Sangli-based Orbela Agro Foods Pvt Ltd will be using the osmotic dehydration technology from the Indian council of agricultural research (ICAR)- Indian Institute of Horticulture Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, for production of dehydrated guava, kokum, amla and papaya bar.
The technology from IIHR helps convert fruits and vegetables into value-added products such as dehydrated fruit slices or candies while retaining the flavour, colour and taste.
Orbela is already engaged in processing of fruits and vegetables, and had started production of osmotically dehydrated mango slices, pineapple cubes and mango bars earlier this year using IIHR technologies.
The company is now expanding its product portfolio with the new technologies for kokum, amla and dehydrated guava.
The IIHR technologies strictly prohibit the use of any artificial colour, flavour or essence in any of the dehydrated products or fruit bars. Such products have a shelf life of six months or more and have characteristic taste, flavour and aroma, similar to that of the fresh fruits and are available almost round the year.
IIHR apart from providing new technologies is also helping connecting start-ups like Orbela to farmers as well as the market.