Interko launches smart, turn-key ripening room

INTERKO has launched another state-of-the-art fresh fruit ripening room that completes the scope of the company’s solutions for any international retailer, importer, distributor, wholesaler or trader looking to ripen any fruit to perfection. In celebration of its 50th anniversary this year, the Dutch designer, manufacturer and installer has developed a smart, turn-key ripening room, branded Optimo, that can be adapted to ripen from 8 up to 24 pallets of fresh bananas, avocados or mangoes. Easy to install, use and maintain, Optimo is a single-level room that comes pre-assembled with Interko’s latest technological advances, including its revolutionary REVERSO reversible fans. “Importers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers worldwide vary in size and capacity, and each has its own set of fresh fruit ripening requirements, so the direction we have taken is to develop an entire range of products that suits everyone,” explains Interko’s Managing Director/Partner, Chris Maat. “Optimo is the new standard in turn-key ripening. This is a highly efficient, cost-effective and profitable ripening room that is not only fast for operators to install but can be adapted quickly to suit their volume requirements in response to market demand. “Already, we are experiencing high demand from ripening operators in southern Europe, Asia and Latin America for this brand-new system.” Thanks to its clever design, the Optimo room can be split into four zones. Each zone is equipped with an individual cooler and air guidance system, enabling users to switch on and off each of the four zones independently to accommodate differing load capacities. All four zones are equipped with Interko’s REVERSO fans, which optimise the airflow with minimum energy usage, and increase the ripening consistency throughout pallets of fruit. The front two zones of the Optimo room are also fitted with Interko’s new generation adjustable load separators which accommodate any pallet size, and allow users to efficiently ripen pallets of fruit within partially filled rows. “Essentially, we are continuing to adapt to what the market needs, which means we are looking at the different logistical needs of every ripening installation,” explains Chris. “Interko already offers the Ultimo ripening room for large volumes of fruit, and the Axesso room for customers who require precision ripening. Now, we have a further innovation with the Optimo room to fulfil another type of demand that combines a plug-and-play solution with versatility of use.” Over the past five decades, the team at Interko has used its energy, experience and vision to continually push the boundaries of research and design to develop innovative solutions that respond to evolving supply chain challenges and consumer demands. “The launch of our Optimo ripening room once again demonstrates Interko’s dedication to progression by delivering pioneering products that truly add value for any customer,” states Chris. Completing the rangeInterko currently offers two types of sophisticated fruit ripening rooms. The company’s flagship system, Ultimo, remains the classic solution to evenly and efficiently ripen large volumes of fruit like bananas. Axesso, meanwhile, is a flexible system with random access capability for the precision ripening of interchangeable loads of fruits, such as mangoes or avocados. Both Ultimo and Axesso are highly energy-efficient rooms due, in part, to being fitted with Interko’s game-changing REVERSO fans, which were launched in 2017. These state-of-the-art rooms deliver customers reduced operational costs and are built to bespoke client requirements. The new Optimo room will benefit from the same features. Energy-saving technology has become a hallmark of Interko’s fruit ripening solutions in recent years as the company has specialised increasingly on responding to the modern-day issue of rising energy prices across Europe, and the challenge of access to energy, which is often limited in third countries. “We have focused on developing technologies that reduce our customers’ energy usage, and, ultimately, their overall running costs,” explains Chris. “Our groundbreaking REVERSO reversible fan is just one example that has been a big commercial success. “Interko has always been a pioneer, and we will continue to research, develop and launch further fruit ripening innovations in the future, so watch this space!” About InterkoInterko is the global leader for the design, manufacture and installation of cost-effective, high quality and low-maintenance ripening rooms for fresh fruit, and cooling systems for the horticulture sector. Founded 50 years ago, Interko develops precise, advanced and energy-efficient systems that are built to last. Since its creation Interko has installed over 6,000 ripening rooms for bananas, avocados, mangoes, papayas and tomatoes – the earliest of which are still in operation and performing well today. Every year Interko installs around 200 ripening rooms. For more information about Interko, visit: www.interko.com For more information about Interko's ripening products, visit: www.interko.com/products Or contactChris Maat / Anna ZegveldTel: +31 (0)79 593 2581info@interko.com