Abstract: A method of predicting a temper level and/or a viscosity of a tempered mass, provided by tempering of a fat-containing, crystallisable mass, for example a chocolate mass, by flowing the mass successively through a temperer comprising an inlet, a crystallization stage to form crystals therein and a reheat stage to melt unstable crystals formed therein, is described. The method is implemented, at least in part, by a computer including a processor and a memory. The method comprises predicting the temper level and/or the viscosity of the tempered mass using a model, wherein the model relates the temper level and/or the viscosity of the tempered mass to one or more temperer process parameters. A method of controlling tempering and a temperer are also described.

Abstract: A confectionery processing machine has a hopper attached to a dispensing unit. The dispensing unit comprises a plurality of co-operating piston and nozzles. The hopper is arranged to supply an edible material to the plurality of co-operating piston and nozzles. The dispensing unit is arranged in order to dispense the edible material from the plurality of co-operating piston and nozzles. The confectionery processing machine is improved by providing the hopper with at least two separate compartments. Here, each compartment separately provides edible material to a portion of the plurality of pistons. Consequently, a more flexible confectionery processing machine is provided because all the plurality of piston and nozzles are not provided from the same compartment.

Abstract: A confectionery processing machine has a hopper attached to a dispensing unit. The dispensing unit comprises a plurality of co-operating piston and nozzles. The hopper is arranged to supply an edible material to the plurality of co-operating piston and nozzles. The dispensing unit is arranged in order to dispense the edible material from the plurality of co-operating piston and nozzles. The confectionery processing machine is improved by providing the hopper with at least two separate compartments. Here, each compartment separately provides edible material to a portion of the plurality of pistons. Consequently, a more flexible confectionery processing machine is provided because all the plurality of piston and nozzles are not provided from the same compartment.