Innovative Solutions for Apple Automation and Quality at Interpoma 2024

UNITEC, a global leader in technology for the processing, grading, quality sorting, and packaging of fresh produce, reaffirmed its commitment to innovation and excellence at Interpoma 2024, the world’s leading event dedicated to the apple industry. Held at the Fiera Bolzano exhibition center from November 21 to 23, the event attracted over 16,000 visitors, including professionals, buyers, and experts from across the globe.

During the exhibition, UNITEC unveiled a portfolio of cutting-edge technological solutions designed to tackle the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry—marked by increasing quality demands and a pressing labor shortage.

In an exclusive interview with Poscosecha.com, Raffaele Benedetti, UNITEC’s Commercial Director, underscored the significance of the event as a key gathering for the sector:

"For me, this fair is always a pivotal moment, especially to evaluate the current state of products like apples. This year, we’ve observed a notable increase in international visitors, which is a very positive sign."

Benedetti also highlighted the global appeal of this year’s edition, pointing to the participation of professionals from countries such as Russia, Uzbekistan, Mexico, and Argentina. This reinforces Interpoma’s reputation as a truly international event, uniquely focused on the apple sector.

Innovation in Automation: The Smart TF Solution

Among the technologies on display, the Smart TF robotic machine stood out as a game-changer. Designed to automate the packing of apples into trays, this solution meets the growing demand for efficiency in the market. Benedetti clarified that Smart TF is not about replacing human labor but ensuring operational continuity in a context of labor scarcity:

"Smart TF is not designed to replace human workers with robotics. Instead, it enables operations to continue seamlessly, even when labor is unavailable."

This approach reflects UNITEC’s strategic focus on supporting producers with tools that enhance productivity while promoting operational sustainability.

UNIQ Technology: The Future of Produce Quality

In addition to its Vision systems for external quality grading, UNITEC spotlighted its UNIQ system, developed for internal quality analysis. Benedetti emphasized the system’s importance in a market increasingly demanding precision and reliability:

"We believe it’s essential to evaluate not only aesthetic characteristics like weight, size, and color but also potential defects. With our UNIQ technology, we can detect the internal quality of the fruit, identifying issues such as rotting, internal browning, or water core. Additionally, we assess organoleptic properties like ripeness index and Brix levels."

By leveraging this advanced technology, producers can guarantee consistent quality, meet consumer expectations, and confidently expand into distant markets, mitigating risks of spoilage during transit and commercialization.

UNITEC’s innovative solutions empower producers to excel in an ever-changing industry, delivering high-quality products that satisfy even the most demanding global markets. Through its commitment to innovation and sustainability, UNITEC continues to shape the future of the apple sector.