Caminhos do Futuro, a Portuguese olive mill, quadrupled its production capacity from 1,500 kg/hr to 6,000 kg/hr by installing Alfa-Laval's Sigma decanter, reducing processing time from 21 days to a fraction of that while maintaining quality.
- Production capacity increased from 1,500 kg/hr to 6,000 kg/hr with the new Alfa-Laval Sigma decanter
- Processing time reduced dramatically—21 days of labor now completed in a fraction of the time
- The Sigma conveyor design features a patented Active Baffle Disc that ensures consistent performance under varying conditions
- Original 1998 decanter repurposed for secondary pomace processing since 2024, utilizing previously discarded material
- Modernization was critical for competitiveness—the mill chose innovation to remain viable among fewer remaining mills in Portugal
When Caminhos do Futuro started its olive oil extraction operations in 1982, it performed labor-intensive, manual processes. But a few years later, the company knew it needed a way to produce with greater efficiency, installing its first continuous extraction line with equipment from Alfa-Laval. The trend continues in 2025, as Caminhos do Futuro has boosted its oil production with a new Alfa-Laval decanter.
Alfa-Laval’s Foodec Sigma decanter has helped Caminhos do Futuro increase its extra virgin olive oil production capacity from 1,500 kg/hr to 6,000 kg/hr, the cooperative olive mill company says.
Caminhos do Futuro is one of the last remaining mills in Montemor-o-Novo, Portugal, and to continue serving farmers who need to process olives from their groves, the company knew it needed to maintain an edge.
“We either modernized the process or lost competitiveness,” says José Ferreira, a retired operator who dedicated over two decades to the olive oil mill.
Alfa Laval’s processing equipment continues to play a role in helping Caminhos do Futuro modernize its processes.
“Caminhos do Futuro has always had a vision focused on innovation, and Alfa Laval has supported us every step of the way,” states Nelson Fialho, general manager. “The decision to invest in a brand-new first-extraction line followed months of careful evaluation and collaboration with their experts to identify the optimal solution for our needs.”
The company has used an Alfa Laval olive oil decanter in its operations since 1998 along with two high-speed separators the company acquired in 1989 when the first line was installed. The company says each piece of equipment remains mechanically efficient in 2025, which is what reinforced its decision to follow Alfa Laval’s recommendation to repurpose its original line for secondary processing. Since 2024, the old decanter has been used to process pomace and makes use of previously discarded material, while the new decanter supports oil extraction.
The role of the decanter in olive oil production
Alfa Laval’s 2-phase decanter centrifuge offers improved oil extraction and consistent performance with a simplified, user-friendly interface. Caminhos do Futuro’s installed model features a Sigma conveyor design that boosts extraction efficiency each production cycle.
“The new conveyor, being longer, increases yield by extending the product flow distance inside the unit, while the patented Active Baffle Disc ensures uninterrupted performance, even under varying feed or process conditions,” explains Rafael Ayuso, olive oil expert at Alfa Laval. “Its simplified setup also reduces downtime and minimizes the need for manual adjustments.”
Moreover, the Sigma series decanters’ high-grade materials and protective components help withstand mechanical wear, extend machine lifespan, and maximize performance amid peak harvest periods.
In addition to quadrupling its olive oil production capacity, Caminhos do Futuro has been able to increase its efficiency at nearly the same rate.
“What once required 21 days of nonstop labor can now be done in a fraction of the time with even better results” says Ferreira.
The new 2-phase decanter centrifuge looks to continue to play an integral role in helping the cooperative olive mill process olives reliability and timely.
