Interko on call as UK ripening demand evolves

Rising consumer interest in eating tropical fruit is generating new demand for state-of-the-art ripening systems that can deliver ready-to-eat supplies without compromising the high quality standards expected from the category. “Nowhere is this trend more apparent right now than in the UK," comments Chris Maat, managing partner of Interko, the world’s leading supplier of fruit ripening systems. “There is a real buzz surrounding the UK market. We’re seeing demand move to a whole new level as companies look to install tailor-made solutions for ripening avocados, mangoes, papayas and other tropicals. "These fruits have moved from niche to mainstream, with sales having been driven by the growing awareness of their health benefits and retailer investment in ensuring that these fruits are available for sale in a ready-to-eat format.” With interest high in ripening solutions for both bananas and tropicals, Interko will be exhibiting for the first time this year at the London Produce Show and Conference which takes place for the second year running at the Grosvenor House hotel on 3-5 June in central London, the UK. Last year Interko undertook its largest project to date in the UK – the construction of a 43-room ripening centre for a major player in the fruit industry. Featuring three tiers and a capacity of 60 pallets per room, the facility is able to ripen up to 8 million boxes of bananas every year. “In 2015 we are looking forward to building on a successful 12 months last year when we acquired many major new global contracts to design, build and install state-of-the-art ripening facilities for fresh fruit,” explains Maat. “The UK is a very demanding market and we welcome the opportunity to respond to enquiries from any company wishing to explore ripening options for their fresh fruit range.” To date, Interko has installed over 6,000 ripening rooms in over 50 countries across the globe. The company benefits from a strong network of rated partners in every key market who provide professional installation and maintenance support for the company’s ripening systems. Last year 4 million boxes of bananas were ripened every day in rooms supplied by Interko all over the world, and Maat says naturally the company wants to further improve that result over the next 12 months. To support the company’s growth plans, Interko will roll-out a new marketing campaign next month that includes the launch of a new website, social media activity, as well as a wider presence at international trade shows. With the London Produce Show and Conference 2015 just around the corner, Interko invites both existing and potential clients to meet with the company's representatives at Stand 323. “Come and see us to find out more about Interko, and discover how our bespoke service can solve your ripening requirements through tailor-made solutions,” Maat says. “We’re proud to provide a whole range of solutions from the smallest room that ripens just a few boxes of bananas to as many as 72 pallets in a large room and everything in between.” Visit us at the London Produce Show and Conference!Interko will make its debut at the London Produce Show and Conference on 3-5 June 2015 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in central London, the UK. Come to Stand 323 to learn more about our ripening systems and working with us. We look forward to meeting you there! 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. Founded over 40 years ago, Interko develops reliable 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. For more information about Interko, visit:www.interko.com