Caminhos do Futuro, the last remaining olive oil mill in Montemor-o-Novo, Portugal, has significantly boosted its processing capacity with the installation of Alfa Laval’s advanced Foodec Sigma decanter. The upgrade has enabled the cooperative to quadruple its output from 1,500 kg/hour to 6,000 kg/hour, supporting a growing network of local farmers while preserving a long-standing agricultural tradition.

The decision to modernise was driven by the need to remain competitive amid rising demand and shorter harvest seasons. “We either modernized the process or lost competitiveness,” reflects José Ferreira, a long-serving mill operator. The new extraction line, designed in collaboration with Alfa Laval, is part of a broader strategy to future-proof the mill and meet evolving production needs.

Caminhos do Futuro’s longstanding relationship with Alfa Laval played a key role in the transition. The site had already been operating Alfa Laval equipment for over three decades, including a decanter installed in 1998 and high-speed separators dating back to 1989—all still functional. The older decanter now serves a new role in processing olive pomace, enhancing sustainability by utilising material previously discarded.

Alfa Laval’s latest Sigma series features innovations such as an extended conveyor for greater extraction efficiency and the patented Active Baffle Disc, which ensures stable performance even under variable conditions. The technology also offers easier operation and reduced downtime, making it ideal for modern, high-throughput mills.

For more information on the Foodec Sigma range, visit www.alfalaval.com/sigma.