We were contacted by 54 Co., Ltd. They run a cafe that features crepes, boba teas, French fries, and dietician-approved power salads.

Although the cafe had already decided to introduce TOMIN technology, we asked them to meet with us first so they could learn more about and experience TOMIN technology.

• Allow store staff to learn about and experience TOMIN technology

• Create a vision for actual workflow

• Identify products unsuitable for TOMIN Liquid Cryo-Freezing

• Determine bento packaging method

• Discuss impact of liquid freezing on packaging

① Interview

You share with us what you would like to achieve with TOMIN Liquid Cryo-Freezing.

② Freeze test of products you brought

A series of processes including packaging, vacuum sealing, and freezing are conducted, replicating the actual TOMIN Liquid Cryo-Freezing process.

③ Demonstration

Liquid freezing tests and tastings are conducted using products prepared by Technican (various meats, sashimi, fruits, milk, gelatin, etc.).

④ Freezer model explanation

There are several models of TOMIN freezers. They differ in the volume of product that they can freeze per hour. We suggest a model based on the client’s needs.

⑤ Interview

We hold a Q&A session and provide our catalog.

⑥ Shipment of products you purchased

Upon request, we can deliver the items you purchased via TA-Q-BIN’s frozen shipping service.

Here are some of the questions we received during the freeze test regarding products for the cafe and delivery service.

＞Store staff

Can fresh cream be TOMIN Liquid Cryo-Frozen?

＞Technican

Whipped cream can be TOMIN liquid frozen if it has a fat content of 35% or less. However, products with a high sugar content have low freezing points and can’t be frozen in a conventional freezer. During testing, madeleines were found to be unsuitable for TOMIN Liquid Cryo-Freezing. Similarly, foods with a high salt content such as soy sauce and miso can’t be frozen.

＞Store staff

We would like to freeze the bento in its box – do we need to get special boxes?

＞Technican

A regular container is just fine. However, we recommend a relatively shallow box, as using relatively flat packaging helps reduce uneven freezing. And one way to ensure that the rice is even tastier is to make a small hollow in it and then top it with a side dish.

＞Store staff

Is paper carton material okay to use as packaging?

＞Technican

It’s perfectly fine as long as you let the food cool down before TOMIN Liquid Cryo-Freezing.

＞Store staff

Can we simply prepare the bento just like we do in-store and freeze it that way?

＞Technican

Before your customer eats the bento, they’ll heat it up in the microwave in what should be the final heating process. Heating it up in the same way, you will usually expose it to too much heat, so you’ll want to stop heating the food once you’re about 60 – 70% through that part of the process. This will give the customer the best results after thawing and microwaving and will reproduce the intended flavors more accurately.

We recommend that you verify the amount of heating that should take place in the kitchen. Then, let that information shape product development before you put the item on the menu.

＞Store staff

After cooking and packing, can we put an expiration date sticker on the product and then put it in the TOMIN?

＞Technican

The TOMIN freezing fluid contains alcohol. Labels made of materials like YUPO paper that won’t dissolve in alcohol are no problem.

There are paper types other than YUPO that won’t dissolve, so we recommend you simply test it out before committing to one.

＞Store staff

Is it okay to store the product in a regular freezer after TOMIN Liquid Cryo-Freezing?

＞Technican

A freezer without a non-frost function is ideal. Regular freezers are sometimes equipped with a function to prevent frost. This works by alternating blasts of hot and cold air, which can cause the food to partially thaw in the process.

If your freezer has this function, you can protect your food against partially thawing by wrapping it in newspaper or a similar material to prevent exposure to the warm air.

The demonstration gives you a chance to actually try out meat, sashimi, milk, fruit, and more that was TOMIN Liquid Cryo-Frozen months ago. You’ll also get to ask any questions you might have.

The staff had a lot to say after the taste test: “Flavors are retained so much better than with regular freezing.” “I don’t detect any freezer burn at all.” “It’s not dried out, and the texture is just like it was never frozen – I’ve never experienced this before!”

To top it all off, frozen food can be produced and stored in large volumes. This means the delivery business can be handled by part-time workers while the kitchen staff focus on the cafe. This approach improves efficiency and even constitutes a new style of running the business. It will be exciting to see what will be possible in the future after the store introduces TOMIN Liquid Cryo-Freezing!

Freeze tests results often surprise our customers.

Please contact us for more information.