Interko installs innovative Optimo ripening rooms for major French supplier

A leading fresh fruit importer-distributor in France has commissioned internationally-renowned ripening specialist INTERKO to manufacture and install nine Optimo rooms equipped with energy-saving REVERSO fans. Currently being fitted at the infamous produce wholesale market Rungis in Paris, the six double-tier rooms and three single-level rooms will be used year round for mainly ripening bananas when they become operational in early 2021. “Interko was chosen by this prestigious French fruit company on the back of previous successful ripening projects that we have developed together, with which they were very happy,” reveals Chris Maat, Managing Partner/Director of Interko, which is based in the Netherlands. “As well as being turn-key, our Optimo rooms also offered this customer the most cost-effective, energy-efficient and flexible solution to ripen varying volumes of bananas consistently across either a single or double tier room.” Optimo is the newest ripening system within Interko’s range and the easiest to install, use and maintain considering it arrives pre-assembled with the company’s latest technological advances. Thanks to its state-of-the-art design, Optimo is capable of being adapted quickly to accommodate up to 24 pallets of bananas, avocados or mangoes on a single-level, and 56 pallets across the double-tier version of the room. Importantly, the room also comes fitted as standard with Interko’s revolutionary REVERSO reversible fans which remain the most energy-efficient on the market. “Installing Interko’s REVERSO fans translates into considerable cost savings for our customers because these fans consume less than 100 watts of electricity per pallet at full airflow, and even as low as 80 watts per pallet in some cases,” explains Maat, adding that energy-saving technology has become a hallmark of Interko’s fruit ripening solutions in recent years. “REVERSO fans work by optimising the airflow with minimum energy usage,” Maat continues. “By creating better air quality and a gentler environment, the fans also improve the ripening consistency throughout the pallets of fruit, which is vital for ripening fruit to perfection for today’s discerning customers and consumers. “For our French customer in Rungis we are also installing height-adjustable curtains at the front of their new Optimo rooms to ensure that the air reaches individual pallets with minimum energy loss, and air filters seamlessly throughout each and every box of fruit,” adds Maat. Separately, Interko is excited to announce the relaunch of its company website, which is now available in four different languages: English, Spanish, French and German. “Despite increasing globalisation, it remains extremely important to communicate to customers in their own language, especially regarding topics as specific and scientific as fruit ripening,” explains Maat. “We understand that many of our customers prefer to digest this type of information in their mother tongue, and we have listened to that feedback. Next, we are working on Dutch, Portuguese and Russian versions to make our website even more accessible.” Despite the challenges of operating during a global pandemic, Interko has experienced a successful 2020, and remains upbeat about the prospects for next year. As ever, in 2021 the forward-thinking company will pioneer even more innovations that add value and reduce costs for its customers worldwide.