By Zhao Yu

In Xinjiang's goji berry fields, among the Hami melon vines, and on deer farms in Jilin's Changchun, hulking vacuum freeze-dryers from Ningbo are at work. In coastal Weihai, Shandong, too, these giant machines are preserving everything from sea cucumbers to abalone—turning fresh produce into lightweight, shelf-stable goods that help farmers boost income and reduce waste.

Even overseas, these machines are reshaping the food supply chain. On production lines in Europe, they're transforming raspberries, strawberries, walnuts, and hazelnuts into crisp freeze-dried ingredients that add complex flavor and crunch to premium chocolates.

Behind it all is Ningbo Scientz Freeze Drying Technology Co., Ltd., a firm based in Zhaobao Smart Manufacturing Valley in Zhenhai District.

Inside its workshop on a recent morning, workers were assembling a massive vacuum freeze-dryer—14 meters long, 3 meters wide, and 4 meters tall. The unit can process up to a ton of fresh figs in one cycle.

"The key is ultra-low temperatures and vacuum conditions," said general manager Yang Shuwei. He explained that the machine flash-freezes the product at minus 30 to 40 degrees Celsius, then removes moisture in a vacuum chamber through sublimation—the transformation of solid ice directly into gaseous water molecules.

The result: the original shape, color, and nutrients are preserved, with moisture content dropping to less than 5%. This not only extends food products' shelf life but also retains flavor and nutritional value—critical for both quality and export potential.

Freeze-drying has become a go-to method for agricultural producers looking to stretch the value chain. Products travel farther, spoil less, and open new market opportunities—from rural farms to international buyers.

Ningbo Scientz has spent over a decade refining its technology. The company now holds 10 invention patents and received Ningbo's official certification for a producing a first-of-its-kind manufacturing system.

And the applications go far beyond food. Scientz equipment is now used in biopharmaceuticals, high-value traditional Chinese medicine ingredients, and even pet food.

"Our systems can reach minus 111 degrees Celsius," Yang said. "With that kind of performance, we're only scratching the surface of what's possible."

In the first half of 2025, Scientz delivered 700 units of freeze-drying equipment. Its output value is still expected to rise.

"We're confident we can continue expanding into new fields," Yang added. "This 'Ningbo freeze' will serve more industries—and more people—around the world."