From Fruit to Cereal: Expanding Moldova’s Possibilities

Peter Clark(left) at the Moldovan Institute of Food Technology (exploring the possibilities of the extruder) June 19, 2008. Established in 1992, Triodor LLC was designed with a vision to introduce scientifically advanced production methods to food processing in Moldova.  Triodor’s first success dates back to 1994-1996, when many of Moldova’s canneries and processors found themselves facing a surplus of apple juice stock.  The juice’s limited shelf life, lack of adequate storage conditions and the loss of sales markets for juices, had created a situation where the processors were forced to find ways to dispose of the surplus.  Triodor LLC identified this as an opportunity to expand their production and began to process the rejected apple juice into apple vinegar, thus becoming the first producer of apple vinegar in Moldova.  Triodor’s innovative approach and quick thinking planted the seeds of its early success. The positive experience with apple vinegar allowed Triodor to improve its financial standing as well as begin thinking of new approaches to new business development, such as production of prunes, fruit concentrates, juices, canned fruit and vegetables, and fruit pastes.  Triodor has also been able to create new jobs and create opportunities for their business partners to retain permanent, well-trained staff.  Currently, Triodor LLC is the sole processor of fruit and vegetables in the Telenesti Region. Once Triodor sufficiently developed the infrastructure for processing of fruits and vegetables, it turned its attention to a new product – dry breakfast cereal.  Given that cereal is not currently produced in Moldova at all, the management of Triodor faced a challenging knowledge gap.  In the spring of 2008, Triodor approached CNFA’s Farmer-to-Farmer Program to request assistance in obtaining the necessary information for dry cereal production.  In May 2008, Peter Clark, a professional with forty years of experience in developing food processes, designing food facilities and improving operations, traveled to Moldova to aid Triodor in their quest for success. Despite a delay in installing the production line, which was supposed to be the focus of Peter’s assignment with Triodor, Peter was able to use his time to ensure that the facility was prepared properly prior to equipment installation.  Peter’s knowledge and experience prevented the managers of Triodor from making mistakes that could have jeopardized the success of their business had the production line been installed incorrectly.  Peter’s recommendations addressed painting the floor prior to installation, preparation of electrical wiring, and ensuring that the roof of the building was secured and cleaned.  Upon completion of the assignment, Peter had prepared for Triodor a project schedule, including 27 tasks or milestones, with estimated duration and a specified sequence of each task. The new business generated by cereal production will enable Triodor to utilize its production capacities year round instead of only during the three month high season.  With the support of additional CNFA volunteers in equipment installation and marketing, Triodor expects to launch the production and distribution of three large lines of prefabricated dry cereal breakfasts: 1) muesli mixes with additions of dried fruit and nuts; 2) cereal flakes with additions of vegetables and fruit; 3) cereal pellets filled with fruit or vegetable paste.  Through a combination of Triodor’s innovation and FtF volunteers’ dedication, Triodor is destined for success.

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