NapaRoast, highlights the potential impact of the partnership: “With Bühler’s global reach and engineering expertise, we see a great opportunity to expand the application of our pasteurization solution worldwide.”

To support customer training and innovation, Bühler has incorporated the pasteurization system into its upgraded Flavor Creation Research and Training Center in Uzwil, Switzerland. The facility will open for customer trials in August, followed by a dedicated training session on November 4–5.

This strategic integration aligns with Bühler’s ongoing focus on food safety, process efficiency, and sustainability in food production.

The Bühler NapaRoast StatiSafe pasteurization solution

The integration of NapaRoast’s steam vacuum pasteurization technology strengthens Bühler’s market position in the nuts processing industry

The pasteurization process offers a high pathogen reduction of >5 log in nuts, seeds, and other low moisture foods