Value Added Food Processing Business Grows at the Port with MCEDD Funds

April 2013- Columbia PhytoTechnology, a MCEDD loan client since 2011, specializes in powder production, particularly of fruits and vegetables, for the food, beverage, nutritional, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. Columbia PhytoTechnology dehydrates fruits and vegetables into specialized products using its patented Radiant Zone Drying (RZD) technology.  This process allows the company to preserve the high nutritional value of such substances as vitamin C in its RZD acerola powder and is considered far superior to standard freeze-dried products. Owners Mark Savarese, Kerry Ringer, and Andres Sena have guided the company through research and development and into commercial production over the last decade.  With no signs of slowing, Columbia PhytoTechnology now employs over 50 people in its new 70,000 square foot production facility located on Steelhead Way in The Dalles.