Industrial juice extraction is a fundamental phase in transforming fruits and vegetables into finished products such as juices, purées, and concentrates. For companies in the agri-food sector, having an efficient system not only improves yield and reduces waste but also ensures a high-quality, safe, and shelf-stable final product.

In this guide, we’ll explore how the process works, the key criteria for choosing an industrial extractor, and the After Sales advantages—focusing on modularity, support, and sustainability.

How it works: process and equipment

Industrial juice extraction involves several stages:

1. Raw Material Preparation: Fruits and vegetables are selected, washed, and inspected to ensure a clean, uniform flow free of impurities. They are then crushed using hammer mills or choppers, which break the product into regular pieces while keeping seeds and pits intact to preserve organoleptic properties. This initial step ensures a homogeneous product ready for processing.
2. Juice Extraction: This is where industrial extractors come into play—machines designed to separate the liquid from peels, seeds, and fibers. One example is the Giubileo extractor by CFT, equipped with adjustable and individually replaceable paddles that control product retention time to optimize yield.
3. Cold Break or Hot Break Thermal Treatments: These deactivate enzymes responsible for oxidation, browning, and degradation after crushing. This step is essential to preserve the color, flavor, texture, and shelf life of industrial juices and purées. A cutting-edge example is Zenith Chrono by CFT, a patented system that combines anaerobic extraction with ultra-fast enzymatic inactivation, ensuring maximum preservation of the product’s natural qualities. In Hot Break applications, the Eldorado system stands out for its high operational continuity, thanks to its patented geometry and intense recirculation flow, making it efficient even for production cycles exceeding five weeks.
4. Refining: This process separates the finer liquid (juice or purée) from coarser fibers, seeds, peels, or solid residues. It results in a smoother, more homogeneous product suitable for clear juices, velvety purées, baby food, or concentrates.
5. Integration with Other Equipment: Fruit and vegetable processing lines may also include evaporators and packaging systems.

The result?

A modular, automated system capable of adapting to a wide range of fruits and vegetables, significantly reducing waste while maintaining consistent quality over time.

Watch the video of the Giubileo extractor and refiner by CFT.

Selection Criteria for the ideal industrial juice estractor

Choosing the right industrial juice extractor is a strategic decision. Here are the main criteria to consider:

• Motor Power
  A powerful motor allows processing of even the toughest raw materials. In industrial settings, power must match the expected production volume.
• Construction Materials
  Stainless steel and non-toxic materials like Tritan ensure durability, hygiene, and long service life. Component weight also affects ease of maintenance.
• Dynamic Adjustment and Component Longevity
  The ability to adjust paddles inclination and rotation direction allows precise control over product retention time inside the machine. This also extends component life through symmetrical paddle wear. Such advanced flexibility is rare in the market, but the Giubileo industrial extractor is a unique exception in the industry.
• Modular Configuration
  A versatile system that can be reconfigured from extraction (hot or cold) to refining allows investment optimization based on seasonality or production changes. With the Giubileo extractor/refiner by CFT, switching functions is simple: just replace the internal screens and adjust the product inlet according to the desired process.
• Extraction Force and Capacity
  System efficiency is also reflected in its ability to minimize residual humidity in waste, significantly increasing product yield and reducing disposal costs. In specific configurations, the Giubileo extractor can also function as a press, recovering additional juice from peels and residues—maximizing the value of every part of the raw material.
• Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
  A design that allows quick disassembly and targeted interventions reduces downtime and operating costs. Compliance with European workplace safety regulations is also essential.
• Adaptability to Raw Materials
  Advanced systems can process a wide variety of fruits (with or without pits), vegetables, and tropical raw materials while maintaining consistent yield and quality.
• Product Quality and Sustainability: The use of processes such as anaerobic extraction or ultra-rapid enzymatic inactivation makes it possible to maintain high-quality standards without the need for chemical preservatives. This not only improves shelf life but also enhances the overall sustainability of the plant by reducing waste and product loss. In the case of the Giubileo extractor, this is further complemented by rubber-free technology, 100% food compliant and environmentally friendly, thanks to an innovative destoning system that ensures product purity by eliminating unsuitable materials, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

After Sales Advantages: Long-Term Value

Beyond operational performance, a good industrial extractor stands out for the value it continues to generate after installation. Post-sale service plays a key role in reducing operating costs, ensuring production continuity, and maintaining product quality over time.

A well-designed system supported by a structured After Sales service ensures:

✔ Continuous and Prompt Technical Support
During critical periods—such as tomato season or intensive harvest campaigns—reliable technical support is essential. CFT, for example, offers 24/7 assistance with specialized technicians who can intervene remotely or on-site to quickly resolve issues.

✔ Readily Available Spare Parts
A well-stocked spare parts warehouse in strategic locations enables fast order fulfillment. The use of standardized components, such as the paddles in the Giubileo extractor/refiner, allows easy replacement even by the operator, reducing machine downtime.

✔ Simplified Maintenance Through Modularity
Modular plant design is a major advantage for maintenance, allowing interventions on individual components without dismantling or replacing the entire structure. For example, in case of wear, the Giubileo extractor’s paddles and screens can be replaced individually—no need to service the entire rotor. This results in cost savings and greater operational efficiency.

✔ Periodic Inspections and Personalized Support
Predictive maintenance programs, such as annual visits by CFT’s After Sales experts, help monitor system condition, prevent malfunctions, and suggest potential upgrades. Detailed manuals and practical guides also enable in-house technicians to perform routine checks independently.

✔ Long-Term Reliability and Performance
Systems designed for extended production cycles, with wear-resistant materials and patented engineering solutions, ensure reliability even under intense operating conditions. For instance, the high internal recirculation of the Eldorado system helps maintain consistent yield and quality during weeks of uninterrupted production.

✔ Energy Efficiency and Cost Reduction
Low-consumption technologies, smart energy management, and optimized design help reduce operating costs. Fewer maintenance needs and streamlined internal flows lead to a faster return on investment.

Why Choosing the Right Solution Makes All the Difference

Industrial juice extraction is a complex process that requires technology, expertise, and flexibility. Choosing the right extractor means investing in efficiency, quality, and operational continuity. Thanks to CFT’s extensive experience and solutions like Giubileo, Zenith Chrono, and Eldorado, today’s producers can successfully meet the challenges of industrial fruit and vegetable processing.