RAPS invests in modern, high-pressure liquid extraction at Kulmbach site
Innovative process technology supports gentle spice processing
Spice expert RAPS is expanding its production capacity with a state-of-the-art, high-pressure liquid extraction plant in Kulmbach, Germany. The technology enables the gentle extraction of natural ingredients from spices such as pepper, coriander and allspice. With the construction of a new production facility, RAPS is responding to the growing demand for high-quality, functional extracts to enhance food and beverages.
Construction of the new production building on the RAPS site began on May 12. RAPS is investing tens of millions of euros in the ground-breaking facility for high-pressure liquid extraction. The plant has been designed in collaboration with Natex GmbH, an Austrian company specialising in supercritical CO₂-extraction for the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Here, the spice specialist’s extensive expertise and years of experience were crucial during the planning and design phase. The construction of the plant was preceded by intensive planning, which ensured that approval was obtained quickly and that all requirements of the German Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG) were met. Completion is scheduled for the end of 2026.
Added value through local partnerships
“For the construction and building technology, we have actively commissioned companies from the region. Apart from the plant and extraction technology itself, we are relying on regional procurement and long-standing partnerships with companies in the area,” says Dr Udo Martens, Chief Operating Officer at RAPS, who was responsible for the planning and is also overseeing the construction and implementation phase on behalf of RAPS. He goes on to explain: “During extraction, liquid carbon dioxide is passed - under pressure - through finely ground spices, thus allowing for the gentle and careful extraction of valuable ingredients. In several process stages, we obtain a stable, high-quality extract from the respective raw material that can then be used in many applications.”
Growing demand for natural extracts
The new system is RAPS' response to growing demand for high-quality, standardised spice extracts, particularly in the food, beverage and convenience industries. Gentle CO₂ extraction provides natural flavours, essential oils and functional ingredients with defined quality and reproducibility. This is a key advantage for manufacturers who rely on trusted solutions that are both clean label and premium quality.
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