Many food projects start with a successful pilot test. The sample tastes good, and the process looks workable. But a pilot test and an industrial food processing line are not the same decision.
Pilot tests focus on product possibility. Industrial production focuses on stable raw material handling, continuous feeding, batch consistency, UHT sterilization, aseptic filling, CIP/SIP cleaning, packaging efficiency, labor arrangement, and utilities.
Raw material handling changes first. Manual sorting and small batch preparation may work in a lab, but a factory needs receiving, washing, sorting, conveying, temporary storage, and continuous supply.
Thermal processing also changes. Viscosity, particles, fiber, acidity, holding time, heat transfer, package, and cleaning design can all affect the final sterilization and filling system.
Before quotation, factories should prepare pilot results, target product, raw material condition, expected capacity, package, storage method, site layout, and utilities.