In-House R&D Division
Advancing Food Processing Technology
Our dedicated R&D division drives continuous innovation in coffee, tea, leaf processing, and food drying technology — translating applied research directly into better machines.
Why R&D Matters to Us
Research Is at the Core of Everything We Build
Oriental Food Industries was founded with the word "research" embedded in its purpose. Our R&D division, established in 2019, is not a peripheral function — it is the engine that drives product development, quality improvement, and competitive differentiation.
Every machine we manufacture benefits from ongoing research into processing efficiency, energy consumption, material science, and automation. Our engineers work across six active research areas, with findings directly informing the design of new and improved products.
Active Research
Research Focus Areas
Coffee Processing Technology
Research into novel wet and dry processing methods, mucilage removal efficiency, fermentation control, and post-harvest quality preservation. Current projects include low-water wet processing systems and precision fermentation monitoring.
Recent Outcomes
- Reduced water consumption by up to 40%
- Automated fermentation endpoint detection
- Improved green bean physical quality scores
Tea & Leaf Processing
Development of energy-efficient withering, rolling, and drying systems for CTC, orthodox, and specialty green tea. Focus on preserving volatile aromatic compounds while achieving target moisture levels.
Recent Outcomes
- Aroma-preserving low-temperature drying
- Continuous CTC line optimisation
- Reduced specific energy consumption in FBD dryers
Industrial Drying Systems
Advanced drying technology research covering rotary, belt, fluidised bed, spray, and freeze drying. Key focus on energy recovery, uniform moisture distribution, and product quality retention.
Recent Outcomes
- Heat recovery systems reducing energy use by 30%
- Uniform moisture distribution algorithms
- Spray dryer nozzle optimisation for fine powders
Energy Efficiency & Sustainability
Cross-cutting research programme on reducing the energy intensity of food processing operations. Includes heat integration, VFD optimisation, waste heat recovery, and biomass fuel systems.
Recent Outcomes
- Biomass-fired dryer systems
- Waste heat recovery from roasters
- VFD-based motor optimisation protocols
Automation & Process Control
Development of advanced PLC/SCADA control systems, sensor integration, and data-driven process optimisation. Includes remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and IoT-enabled machine diagnostics.
Recent Outcomes
- Remote monitoring via cloud dashboard
- Predictive maintenance algorithms
- Automated quality control feedback loops
Materials & Fabrication Research
Investigation of advanced materials, surface treatments, and fabrication techniques to improve machine durability, hygiene, and performance in demanding food processing environments.
Recent Outcomes
- Electropolished SS316 surfaces for dairy-grade hygiene
- Wear-resistant coatings for abrasive products
- Improved CIP-compatible joint designs
How We Work
Our R&D Process
Problem Definition
We begin with a detailed analysis of the processing challenge — product characteristics, capacity targets, quality requirements, and site constraints.
Literature & Prior Art Review
Our team reviews existing technologies, patents, and academic research to identify the best starting point and avoid reinventing the wheel.
Concept Development
Multiple engineering concepts are developed and evaluated against technical and commercial criteria. The most promising concept is selected for prototyping.
Pilot-Scale Prototyping
A pilot-scale prototype is built and tested in our facility. Real product trials are conducted to validate performance against targets.
Iteration & Refinement
Test data drives design refinements. Multiple iteration cycles are completed until performance targets are consistently met.
Scale-Up & Commercialisation
Validated designs are scaled to production capacity, with full engineering documentation, manufacturing drawings, and commissioning protocols.
Knowledge Sharing
Technical Publications
Energy Optimisation in Rotary Drum Dryers for Spice Processing
Technical Paper
Fermentation Endpoint Detection in Coffee Wet Processing Using pH Sensors
Research Article
Comparative Analysis of CTC vs. Orthodox Tea Rolling: Quality and Energy Metrics
Technical Paper
Low-Water Wet Processing Systems: Design and Field Performance
Case Study
VFD-Based Motor Optimisation in Food Processing Lines
Technical Paper
Co-Development
Work with our R&D team to develop machinery tailored to your specific processing challenge. We take on customer-funded research projects.
Pilot Trials
Bring your product to our facility for pilot-scale processing trials before committing to full-scale equipment investment.
Process Consultancy
Our engineers can audit your existing processing line and recommend improvements to efficiency, quality, and energy consumption.
Have a Processing Challenge?
Our R&D team is ready to discuss your requirements — from a pilot trial to a full co-development programme.