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This study aimed to investigate the impact of Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF) technology in the extraction of olive oil on a pilot scale, using the “Galega Vulgar” olive variety as raw material. The extraction assisted by PEF had a malaxation time of 30 min and was compared with the traditional process of 45 min of malaxation. The main quality parameters of olive oil and the PEF’s cost-benefit assessment were performed. The incorporation of PEF in olive oil production reduced the malaxation stage by 33% without compromising the yield or extra-virgin classification. This efficiency leads to a potential 12.3% increase in annual olive oil production, with a 12.3% and 36.8% rise in revenue and gross profit, respectively. For small-scale production, the considerable upfront investment required for PEF equipment may be a challenge in terms of return on investment. In this scenario, opting for a renting scheme is the best economic solution, especially given the seasonal nature of olive oil production. In medium- to large-scale production, the investment in PEF is a sound investment since it is possible to achieve, with an equipment cost of EUR 450,000 and a production output of 5 tons per hour, an annual ROI of 20%.

This study aimed to identify equivalent processing conditions using ultrasound (US), pulsed electric fields (PEF), and high-pressure processing (HPP) for shelf-life extension and to ensure the safety and quality of Reineta Parda apple puree (AP) in comparison to conventional thermal pasteurization (72 °C/15 s, CTP). The processing conditions were selected to achieve at least 5 log CFU/g inactivation of Escherichia coli. HPP (400 MPa/1 min), US (60 °C, 20 kHz/12 min), and PEF (57.2 °C, 10 kV/cm, 70 bipolar pulses of 8 µs each) reduced E. coli counts by 6.6, 6.1, and 5.8 log CFU/g, respectively, thus achieving the pasteurization status. After processing, HPP samples showed higher levels of total antioxidant activity (DPPH and ABTS) compared to the other samples. HPP and PEF samples showed lower browning degrees than the CTP samples. All treatments ensured indigenous microbial stability (below 1 log CFU/g) for at least 30 days under refrigeration. Principal component analysis showed that the HPP samples increased their similarity to the untreated fresh AP during storage based on the pH, total soluble content and water activity, retaining its fresh-like qualities. HPP and PEF were found to be potential alternatives to the CTP of AP, resulting in a safe, minimally processed product with improved antioxidant activity.