The shopping experience at the point of sale is becoming an increasingly important factor for today's consumer. As a result, new opportunities and approaches to trade arise here. Production of products on-site in the store is increasingly dominating the events in the retail sector. HEPRO GmbH - market leader in the field of asparagus peeling machines - has recognized this trend and is now making the step towards fruit peeling processes. For the first time, the company presented its modern pineapple peeling and slicing machine at this year's Fruit Logistica.
Jens Frommann and Mareen Protte at their stand at this year's Fruit Logistica
So far, prototypes have only been used for test purposes at some locations or in several supermarket branches, and with great success, because more than 200 systems are to be launched on the market in 2020, explains Mareen Protte, spokeswoman for the company. "The basic peeling process is already optimized; it is only minor things that we optimize in this phase. The final number of cycles per minute or hour, however, is less interesting, especially since the machine is not used for production. Nonetheless, in one continuous operation, one would be able to create about 180 peeled fruits per hour. 
Prototypes have been tested in recent months, among others, at Edeka branches.
Live peeling process
However, this system is primarily about the shopping experience at the POS, emphasizes Ms. Protte. "It's something to look at for the customer in the sense that the peeling process happens before their eyes. It is an advantage for the customer to choose a fresh pineapple and have it peeled directly, with the assurance that the product will be freshly processed. Completely transparent. That also speaks in favor of this machine." The feedback at this year's Fruit Logistica was already promising, both from Germany and from the international sector. "The product itself is interesting for customers from all over the world as well as from different areas. So far, we have been particularly interested in our equipment, especially at supermarket chains, but also at airports and shopping malls."
Use at the POS creates a unique shopping experience for the customers
First step towards fruits
With the system, Hepro GmbH is taking the first step towards solutions for the fruit sector, although until now the focus was primarily on methods for barley and root vegetables, especially asparagus. "This facility is also an outstanding addition to our existing portfolio. For us as well as our regional suppliers this is also an opening into a new market."
With the machine, Hepro GmbH also offers a response to the "Pineapple Lifehack Videos" that are currently circulating on the Internet. This trick works only if you cut in the pineapple beforehand: The fruit must also be very ripe. "Our video of the pineapple peeling machine is currently on everyone's social media channels and already has 3.5 million clicks on the platform TikTok."
The complete team of Hepro GmbH at their stand at this year's Fruit Logistica. Left to right: Jens Frommann, Christoph Protte, Ellen Reinhold, Mareen Protte, Christoph Wolter, Hans Wipfler
'Made in Germany' as a selling point
This all does not mean that regional production will soon be done away with. "Customers also appreciate this 'Made in Germany' promise, even if it concerns customers from the Middle East. This means that we will continue to operate production and sales at our current location."
For more information:
HEPRO GmbH 
Nickelstraße 14
33378 Rheda-Wiedenbrück
Tel: +49 5242 57979-31
Fax: +49 5242 57979-631
info@hepro-gmbh.de
www.hepro-gmbh.de