Strawberry production has expanded significantly in recent years, particularly within the fourth-range (ready-to-eat) segment. Once confined to spring harvests, strawberries are now cultivated for up to 10 months a year, increasing the demand for efficient and specialized processing equipment.
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In response to this growing demand, PND, a manufacturer of fruit processing machinery, has installed a strawberry processing line in Turkey. The system includes eight DF24 de-calyxing machines capable of handling approximately 2.5 tons of strawberries per hour. These machines remove the green apical portion of the fruit and can optionally slice the strawberries in half or quarters, aiming to balance processing efficiency with fruit quality.
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A key feature of the DF24 is its rotating blade system, designed to minimize waste by targeting only the calyx, resulting in 10–12% product loss. This contrasts with other machines on the market, which can produce up to 30% waste by cutting off a larger portion of the fruit. According to Angelo Sicignano, PND's sales manager for the Turkish market, more than 150 DF24 units are in operation globally, including recent installations in Turkey and Kazakhstan.
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The DF24 is semi-automatic and constructed from food-grade stainless steel. It features a circular feeding belt and an output conveyor, with a grading system that allows it to handle strawberries ranging from 18 to 55 mm in diameter. Adjustments to the support membrane and machine settings enable quick adaptation to different fruit sizes. Processing occurs in three phases: alignment, calyx removal, and, if requested, simultaneous cutting.
The machine's design aims to reduce labor while maintaining ease of use, cleaning, and maintenance. In addition to food industry applications, the DF24 has also been used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors.
PND offers further information about its full machinery range and upcoming trade show participation through its website.
© PNDFor more information:
PND - Fruit Processing Machinery
Tel: +39 0818509368
Email: [email protected]
www.pndsrl.it
