SWITZERLAND – Bühler Group, the Swiss technology company known for its advanced food processing solutions, has incorporated NapaRoast’s steam vacuum pasteurization and roasting technology into its product portfolio.
The move positions Bühler to offer an end-to-end solution for nut processors, addressing evolving food safety regulations and rising demand for minimally processed, safe snacks.
The NapaRoast technology, now part of Bühler’s range, is designed to enhance microbial control in nuts, seeds, and other low-moisture foods.
The pasteurization process uses saturated steam under partial vacuum conditions to raise surface temperatures, effectively reducing pathogens by over 5 log. Unlike conventional methods, this approach does not require a drying step, helping preserve the color, texture, and flavor of the treated products.
According to Dr. Cameon Ivarsson, Co-Founder of NapaRoast, “The pasteurization process we developed addresses stringent microbial contamination requirements without compromising product quality. By applying steam in a partial vacuum, we’re able to treat products at lower temperatures, minimizing structural damage and flavor loss.”
NapaRoast’s systems, currently installed in over 40 processing facilities across the United States, Europe, and Africa, are available in capacities ranging from 1 to 6 metric tonnes per hour.
The design supports batch processing in bulk bins, eliminating common inefficiencies such as product breakage, dust generation, and extended downtimes during product changeovers. The system can handle whole nuts, chopped ingredients, or powder formats.
Enhancing Bühler’s value chain capabilities
Bühler’s acquisition of this pasteurization solution fills a previously unmet gap in its nut processing value chain, which already includes equipment for transport, sorting, storage, roasting, and grinding.
“With the integration of NapaRoast, we can now provide all the key technologies in-house,” said Cathrin Flühler, Head of Market Segment Nuts at Bühler.
“This creates streamlined synergies for our customers and allows for more efficient process design and traceability.”
The company aims to offer customers a unified solution that supports food safety compliance while optimizing productivity.
The decision to expand its capabilities comes as global nut consumption continues to rise, with the market growing at an estimated annual rate of up to 7%.
Factors such as increased awareness of health benefits associated with nuts, due to their protein, fiber, and antioxidant content, are driving demand.
New opportunities for testing and training
To support the transition and allow customers to interact directly with the newly integrated technology, Bühler has enhanced its Flavor Creation Research and Training Center in Uzwil, Switzerland.
The center now includes NapaRoast’s pasteurization unit, enabling hands-on trials and training. Bühler will host its first exclusive training session at the facility on November 4–5, following its official opening in August 2025.
“This center provides a comprehensive platform for customers to test along the full processing value chain,” Flühler said.
“With pasteurization now part of that journey, we can support their development and training needs more effectively.”
Strategic alignment and market reach
The partnership brings together NapaRoast’s food safety expertise with Bühler’s engineering and global distribution capabilities.
“Bühler has the reach and resources to scale our pasteurization technology across global markets,” noted Ivarsson.
“Their experience in plant integration and process engineering ensures this technology delivers optimal results for processors.”
Bühler’s expanded offerings align with increasing global scrutiny over microbial safety in low-moisture foods, a concern highlighted in recent foodborne illness outbreaks.
As regulators in the United States, European Union, and parts of Africa tighten controls on aflatoxins, Salmonella, and other contaminants in nuts, Bühler’s move supports processors aiming to meet these standards without sacrificing product quality.
Industry context and related developments
This integration follows a broader industry trend in which technology providers are developing compact, energy-efficient pasteurization systems for dry foods.
In recent years, companies have shifted away from chemical treatments and high-temperature roasting toward gentler, more controlled thermal methods to ensure compliance and maintain product integrity.
The move also comes as Bühler continues to grow its food technology footprint. In 2024, the company announced new installations of its optical sorting technology in nut and seed operations across North America and Asia.
NapaRoast’s addition complements these efforts, reinforcing Bühler’s role in offering comprehensive food safety solutions.
