Sorma Group, a producer of integrated postharvest solutions for fruit and vegetable products, says it will showcase technological innovation and sustainability at Fruit Logistica in Berlin, Feb. 5-7.
Among the technological solutions on display will be Aporo, which can pack up to eight fruits simultaneously thanks to its multi-head robotic arms, placing them in pockets with optimal orientation to enhance visual appeal, according to the company. Sorma Group says this system ensures precise and gentle handling of the fruit, significantly reducing labor costs. The machine, which features a compact and versatile design, is compatible with a range of fruit varieties, including apples, peaches, nectarines, plums and kiwifruit.
Sorma Group says it will showcase Hypervision, an optical grading platform that offers accuracy in analyzing internal and external quality, color and shape of the fruit. The system uses nine cameras per line — three color cameras and six near infrared, or NIR, devices — to capture overlaid hyperspectral images and analyze each fruit by rotating it 360 degrees under the inspection system. Sorma Group says this ensures perfect product classification, processing up to 15 fruits per second. Its latest version of Hypervision debuted at Fruit Attraction in October and features InstanDefect-AI software with deep learning algorithms to improve the detection of external defects and ripeness levels.
Sorma Group also plans to highlight its sustainable packaging solutions, such as its Sormapaper product line, which includes packaging made of paper and cellulose mesh that is breathable, durable and recyclable. Sormapaper is available in various formats such as Paper Vertbag and Paper Sormapack.
The company says it will present its fully recyclable Mono Polymer packaging line, including Sormabag, a light monomaterial net pack. Sorma Group says its Sormacompostable line offers fully biodegradable nets, ideal for organic products and certified EN 13432 for composability. The cardboard punnet with flaps from the Sormapaper line is a versatile and customizable solution and compatible with standard filling machines, the company says.
“Fruit Logistica is, for us, a key international platform for demonstrating our commitment to technological innovation and sustainability,” Mario Mercadini, marketing manager of Sorma Group, said in a news release. “With our solutions, we support our customers in improving process efficiency and in responding to the challenges of a continuously evolving market.”
