FCOJ (Frozen Concentrated Orange Juice) is one of the most important orange juice products in the global beverage industry. An FCOJ orange juice production line is a highly integrated industrial system designed to process fresh oranges into high-quality concentrated juice with stable flavor, color, and nutritional value.
This article explains what FCOJ is, how it is produced, and the key technologies behind a modern FCOJ orange juice production line.
What Is FCOJ Orange Juice?
FCOJ stands for Frozen Concentrated Orange Juice. It is produced by extracting juice from fresh oranges and removing a large portion of water through low-temperature vacuum evaporation, then rapidly freezing the concentrate for long-term storage and transportation.
Typical characteristics of FCOJ include:
- Concentration level: 60–66 °Brix
- Long shelf life under frozen conditions
- High transport efficiency
- Stable quality for large-scale beverage production
FCOJ is mainly used as a base material for reconstituted orange juice and blended citrus beverages.
Advantages of an FCOJ Orange Juice Production Line
High Juice Yield
Advanced extraction and finishing systems maximize juice recovery while minimizing peel oil and bitterness.
Flavor and Nutrient Retention
Low-temperature vacuum evaporation preserves vitamin C, aroma compounds, and natural sweetness.
Industrial Scalability
Designed for continuous operation, suitable for large-capacity processing plants.
Export-Oriented Production
Meets international standards such as HACCP, FDA, and EU food safety regulations.
FCOJ Orange Juice Production Process
A complete FCOJ orange juice production line typically includes the following stages:
1. Orange Washing and Sorting
Fresh oranges are washed, brushed, and sorted to remove damaged or unqualified fruit, ensuring consistent raw material quality.
2. Juice Extraction
Industrial citrus extractors separate juice from peel, seeds, and pulp while controlling peel oil content to avoid bitterness.
3. Finishing and Screening
Finisher machines remove excess pulp and solids, producing uniform orange juice suitable for concentration.
4. Deaeration
Oxygen is removed from the juice to prevent oxidation and protect flavor and color during concentration.
5. Vacuum Evaporation
Multi-effect or falling film evaporators concentrate the juice under vacuum at low temperatures, reducing water content while preserving quality.
6. Aroma Recovery (Optional)
Volatile aroma compounds lost during evaporation are recovered and reintroduced into the concentrate to enhance final flavor.
7. Pasteurization
The concentrated juice is heat-treated to ensure microbiological safety.
8. Freezing and Storage
FCOJ is rapidly frozen and stored in frozen drums or aseptic containers for long-term preservation.
Key Equipment in an FCOJ Orange Juice Production Line
- Orange washing & sorting machine
- Citrus juice extractor
- Finisher and screening system
- Deaerator
- Vacuum evaporator (multi-effect or falling film)
- Aroma recovery system
- Pasteurizer (plate or tubular)
- Freezing system
- CIP cleaning system
All equipment is typically manufactured from food-grade stainless steel (SUS304 / SUS316).
Applications of FCOJ
- Reconstituted orange juice (from concentrate)
- Blended citrus juice beverages
- Soft drinks and functional beverages
- Food ingredients for sauces, desserts, and confectionery
FCOJ remains the core raw material for large beverage brands worldwide.
Key Factors When Choosing an FCOJ Production Line
When planning an FCOJ orange juice plant, manufacturers should consider:
- Daily processing capacity (tons of fresh oranges)
- Target °Brix and aroma retention level
- Energy efficiency of evaporation system
- Degree of automation
- Frozen storage and logistics requirements
A well-designed FCOJ production line can significantly reduce operating costs while maintaining stable product quality.
An FCOJ orange juice production line is a mature and reliable solution for large-scale citrus processing. By combining efficient juice extraction, vacuum concentration, and aroma recovery technology, manufacturers can produce high-quality frozen concentrated orange juice that meets global market standards.
Investing in a modern FCOJ orange juice production line is a strategic step for citrus processors aiming to expand capacity, improve efficiency, and strengthen international competitiveness.