Tetra Pak’s Direct UHT technology a boon for coconut industry

Coconut beverages and foods, such as fresh coconut water, milk, and cream, have become deeply entrenched in the daily consumption habits of people all over the world for the past few years. Consumers favour coconut products for their low cholesterol and calorie content, along with essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. According to data from the Vietnam Coconut Association, eight of the top 10 countries in the world for coconut production currently come from Asia-Pacific, in which Vietnam ranks the fourth in terms of export value.

However, coconuts are considered among the hardest raw materials to work with. Coconut water is perishable, quickly losing its nutrients and flavour due to natural enzymatic activity as soon as the fruit is opened. As a result, coconut water and its components must be processed quickly to minimise food waste.

Backed by over 70 years of expertise in global food processing and packaging and more than 30 years of partnership with the coconut industry, Tetra Pak has introduced Direct UHT technology and innovative packaging solutions to enable maximum taste and nutrition control to secure the quality of end products. At Coconext 2024 in Ben Tre province on December 12, Vietnam's first international conference about coconuts, the company showcased advanced, modern processing and packaging solutions for the industry. These innovations aim to help Vietnamese businesses expand product portfolios, enhance product values, and boost competitiveness in the global market.

Tetra Pak introduced a groundbreaking advancement in food processing with its Direct UHT technology. This state-of-the-art method employs ultra-high heat for an extremely short duration to effectively eliminate harmful microorganisms, followed by rapid cooling. The innovative approach ensures that the natural flavour and nutritional integrity of coconut products are preserved, while extending their shelf life to up to 12 months - eliminating the need for preservatives or refrigeration.

Tetra Pak’s Direct UHT technology preserves the freshness and nutrition of coconuts

This technology is adaptable for various coconut products, especially coconut water and coconut milk, meeting the long-term production needs of businesses. At the same time, the technology ensures the retention of essential nutrients and the natural flavour of fresh coconuts, delivering high-quality products to consumers. The Direct UHT system is also designed to save energy, minimise by-products, and support businesses in achieving their sustainability goals. Another advantage is that the technology seamlessly integrates with modern monitoring systems, enabling businesses to fully control production processes and enhance the quality of their output.

At CocoNext 2024, experts emphasised that adopting advanced technology is no longer an option, but a must for industry-sustainable development and enhancing supply chain value. Nguyen Thi Kim Thanh, president of the Vietnam Coconut Association, said, "It is important to build a comprehensive, modern, and sustainable value chain for the coconut sector. Businesses need to invest in advanced processing facilities, adopt high-tech production methods, and focus on organic practices to boost productivity and product quality."

As the world-leading player in food processing and packaging, Tetra Pak introduced Tetra PlantMaster, a plant automation solution, specifically designed for food production. It covers the entire operation, from raw material intake to packaged and palletised products. Although complex on the inside, it explains everything in one comprehensible, intuitive interface.

This solution enables businesses to optimise production costs, enhance competitiveness, and ensure efficiency at every stage of the production process–from raw material preparation to product packaging. With these cutting-edge solutions, Tetra Pak has reaffirmed its leadership in supporting the food processing industry to achieve sustainable development goals.

Tetra Pak representative presenting advanced coconut processing solutions

"Tetra Pak is committed to delivering advanced and sustainable processing and packaging solutions that enhance the value of coconut products. Furthermore, we support our clients in optimising operational costs, ensuring consistent product quality, and enabling seamless product traceability. These efforts bolster the credibility and competitive edge of businesses in the market," said Ngo Thanh, processing director at Tetra Pak Vietnam.

Supporting Vietnamese food and beverage businesses in adapting to the evolving market, Tetra Pak is committed to providing the world-class advanced technologies and solutions to help customers expand their product portfolios and achieve specific sustainability goals. One example is the Bloom Centre in Binh Duong, which assists businesses in developing coconut-based products that meet consumers’ diverse needs. Tetra Prisma Aseptic packaging offers a convenient and fresh coconut water experience, while Tetra Recart expands the range of shelf-stable ready-to-eat meals without preservatives.

With a comprehensive range of creative and sustainable solutions, Tetra Pak is helping businesses maximise the value of coconuts, creating products that align with trends and cater to the increasingly diverse consumer demands.

Tetra Pak helping dairy firms keep up with the latest consumer trends Tetra Pak's advanced UHT pasteurised milk technology and Tetra Prisma® Aseptic packaging solutions are helping dairy businesses keep up with consumer trends and improve their competitiveness.

Tetra Pak again recognised with ‘A’ score for transparency on forests Tetra Pak has been recognised for leadership in corporate transparency and performance on forests by global environmental non-profit CDP, securing a place on its annual ‘A List’.

Tetra Pak to expand manufacturing facility in Binh Duong Tetra Pak has announced an additional €97 million ($104.2 million) investment to expand its packaging material production facility in Binh Duong province.