Brine Injection in Poultry: From Low Value to Premium Products
The problem with fresh poultry products
The poultry market is highly competitive, and producers who only supply fresh products – such as breasts, thighs, or wings – face low profit margins. Fresh poultry, although a staple food choice, is considered a low added-value product. This means that the producer depends directly on price fluctuations and often struggles to differentiate from the competition.
The lack of processing limits the development of new product categories and turns poultry into a “commodity” raw material. In practice, this leads to price pressure, limited profitability, and difficulty for the producer to compete effectively in the demanding retail and food service markets. To escape this vicious cycle, a technology is needed that allows them to add greater value to their product.
The solution: Brine injection with poultry injectors
Brine injection technology is the key to upgrading fresh poultry into a high-quality, high-value product. Through a brine injector, the brine – usually consisting of water, salt, proteins, phosphates, and spices – is injected directly into the meat. This process provides multiple benefits:
Consistency of flavor and moisture: every piece has the same quality with no deviations.
Improved texture and tenderness: the product becomes more appealing to the end consumer.
Extended shelf life: the brine also acts as a preservation medium.
Reduced cooking losses: more juices are retained, resulting in better final yield.
Differentiation opportunities: creation of new flavors and specialized product lines.
In short, brine injection is not just a technique – it is a strategic investment that enables the producer to create products that stand out on the shelf, justify a higher price, and open new markets.
Application examples and injection levels
The value of brine injection is best understood through specific applications in poultry production:
Chicken breast: Known for becoming dry during cooking, breasts with 10–15% injection retain tenderness, stay juicy, and are ideal for ready meals, salads, and quick-cooking products.
Chicken thighs: With 12–18% injection, thighs can be enriched with marinades that diversify the product. From traditional Greek recipes with oregano and lemon to barbeque and spicy options, producers can create lines targeting different consumer groups.
Chicken wings: In the food service sector, wings are in high demand. With 8–12% injection, they achieve consistent flavor, better caramelization during cooking, and reduced weight loss – all highly valued by professionals.
Low-salt or functional products: The technology also allows for specialized products, such as light versions with reduced sodium or premium ranges with added proteins for athletes.
The flexibility is enormous. A producer can offer anything from everyday value-for-money products to gourmet ranges strategically placed on premium retail shelves.
Gunther: Specialization in brine injectors
To maximize the benefits of brine injection, the right equipment is essential. The German company Gunther is a benchmark in the industry, with many years of experience and specialization in the manufacture of brine injectors for poultry.
Gunther machines offer:
High precision in brine dosage and distribution.
Easy cleaning and compliance with the strictest hygiene standards.
Adaptability to every production scale, from small workshops to large factories.
Durability and reliability, ensuring long-term return on investment.
By choosing a Gunther brine injector, producers gain the technological foundation to transform fresh poultry into a high added-value product. This not only increases profitability but also provides a competitive advantage in a continuously evolving market.
Brine injection in poultry products is a strategic solution for every producer who wants to move beyond low-value trade and create products that stand out. With the right technology and an appropriate brine injector, poultry acquires a new dimension – offering consumers a better eating experience and producers greater profit margins. In this field, Gunther remains a trusted partner, providing specialized equipment that meets the needs of the modern food industry.
At Ermes Ltd, official representative of Gunther in Greece, we are at your disposal to present detailed solutions and help you integrate this technology into your production.