The Kern-Tec Story!
The idea for Kern Tec's was born in the small but world-famous apricot region of Wachau. Over a glass of apricot juice, a fruit grower drew the attention of Kern Tec's founders to the fact that he had to dispose of several tons of kernels every year, even though they contained a valuable inner kernel. After breaking open the hard shell by hand, they discovered the nut inside, which tasted uniquely good. This was met with astonishment as to why no one was using this raw material. The reason behind this was the lack of technology to crack the hard shell surrounding the nut and the hydrocyanic acid it contained, which made the nut unfit for consumption in large quantities. As a result, it turned out that this raw material was not only going unused in the small region, but also by large, global fruit producers to the tune of over 1 million tons a year.
Kern Tec creates a world where unused resources are used, before new ones are grown.
A raw material in the wrong place...
This led to the goal of producing large quantities of this unused raw material on an industrial scale and using it in suitable applications.
As there were no solutions available, the entire supply chain was set up, from the collection of the cores to the manufacture of end products. Austrian production includes crushing and sorting facilities as well as the important hydrocyanic acid reduction step. These processes have paved the way for this raw material to be used in large quantities where it belongs, in the food industry.
Saving resources
Fruit pits are recycled using a new technology. All in the sense of the circular economy.
New products
Consumers can be offered a new and above all sustainable product.
Support for farmers and businesses
By purchasing the raw materials our suppliers are also supported.
A raw material with added value...
Around 40 people now work on the production of our ingredients, both for the food and cosmetics industries with a wide range of product applications.
Unique taste, texture and high-quality nutrients are a given for our kernels, but they also offer a unique opportunity. A product that benefits everyone along the value chain. Our suppliers through new income streams, our environment with the most sustainable raw material in the entire nut segment, and most importantly the end consumers who find a unique experience in their daily products. A kernel that we have all held in our hands while enjoying the fruit can now be found for the first time at the table while snacking, as milk in coffee, in chocolate while watching TV or in the evening routine as oil in cosmetic cream.
