From:Packaging News

Automated fruit packing systems provider Ackio has launched a new cherry packing line in Europe.

The new technology uses white light spectrum and cameras, which take 50 frames per second of each cherry.

The cameras are able to detect defects that might be difficult to spot with the human eye, so customers can run later into the season when fruit is on the edge of quality.

The first line gives the cherries an Aqualutions wash to sanistise the fruit. It then optically grades out the cherries based on quality and size.

The second line utilises Ackio’s new grader. This optically grades out the cherries to the customer’s own criteria, based on any number of detailed specifications.
From here, the final product is automatically weighed and packaged into the choice punnet and either flow wrapped or top sealed.

All the products go through a secondary Checkweigher to ensure Ackio is maximising the customer’s yield.

Rachel Carson, Ackio customer services manager, said: “By automatically selecting the quality of cherries by any number of criteria, it allows the customer more choice in what they require and, ultimately, delivers a better quality product for the consumer.”