Ripening specialist is targeting the kiwifruit sector with its HappyRipe system, designed to solve retail quality inconsistencies while extending shelf-life
Operating at the cutting-edge of the fresh produce ripening business across a range of products, Frigotec has turned its attention towards the kiwifruit sector in particular this year.
That is according to CEO Roland Wirth, who says its new HappyRipe Kiwi offers improved consistency and quality for customers.
“Our most visible development in 2026 is the HappyRipe Kiwi,” he confirmed. “The process was developed based on Softripe technology specifically for the unique characteristics of kiwifruit.
”It is designed to address a typical problem in the retail sector: that kiwis on shop shelves may be either too soft or too hard and may taste too sour or too bland.
“With HappyRipe, we are solving this problem, enabling retailers to present a consistent product that is firm to the touch while also being ready-to-eat and juicy, with an ideal balance of sweetness and acidity in the flesh,” Wirth explained.
“Thanks to the ideal biological ripening and preservation of the fruit, the kiwis achieve a previously unheard-of shelf-life for ready-to-eat produce.”
On the refrigeration side, meanwhile, Frigotec is expanding its FrigoNatura range with propane (R290), while it is also enhancing digital system monitoring through Frigotec Connect.
“For visitors to Fruit Attraction, the integration of these areas is particularly interesting,” he continued.
“We do not just provide refrigeration, but technical processes designed to take the fruit from warehouse receipt right through to the desired ripeness for consumption.”
The market for refrigeration and storage solutions is ripe for investment but is becoming significantly more discerning, Wirth noted.
Customers no longer simply compare the purchase price and cooling capacity, but also the benefits across the entire supply chain right through to the consumer.
Frigotec ticks these boxes, he said – no more so than with its flagship Softripe system.
“More and more ripening facilities and their retail customers are recognising the benefits of the patented Softripe innovation and the new fruit qualities it delivers,” Wirth pointed out.
“Softripe customers particularly value the automated and controlled ripening process, even for challenging consignments.
“This allows them to focus on delivery quality, sourcing and quality control, rather than on ripening expertise and the associated stress.”
Looking ahead, there is exciting news with further international growth for Softripe on the horizon, as well as a focus on Frigotec’s emerging products.
“Over the next 12-18 months, we intend to continue our international expansion,” Wirth outlined. “Two new countries – Mexico and China – have now joined the list of countries using Softripe technology.
In addition to the market-proven Softripe avocado ripening process and its benchmark-setting qualities, we aim to introduce HappyRipe Kiwi to a new customer base and attract and impress further banana customers with the new Technology Level 4.0.”
