KRONEN GmbH has introduced a new horizontal drying system aimed at continuous, medium-capacity processing lines, unveiling the K1040H for the first time at Fruit Logistica 2026. The company says the system has been developed for industrial applications across vegetables, salad leaves and vegan products, with a design focus on line integration, hygiene and process reliability.

The K1040H was presented as part of a broader, line-oriented showcase that also included established cutting, washing, drying and packaging solutions. According to the company, the premiere attracted strong interest from international processors attending the Berlin event from 4 to 6 February.

“The response to our trade show appearance and especially to our new innovation, the K1040H drying system, which celebrated its world premiere at the event, was extremely positive,” said Stephan Zillgith, Spokesman of the Management Board of KRONEN GmbH. “For us, Fruit Logistica is a central meeting place where we can welcome customers and partners from all over the globe. Our intensive exchanges yet again showed the importance of practice-oriented, reliable solutions when it comes to the modern processing of fresh foods.”

Designed For Continuous Lines

KRONEN positions the K1040H as a compact, fully automated addition to its drying portfolio, with a stated throughput of up to 1,500 kg per hour. The horizontally operating centrifuge is designed to accept product directly from a washing machine via an infeed belt with a maximum transfer width of 500 mm. This configuration allows the system to be integrated into existing processing lines without the need for additional transverse belts or buffer conveyors.

While the spin-drying process itself operates in batches, the infeed belt also functions as a buffer, enabling continuous upstream and downstream operation. KRONEN says the coordinated layout of the infeed belt and drum ensures even product distribution within the centrifuge, contributing to consistent drying results. An optional volume control function is available to further optimise product infeed.

The company highlights the large drum surface area and high centrifugal force as key factors in reducing spin-drying times compared with smaller units. Dewatering is achieved through controlled acceleration to a preset spin speed. Depending on product type, load and parameter settings, KRONEN states that residual moisture levels of 2–4% can be achieved. At the end of the cycle, product is discharged either into standard 200-litre containers or onto an optional discharge belt for direct transfer to weighing and packaging equipment.

Hygiene And Footprint

Hygienic design is a central element of the K1040H. The system follows KRONEN’s open construction principles, providing access to all product-contact areas. The mobile infeed belt can be swivelled to the side to facilitate cleaning, and the company notes that the coordinated infeed and drum design eliminates the need for additional components, reducing both cleaning effort and wear.

The compact footprint allows installation without additional safety zones or protective grids. The control cabinet is mounted on a low-vibration section of the machine and integrated into the overall layout. For processors requiring higher capacities, KRONEN continues to offer its K650 and K850 drying systems, with stated throughputs of up to 2,800 kg/h and 5,000 kg/h respectively.

Flexible Settings, Gentle Handling

The K1040H offers four selectable levels for both spin-drying time and speed. These fixed parameter options are intended to allow rapid changeovers between different products, ranging from light leafy items such as baby leaf lettuce, herbs and spinach to heavier cut vegetables including carrot sticks, diced onions and pickled products, as well as vegan applications. KRONEN says the even product guidance ensures gentle handling, including for delicate raw materials.

Broader Line Concept

Alongside the K1040H, KRONEN used Fruit Logistica 2026 to underline its system-based approach to fresh-cut processing. Demonstrated equipment included the HEWA 3800 washing machine, GS 10-2 and GS 20 belt cutters, KUJ V and KUJ-HC 220 cube, strip and slice cutters, the CAP 350 cabbage cutting machine, and the KS-100 Plus and KS-7 ECO spin-dryers.

The presentation was complemented by weighing solutions from partner iWEIGH, including standard trolley scales for combined weighing and packaging, as well as KRONEN’s automatic basket carousel for hygienic product transfer after washing. Packaging solutions from partner GKS Packaging were also shown.

KRONEN said the overall display reflected its focus on modular line solutions, combining individual machines into customer-specific systems with an emphasis on durability, safety, reproducible quality, efficiency and hygienic, maintenance-friendly design.