ITALY – Sorma Group, headquartered in Bologna, Italy, is a leader in the design and construction of post-harvest fruit and vegetable processing lines.

The company showcased groundbreaking grading solutions at this year’s Fruit Attraction, featuring two notable innovations: the PulpVision optical sorter for kiwis and the BIOSCAN® Brix measurement system. These technologies aim to enhance the efficiency and quality of fruit sorting and processing.

The PulpVision sorter represents a significant advancement in the optical grading of kiwis. This machine can accurately identify and categorize kiwis based on their pulp color, enabling operators to make informed decisions about product placement in the market.

“With PulpVision, we can sort kiwis by color, ensuring that only the right fruits reach consumers,” stated a company representative. The sorter operates at a remarkable speed of 15 kiwis per second, using a 360° rotation system to analyze each fruit comprehensively.

Fruits that do not meet the ideal color standard are transferred to refrigerated chambers, allowing for optimal market timing.

Alongside the PulpVision, Sorma Group introduced BIOSCAN®, a system that measures the Brix value of citrus fruits, stone fruits, and tomatoes directly on the processing line. This non-invasive technology utilizes near-infrared sensors to assess the sugar content in real time.

“The BIOSCAN® system allows us to maintain the integrity of the fruit while providing accurate data on its sugar levels,” the representative added.

This system ensures frequent sampling without damaging the fruit, resulting in precise monitoring and management of product quality.

At the Sorma Group stand, attendees also explored the upgraded HyperVision optical sorter and the new version of the InstanDefect-AI software. This advanced software uses self-learning principles to adapt to various fruit and vegetable types, continually improving sorting accuracy.

Operators can update the system to monitor specific parameters, such as detecting defects in the fruit skin. “Our focus on AI integration enables us to respond to the unique needs of different products while enhancing grading efficiency,” the representative explained.

The latest software developments mark a significant leap in recognition quality, driven by Sorma Group’s research and development team.

By transitioning to a Linux software environment, the company aims to optimize hardware performance and ensure enhanced data security and independence from external cloud services.

Commitment to sustainability recognized

Fruit Attraction also highlighted various sustainability initiatives. The Innovation Hub Awards recognized outstanding contributions in the field.

In the Fresh Produce category, RIJK ZWAAN IBERICA won for its Orange Sunglow watermelon, praised for its sweet flavor and vibrant color. AGERPIX TECHNOLOGIES took the F&V Industry award for Aicrop, a tool that integrates agricultural data to improve operational efficiency.

In the Sustainability category, TALLERES DAUMAR won for its Daumar Zero technology, which allows polyethylene containers to decompose safely within 24 months without leaving harmful residues.

The nine products recognized as finalists in different categories included innovative entries from AGRICOLA SANTA EULALIA, CAMPO DE LORCA, AEROBOTICS, and EURO COMPANY SPA, showcasing the industry’s commitment to enhancing sustainability practices.

Daniele Severi, Director of the Technology Division at Sorma Ibérica, expressed pride in these innovations. “With these new products, Sorma Group highlights its dedication to the fruit and vegetable sector, providing tailored solutions that guarantee high-quality products and enhance competitiveness in the global market.”

As the event concluded, Sorma Group’s commitment to advancing post-harvest operations stood clear, paving the way for improved efficiency and quality in fruit processing

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.