Onion processing is a labour-intensive and delicate task. Traditional methods rely heavily on manual labour: workers hand-peel, trim, and process each onion, carefully removing skins and roots while minimising loss of edible flesh. But as labour costs rise, consumer demand for consistency and hygiene increases, and regulatory pressures intensify, the food processing industry is making a shift: automation is rapidly redefining how onions are handled and peeled.
Manual onion peeling presents several challenges. First, it’s slow and labour-intensive. Workers, no matter how skilled, can only handle so many onions per hour. Second, consistency is hard to guarantee, as different operators will have their own trimming methods. Third, hygiene is harder to control in manual operations, as traditional methods involve much more human contact and handling.
In contrast, automated peeling systems, like M&P Engineering’ Onion Peeling Machines, offer precise, repeatable operations under controlled conditions, leading to better outcomes in volume, quality, and safety.
So, what are the key benefits of onion processing automation?
- Labour Savings & Cost Reduction: Automated systems dramatically reduce dependency on manual labour. Once installed, machines can operate for extended hours, requiring only supervision, maintenance checks, and occasional calibration.
- Consistency & Yield Optimisation: Automated systems deliver precision in trimming, cutting and peeling every onion to the same tolerances. This consistency reduces product loss from over-trimming or missed patches of skin.
- Enhanced Hygiene & Food Safety: Machines operate in enclosed or controlled environments, reducing human contact and contamination risk. This helps processors meet stricter food safety standards and improves shelf stability of peeled product.
M&P Engineering’s Onion Peeling Machines are engineered with precision, flexibility, and efficiency in mind. Key features include:
- Adjustable knives that ensure skin is removed cleanly without overcutting.
- Optimised air skin removal technology designed for minimal energy consumption while delivering high peel quality.
- Robust, food-grade construction with easy access for cleaning and maintenance.
If you would like to find out more about M&P Engineering’s onion peelers, call 0161 872 8378 or contact us here.