Japanese peeler manufacturer Astra has unveiled its latest solution for large-scale pineapple processing: The FAP-3000. This high-speed machine can peel and core pineapples at the same time, helping food processors save time and increase efficiency. The new FAP-3000 model is currently undergoing large-scale testing at several pineapple processing facilities in Japan and will officially launch in the global market in October.
© Astra
"This is a completely new challenge for us," says Ryo Takeshita, Sales Manager at Astra. "Our previous largest machine was about 60 kg; this one is 120 kg. It's still compact when compared to other food machinery, but for us, it's a big step forward."
Both Astra's existing model KA-750PM and the new FAP-3000 have a high yield rate, about 62% without coring and 52% after coring. "A typical pineapple peeler machines offer a yield rate of only 40–45%, meaning 55–60% of the fruit is wasted. In contrast, our peelers reduce waste to just 48%, helping to retain 7–12% more of an edible pineapple. That means you get 1 extra pineapple for every 8 to 14 processed." According to Ryo, these numbers are quite competitive compared to other machines on the market. "The KA-750PM is more for smaller-scale use and can handle around 200 to 250 pineapples an hour, and the FAP-3000 is our first large-scale model and processes about 450 to 500 per hour. It offers the same high-quality peeling and coring but with much higher output," Ryo explains. "With our success in the retail market, we're excited to now offer a solution for larger factories and industrial production."
© Astra
According to Ryo, the FAP-3000 was developed using Astra's proven peeling technology, but the rest of the machine was built from scratch. "It took about a year to finish," says Ryo. "We already had the peeling part, which is the most difficult. But adding the coring system and making the machine handle more fruit was a big engineering job. We're really proud of what we've created."
Some of Astra's long-time customers in Japan are already testing the machine in their factories, with full-scale trials starting in mid-July. "So far, the feedback has been very positive," says Ryo. "Everyone is impressed with how fast and compact it is."
© Astra
To meet international compliance standards, Astra is preparing the FAP-3000 for NSF certification, expected to be completed by November 2025. The machine is already CE marked, aligning it with European regulatory requirements. "NSF is crucial for our customers in the U.S., which remains one of our largest markets," Ryo adds.
The FAP-3000 will officially launch to the market at the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show, held in Anaheim from October 16 - 18. "We're very excited to present the FAP-3000 to the global market," says Ryo. "We already have a solid reputation in the retail and small-scale pineapple processing market. We hope this model will help us enter the industrial pineapple peeling market."
For more information:
Ryo Takeshita
ASTRA Inc.
Tel.: +81 0245412444
Email: [email protected]
https://en.e-astra.co.jp/
