New reporting function enables ripeners to generate complete reports of the entire ripening cycle
Ripening room designer and manufacturer Interko has introduced a new reporting function to its automatic ripening control system RipePilot that enables the ripener to generate a complete report of the entire ripening cycle.
Initially developed to fulfil the demands of a leading German fruit trader, the company said the new add-on will significantly improve monitoring and traceability.
Managing director/partner, Chris Maat said: “This is a real step-forward for RipePilot. Our technology is now able to produce a detailed report of all the data that has been measured and recorded during the ripening process.
“It allows customers to monitor their fruit ripening like never before – something the supermarkets in Germany demand in particular. Ripeners who were already creating manual reports now have a much more complete overview by combining the data collected by RipePilot with their own manual visual and quality checks in one report.”
Launched at the end of 2022, RipePilot is a sensor-based programme featuring an exclusive fail-safe mode that gives operators greater control in automating, monitoring, and tracing their ripening process to improve fruit quality and shelf-life and cut energy consumption.
It is currently used in over 60 different ripening sites, and well over 300 ripening rooms installed by Interko. RipePilot can be pre-fitted or retrofitted within Interko’s Ultimo, Optimo, Axesso, and Mobilo rooms.
“Improving operational efficiency remains top of mind across the global fresh produce industry as cost challenges persist. To that end, our orders have risen for the design, build, and installation of modern post-harvest pre-cooling rooms for fresh fruit,” Interko said.
This year, the company has installed a large, bespoke pre-cooling project in Colombia for an avocado packer, as well as a multi-use facility with several pre-cooling rooms for a major Peruvian fresh produce supplier.
Maat commented: “Traditional pre-cooling rooms are fitted with older fans that generate a much lower cooling capacity which can cause the fruit to begin to dehydrate. By harnessing the core technology of Interko’s super-efficient, reversible Reverso fan design, our modern coolers can improve the air flow significantly, and, therefore, increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the pre-cooling cycle.
“This means that fresh produce packers and suppliers who need to cool down their fruit before shipment can achieve much better fruit quality, less fruit dehydration, and greater energy efficiency.”
Following last year’s restructuring, Interko said it has experienced strong demand for its ripening solutions in 2025. The company will be exhibiting at Fruit Attraction in Hall 10, 10A25, sharing a stand with Fresh Produce Instruments and Catalytic Generators.
