Technology news from Fresh Produce Journal
Technology news stories with a direct relevance to the UK 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.
NIAB research advances precision orchard management
OrchardQuant 3D system allows accurate 3D mapping of apple and pear orchards, helping growers maximise production and adapt to climate change
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
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
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
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
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
Tong bolsters sales team with two new appointments
Vegetable grading and handling machinery specialist promotes two from aftersales support
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New project will use AI to validate regenerative farming
The first large-scale AI project to validate regenerative practices in potato production will take place in the UK with funding from a major EU grant
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
OSY Group partners with Sharpak to extend soft fruit shelf-life
Food tech specialist OSY Group has announced a commercial partnership with packaging manufacturer Sharpak Aylesham to extend the shelf-life of soft fruits sold through UK supermarkets using innovative antimicrobial coating technology
Survey: AI and automation in fresh produce supply chains
Fruitnet reaches out to fruit and veg business professionals to investigate current and future impact of groundbreaking new technologies
Innovation on show at Fruit Focus
Strawberry picking robots, vertical farms and policy debates were on the agenda at annual industry fruit show along with findings from pollination and growing media trials
M&S uses AI and bumblebees to grow better strawberries
Retailer reveals pioneering, innovative approach to berry production that combines artificial intelligence with bumblebee pollination, with early trials showing promising results for fruit quality and consistency
Saga Robotics agrees collaboration with Bitwise and Chambers
The tie-up will offer enhanced services through the company’s Thorvald robot
Fruitnet Tomato Congress presents: The Future of Tomatoes
This year’s Fruitnet Tomato Congress takes place in Malaga, Spain, on 11-12 November, with industry experts set to explore how the business is likely to evolve in the coming years
Fera launches new wireworm DNA barcoding test
Wireworm damage has had a heavy cost for the potato, veg and salad sectors
‘Glastonbury’ of regen farming set to welcome thousands
No-till cultivation, integrating trees with veg production and food policy debates among the wide-ranging sessions relevant to fresh produce sector at Groundswell regen farming festival