Technology news from Eurofruit
Technology news stories with a direct relevance to the European fresh produce business, including updates on production and harvesting systems, sorting and grading machinery, packaging, coldstorage and controlled atmosphere, digital management, robots and automation, vertical farming, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
Plant Sciences Genetics expands global berry breeding operations
California-based Plant Sciences Genetics has quadrupled its EMEA operations over the past decade through strategic partnerships and key berry commercialisation, with plans to launch new raspberry varieties across Europe and Africa in 2026
Sormac sees dynamism in UK and Ireland
Machinery manufacturer Sormac says UK and Irish companies are continuing to invest strategically, with automation and efficiency seen as vital tools to manage today’s big challenges
Dutch greenhouse workers trial exoskeletons to reduce strain
A pilot project in the Netherlands is evaluating how mechanical support devices could make repetitive horticultural tasks less physically demanding
Apeel Sciences sues wellness influencer over ‘toxic’ coating claims
California-based company files lawsuit against wellness influencer Robyn Openshaw, alleging she conducted years-long disinformation campaign against company’s plant-based produce coatings
UK growers spot stonefruit potential
Weather conditions in the south of England were ideal for cherry and plum production this year, as growers like WB Chambers step up efforts to extend the seasons
Vidre+ technology extends shelf-life of cherries, study finds
A new study from the University of Life Sciences in Poland has demonstrated that Fresh Inset’s Vidre+ technology can significantly extend the shelf-life of cherries, with treated fruit maintaining quality for up to nine days longer than untreated samples
GP Graders launches industry-first sanitary blueberry sorting machine
Post-harvest technology specialist GP Graders has released a new fully sanitary-designed sorting and grading machine specifically engineered for blueberries, featuring dry-handling technology and advanced defect detection
Scottish firms behind world-first GigaFarm in Dubai
Agritech manufacturer IGS and deployment partner Modutec have teamed up for a project designed to replace 1 per cent of food imports in the UAE
JBT Marel launches automated pineapple wax dosing machine
JBT Marel has unveiled its fully automated ProDose Pineapple Wax Dosing Machine, designed to transform preservation processes for large pineapple producers by replacing traditional manual waxing methods
StepacPPC champions sustainable pallet shrouds for fresh produce
Fresh produce packaging specialist StepacPPC has introduced Xtend Pallet Shrouds, an innovative full-pallet packaging solution designed to extend shelf-life of berries and other delicate produce while reducing plastic usage during transport
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Agrial centred on sustainability
At its salad production sites in both Suffolk and Essex, the owner of the Florette salad brand aims to deliver on its promise of freshness while boosting the biodiversity of the local area
SummerStar Ruby grapefruit champions sustainability across European markets
A coalition of South African citrus growers has united to promote their new SummerStar Ruby grapefruit variety across Europe, emphasising not only its superior flavour but also its sustainable and ethical production credentials
ViewNetic brings AI-powered precision to greenhouses
ViewNetic received the Concept Award at GreenTech, with partner Royal Brinkman lauding the solution’s preventive approach to crop protection
Saga Robotics raises £8.4mn as Thorvald enters commercial breakout phase
Big moment for the robotics company as it transitions from initial market traction to large-scale commercial adoption
Maf Roda harnesses AI and robotics to advance postharvest technology
Company’s latest innovations have a strong focus on AI, smart robotics, and operational efficiency
IFPA Southern Africa Conference addresses export challenges
The International Fresh Produce Association’s fourth Southern Africa Conference brought together industry leaders to address evolving challenges and opportunities across the fresh produce supply chain
Video: Extreme weather cuts English pea harvest after strong start
Pea grower reports yields approximately 25 per cent below contracted tonnage following a challenging end to what had initially promised to be an exceptional season
Kenya’s avocado exporters scale up
As Kenya rises in the global avocado ranks, exporters like Karakuta and Keitt are investing in infrastructure, orchards and market diversification to stay ahead of the competition
Fresh Del Monte CEO warns of global banana shortage
Fresh Del Monte Produce’s chairman and CEO Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh has issued a stark warning about a global banana shortage, citing the spread of diseases and climate change as key factors affecting production
Egyptian avocado producer Pico plans significant plantation expansion
Suppliers eyes strategic growth in avocado production, taking advantage of Egypt’s advantageous supply window that largely avoids the dominant producers