Innovations in Chile and California
Italy: UNITEC makes difference in cherry market
Angelo Benedetti.
UNITEC – a group specialised in the development of technologies for the processing, selection and quality control of over 35 types of fruit – has been improving the quality of fresh fruit processing worldwide for 90 years (1924-2014).
"In addition to the appeal issue, we must also consider the different level of ripening of the produce. If I need to ship it to countries that are far away, I will need to select the fruit that can endure the journey. Our technologies can really help."
The Chile case
Starting from 2007, some Chilean producers and UNITEC have used innovative technology as a strategic factor for success.
In order to help clients reach their objective of producing more high quality produce for the Asian market and therefore increase yields, UNITEC has developed a state-of-the art technology to select cherries (distinguishing grades, internal and external defects, Brix level and compactness).
Below charts in Italian:
As can be seen from the charts above and below, there is a close relation between Chilean exports and the processing capacity of UNITEC lines.
Agroter processing of UNITEC and Asoex data.
Thanks to the great selection capability of the Cherry Vision technology, Chilean packing stations could plan their export strategies while keeping the different needs of the various destination markets in mind.
The capabilities of Cherry Vision technology. Click here to enlarge.
The standardisation of the selection processes enables the guarantee of high-quality produce arriving on the marketing, as only the fruit with the right characteristics to endure the journey (as long as 40 days of transit time!) is packed and shipped.
UNITEC innovation for Stemilt cherries in California
Just a few days ago, a large plant was put into operation in the premises of Chinchiolo Stemilt, in Stockton (California). 40 lanes with a nominal production capacity of 1200 fruits/second or 4,320,000 fruits/hour and an effective production capacity of around 800/900 fruits/second or about 3,200,000 fruits/hour. All integrated with Cherry Vision technology for the non-destructive selection of internal and external quality in cherries.
"The startup of our California line was one of, if not the best start of a cherry line in the 50 year history of Stemilt. In addition, in the first 7 days of operations we hit a major performance goal for the line. UNITEC backs up the sales pitch with execution" declared West Mathison (photo below), President of Stemilt Growers.
UNITEC works day in, day out to help its customers to improve processing and packing for fruit and vegetables. It handles every aspect of the technologies it provides: from the hardware and software to the design, mechanical engineering and construction of parts for automation, always aiming to provide tangible results that meet targets established together with the customer at the moment of drawing up the contract.
"The UNITEC machine is a great asset to the delivery of premium consistent cherries to our customers. Working with UNITEC through the design and installation was seamless and the service level is top notch" said Erick Stonebarger, Chinchiolo Stemilt sales/special projects representative.
"As Team UNITEC we are proud of the work carried out and the praise from West Mathison is truly our greatest reward," said Raffaele Benedetti, UNITEC Sales Director. "The satisfaction expressed by our customers, their managers and technicians is what gives our Team the most satisfaction. We like to think of our business as a win-win affair. And we believe that with the Stemilt company this has proved to be the case. We would like to thank the Stemilt staff who worked with us and helped us to create these great results."
For more information:
UNITEC S.p.A.
Clara Colonelli
Cell.: (+39) 342 9316471
Email: clara.colonelli@unitec-group.com
Web: www.unitec-group.com