Japanese peeler manufacturer Astra recently showcased its latest solution for large-scale pineapple processing, 'FAP-3000', at the IFPA show in October. This industrial-scale machine can peel and core pineapples simultaneously, helping food processors save time and improve efficiency.
© ASTRA Inc.
Higher yields, less waste
The FAP-3000 features a new coring system and can process up to 500 pineapples per hour, helping fruit processors save time and reduce waste. "This is a completely new challenge for us," says Ryo Takeshita, Sales Manager at Astra. "Our previous machines were half smaller in scale, and this one weighs 120 kg. While it's still compact compared to other industrial equipment, it's a big step forward for our company."
The FAP-3000 delivers an impressive yield rate of around 62% without coring and 52% with coring. "Typical pineapple peeling machines offer a yield of only 40–45%, wasting more than half the fruit," Ryo explains. "Our FAP-3000 reduces waste to just 48%, helping processors retain 7–12% more edible fruit. That means you get one extra pineapple for every 8 to 14 processed."
Developed over the course of a year, the FAP-3000 combines Astra's expertise in peeling with a completely new design to integrate coring and support large-scale production. "Adding the coring system and scaling the machine for higher capacity was a significant engineering challenge, but we're proud of the results," says Ryo.
According to Ryo, the FAP-3000 is already CE marked, aligning it with European regulatory requirements. To meet international compliance standards, Astra is preparing the FAP-3000 for NSF certification, expected to be completed by November 2025. "NSF is crucial for our customers in the U.S.," Ryo adds.
© ASTRA Inc.
Strong reception and interest from North and South America
The FAP-3000 was met with enthusiasm during live demonstrations at IFPA. "The response was fantastic," Ryo shares, "during the demo, the FAP-3000 achieved a yield rate of over 50%, which gave us great confidence in its performance."
"During the show, we also had some productive meetings with potential clients from Latin America, including a mango processor in Mexico that is considering a 10-unit purchase. "We met many purchasing managers and decision-makers who were seriously looking for automatic peelers, so the show was extremely productive for us," Ryo says.
Automation, labor savings, and improved safety are key factors driving demand across North and Latin America. "We were pleased to see strong interest from the region, especially among pineapple and mango processors. The feedback confirmed that there's growing momentum toward automation in fruit processing." Ryo explains, "Our goal is to build strong local partnerships and expand the use of Astra peelers across North and Latin America in the coming years."
© ASTRA Inc.
Following IFPA, Astra is continuing its global outreach and will exhibit the FAP-3000 at EATS (Oct 28–30, Booth #3001) and Gulfood Manufacturing (Nov 4-6, 2025, booth#S-J9). "We already have a solid reputation in the retail and small-scale pineapple processing market," says Ryo. "Now we're bringing this new model to more shows, and we hope it will help us break into the industrial pineapple peeling market."
For more information:
Ryo Takeshita
ASTRA Inc.
Tel.: +81 0245412444
Email: [email protected]
https://en.e-astra.co.jp/
