Processing Systems for Cocoa Powder
Cocoa is a sensitive, high-value raw material that requires high standards in hygiene and processing technology. From alkalisation to final refinement, its flavour, colour and functional properties must be preserved. Hosokawa Micron provides economical, scalable systems for the gentle mixing, drying and agglomeration of cocoa products, ensuring consistent high quality in every batch.
The Hosokawa Group also offers specialised technologies for breaking, milling, classifying and handling. Whether processing cocoa beans, nibs, cocoa powder or instant beverages, our solutions ensure safe, consistent and hygienic processing for high-quality cocoa products and chocolate preparations in the food industry.
Mixing & Homogenising
Achieving a homogenous final product is critical in cocoa powder processing—especially when working with additives such as sugar, milk powder or flavourings. Hosokawa’s conical mixers, including the Nauta® conical screw mixer and the Conical Paddle Mixer (CPM), offer precise, low-shear blending of sensitive powders with high reproducibility, regardless of batch volume or particle properties.
For formulations requiring the even incorporation of oils or liquid flavours, the Vitomix ribbon screw mixer is the ideal solution. It also enables controlled agglomeration processes with integrated moisture dosing.
Alkalising & Sterilising
To give cocoa nibs a milder taste and richer colour depending on the final application, alkalisation is often required. Hosokawa Micron’s Conical Paddle Dryer (CPD) is designed for this purpose—offering efficient yet gentle processing under demanding thermal and mechanical conditions.
With a centrally supported paddle shaft and optimised vessel geometry, the CPD ensures uniform heat distribution and consistent product homogeneity—ideal for both alkalisation and steam sterilisation of cocoa-based products.
Grinding & Sifting
Hosokawa Alpine offers robust size reduction and classification technologies for cocoa beans and nibs—from coarse crushers to pin mills and air classifiers for tight particle size distribution. For temperature-sensitive materials such as cocoa liquor or powder, cryogenic grinding with liquid nitrogen can be applied to preserve aroma, structure and colour.
Pre-Breaking Press Cake
Cocoa press cake, formed during the separation of cocoa liquor, must be mechanically crushed before fine grinding. Hosokawa Micron’s low-maintenance Pre-Breaker ensures reliable coarse size reduction, providing the perfect first step in the production of high-quality cocoa powder.
Lecithination
To improve wettability and flow behaviour, cocoa powder is often treated with lecithin. This can be done either continuously in the Flexomix mixer/agglomerator or in gentle batch mode using the Vitomix ribbon screw mixer. Both systems allow precise dosing and uniform distribution of liquid lecithin, resulting in free-flowing, homogenous powders with consistent quality.
Mixing & Preparation of Chocolate Paste
In the confectionery industry, chocolate pastes often need to be continuously mixed, conditioned and prepared as a base for downstream processing. The Extrudomix mixer and extruder meets these requirements efficiently and effectively, as it can blend cocoa powder, liquid chocolate and processing materials—minimising waste while maximising productivity and process yield.
Agglomeration
The vertical Flexomix agglomerator offers an efficient solution for the continuous production of instant cocoa powders. In just seconds, it produces homogeneous, porous agglomerates with a narrow particle size distribution—ideal for instant beverages with rapid rehydration. Its compact design and self-cleaning mixing chamber make it exceptionally low-maintenance. Adjustable process parameters allow precise control of agglomerate structure.
Test Before You Invest
Run trials with your own materials on production-scale equipment at our 2,000 m² Test & Process Development Centre in the Netherlands. Our experienced process specialists work with you to determine the optimal process, equipment or plant setup. We offer lab and production-scale trials, each supported by a detailed technical report covering setup, process parameters and performance insights—helping you choose the best solution with confidence.
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Let our process specialists help you identify the most suitable solution for your materials, process requirements and production goals.
Sustainable process technologies
Hosokawa Micron B.V. is committed to sustainable and responsible process technology. Our ISO 14001 certification covers key environmental aspects such as air, soil, energy, waste, water, noise and hazardous substances. With an EcoVadis Silver Medal, we rank among the top 3% of EcoVadis-rated companies in the special machinery industry.
