Where is Post-Harvest and Processing Technology Heading?

An interview with Andrew Barclay, WYMA Managing Director, explains his thoughts about the recent changes that have occurred in the pack-house industry. Wyma specializes in deliver and support innovative post-harvest solutions, for wash line, dry line, prepack line, … Andrew, welcome back to Wyma. What has driven you to come back to the business after six years away?The main reason is that I have missed the industry we work in. Having a background in engineering and a farming upbringing, I really enjoy working in our market sector, with a friendly, open, customer base of high integrity, typical of the agricultural community in all countries. The departure of the former CEO, provided the opportunity to return mid-2014 and I have enjoyed every minute since.   You have recently travelled overseas to visit customers and trade shows. Have you noticed current trends that are bringing changes to the way growers and packers think about their packing operations and end produce?I am still catching up a little, but what is most obvious is the drive for more and more automation across all functions of produce handling. Pack-house owners want remote operating control, online support, traceability and, more importantly, cost efficiencies. In addition there is a growing sense of environmental awareness and sustainability, which is driving technology in areas such as water management, fertiliser applications, irrigation, and physical resource management. Which countries do you think are leading the way in terms of vegetable packing and processing technology? Why? This is difficult to answer. Every country has different customer, regulatory and technology drivers unique to the country. But in general, countries with the highest labour costs tend to have the greatest level of technology because they have a bigger pressure to create cost efficiencies. This is the case in Europe and Australia in particular. But it is also interesting to note the interest in smaller lines for customers pushing local produce to local customers, where fresh, local, and sustainable is the driver rather than large, automated and low cost. Other questions answered by Andrew Barclay in the interview are:- You are still dealing with customers you first met 15 years ago when you purchased Wyma. Could you provide a couple of success stories that have stood out?- If you were a grower, packer or exporter looking at upgrading your plant or investing in a completely new washing and packing line, what are some of the key questions you would ask to your potential equipment supplier?- Can you give us some insights as to what the customers can expect new from Wyma in the next couple of years?