Optyx cherry sorter raises the bar

Key Technology has launched new sorting equipment for cherry growers.

Optyxsorters are designed specifically for the cherry sector and look to help save costs and address the shortage of labour in major growing areas.

Using cameras and lasers to inspect size, shape, colour andstructure, Optyx sorts dark red cherries, automatically removing foreign material and defective or soft fruit.

It is designed for dark red cherries such as Bing, Chelan, Skeena, and other varieties.

Stemilt Growers in Washington state is the first packer to install the new system.

Jay Fulbright, in charge of operations at Stemilt said: “We’re using Optyx to sort out major grade defects before hand sorting.

'It’s allowed us to increase our throughput without increasing labour.”