A Flexible, Reliable Kill Step for Multiple Tree Nuts: Red River Foods’ Experience with Laitram CoolSteam Black
- Laitram Machinery
- Jan 12
- 3 min read
As food safety expectations continue to rise, tree nut processors are seeking kill-step solutions that don’t compromise quality, throughput, or operating costs, even when processing multiple tree nuts in one line.
Red River Foods, a global leader in premium nuts and dried fruit, recently installed a Laitram CoolSteam Pasteurization system at its Richmond, Virginia, facility.
The system serves as a critical kill step prior to roasting for a range of tree nuts, including Pine Nuts, Cashews, and Macadamias.
“The equipment has performed reliably and consistently, providing effective protection against foreign organisms while integrating seamlessly into our existing processing flow.”
— Lisa Chandler, Facilities Manager, Red River Foods
A Flexible Kill Step for Multiple Nut Types
Running multiple nut varieties on one line demands precise, repeatable control. Red River Foods emphasized the system’s ability to adjust key processing variables by product type—supporting consistent results while keeping operations efficient.
“One of the most valuable features of the system is its flexibility. The pasteurizer allows us to precisely control temperature, time, and processing conditions based on nut type and size. This enables us to either roast or dry product as needed by adjusting roaster settings, while maintaining consistent quality outcomes. The control panel is intuitive and user-friendly, making day-to-day operation efficient for our team.”
Customization for Sensitive Products Like Pine Nuts
Smaller kernels (like pine nuts) can create airflow and consistency challenges on standard belt designs. Red River Foods highlighted how Laitram partnered closely to tailor the system to their product mix.
“Laitram worked closely with us to customize the belt design to accommodate smaller products such as pine nuts. While the standard design is typically suited for larger pieces, their team modified the belt to ensure proper airflow and performance for our specific needs. The stainless-steel construction supports both durability and food safety requirements.”
— Lisa Chandler, Facilities Manager, Red River Foods
This kind of customization is where CoolSteam® Black and CoolSteam® Blue stand out. The systems are modular, configurable for different capacities and nut types, and prioritize both process flexibility and food safety.
Sanitation and Safety Designed In
In modern nut processing, sanitation and operator safety are non‑negotiable.
“Cleaning and sanitation are straightforward. The integrated belt cleaning system allows for easy application of soap or sanitizer, which simplifies routine maintenance and supports our food safety protocols.”
CoolSteam® systems feature an open, easy‑access design, automated belt cleaning, and a steam sanitation cycle to make cleaning more efficient and repeatable.
Red River Foods also highlighted the built‑in safety protections:
“The safety features of the machine are also outstanding, including safeguards that prevent access to components while temperatures remain unsafe.”
A Partnership Approach
Beyond the equipment, Red River Foods emphasized the value of Laitram’s support—from installation through ongoing operation.
“In addition to the equipment itself, our experience working with Laitram has been excellent. Their team is both proactive and responsive, with strong communication throughout installation and ongoing operation.”
“Overall, the Laitram pasteurization system has met our operational, safety, and quality expectations, and the partnership has been a positive and professional experience.”
For nearly 75 years, Laitram Machinery has pioneered high-performance processing equipment that helps processors increase yield, efficiency, and food safety. Since introducing CoolSteam® to the nut industry, we’ve grown to become the U.S. leader in nut pasteurization through partnerships like this.
Comments