FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General & Pricing
Q: Why should I use you instead of just buying a second Harvest Right machine? A: Two reasons: Speed and Scale. Our industrial equipment runs cycles in 20-24 hours (compared to the standard 36-48 hours), meaning we can process volume much faster. You avoid the maintenance, oil changes, and electricity costs of running a "wall of machines." We are your instant scale-up solution.
Q: What is your minimum order size? A: We aim to be accessible for growing businesses:
Ad-Hoc/Overflow: Minimum 50 kg (wet weight).
Partner Contracts: Minimum 50 lbs/week (comes with a discounted rate).
Note: If you have less than 50 kg, contact us-we can sometimes fit you in a "Community Batch" if ingredients are compatible.
Q: How do you charge? A: We generally charge per Wet Pound (pre-drying weight) or by the Full Chamber Cycle. This is the fairest way to price, as water weight varies by product. Always best to contact us directly for best individual pricing.
The Process (Logistics)
Q: Do I need to prep the food myself? A: That depends on the service you choose:
Toll Processing: You wash, slice, and prep the meat. We simply freeze dry it.
Full Service: We handle the prep (slicing/dicing) for an additional labor fee.
Tip: Most makers prefer to do their own prep to control the exact "look" of their artisan product.
Q: How do I get my product to you? A: You can drop off frozen or fresh product at our facility in St. Catharines. We recommend dropping off frozen product in cooler bins to ensure quality.
Q: What is your turnaround time? A: Standard turnaround is 3-5 business days. If you have a rush order or a scheduled weekly slot, we can often turn it around in 48 hours.
Q: Do you offer packaging? A: Yes. We can bulk pack your product into large buckets (for you to package later) OR we can package directly into Mylar bags with heat sealing for a retail-ready finish.
Pet Treats & Raw Safety
Q: Can you handle raw meat? A: Absolutely. We specialize in the pet industry. Our facility is equipped to safely handle raw proteins like chicken hearts, feet, livers, and necks. We follow strict sanitation protocols to prevent cross-contamination.
Q: Will my product smell like other people's food? A: No. We never mix strong-smelling proteins (like fish or tripe) with other products in the same chamber. We run dedicated "Protein Cycles" to ensure your chicken hearts don't taste like someone else's product. Machines are cleaned thoroughly after each cycle to ensure that no cross contamination occurs between the two.
Q: Do you offer Water Activity (aW) testing? A: Yes. Every batch is test using an industrial Water Activity meter to ensure that the product is dried to the fullest.
Ingredients & Restrictions
Q: Do you freeze dry fruits, vegetables, or candy? A: Currently, our facility is dedicated exclusively to raw proteins and pet treats. We maintain this strict separation to ensure the highest safety standards and to prevent any flavor transfer. If you have a large commercial inquiry for plant-based products, please contact us directly to discuss feasibility.