Freshline® Freezers Keep “Apple Fries” Fresh

One of the tastier innovations that Air Products has helped come about is a new product called “Apple Fries.”

Apple Fries resemble potato wedges, but are apple wedges that are coated and then quick-frozen. The food service vendor then fries and lightly sprinkles them with sugar, cinnamon and other toppings. They are now being sold in places like fairs, sporting events, and amusement parks.

The product is made by Excellent Foods, a start-up company in Burbank, Washington – in the heart of apple country. This association with Excellent Foods shows Air Products at its best in developing a relationship with companies to foster innovation – and not just the big guys, either.

Apple Fries are the creation of Rick Shepherd. Rick, with the help of Roy Hillman, took two years to develop and perfect his idea. They had to find the right apple (tasty but not too sweet), the right coating (a patented powder to prevent oil from being absorbed), and the right freezing method. That last step is where Air Products comes in.

“Mechanical freezing would not work with this product,” says Roy Hillman, manager of Excellent Foods. “There would be too much moisture loss and the apple fries would be limp. So we called Air Products about their quick-freezing method.”

Kevin Proctor, sales representative in Washington State was there the next day.

“We knew we could help them with our technology and our process,” Kevin recalls. “But we thought we could also fix them up with some equipment that would fit their budget. We work well with smaller customers.”

We’re not too bad with innovation either.

“We can help customers innovate because we get them up and running quickly. Flexibility and low capital investment are key things to innovators. Plus, with Excellent Foods, we have a system that has room to grow. When they’re ready to expand, we’re ready to help them.”

When the Air Products freezing system arrived, the Air Products tech support arrived with it. Earl Moore and Rick Whited spent three days with Excellent Foods to get the unit running right.

The result is a healthful, all-natural treat with no preservatives that is making a hit around the country. In addition to its snack form, the apples are used by chefs and caterers in other ways, including in salads and even main dishes.

There aren’t many ingredients, but an important one to Apple Fries’ success is Air Products.

“We wouldn’t be in business without Air Products’ help,” says sales manager Dean Hatch.

Roy Hill sums up the relationship with Air Products.

“I’ve been in the food business 35-plus years and have worked with many companies,” Roy states. “I’ve never run into a company that’s been more helpful or with people easier to get along with.”

You can’t say it any better than that.