Originally printed in the March 2019 issue of Produce Business.
The 2019 Fruit Logistica Innovation Awards (FLIA) were presented in February in Berlin for outstanding innovation in the fresh produce sector.
Innovations included products, services and technical innovations.
The competition was organised by Messe Berlin and Fruchthandel Magazine and was open to all exhibitors and co-exhibitors at Fruit Logistica 2019.
The 10 best innovations were selected and nominated by an expert panel.
strong>OVERALL WINNER
ORIENTAL RED® – RED KIWIFRUIT, JINGOLD
A red Dong-Hong kiwi originally from China with unique organoleptic characteristics and an excellent shelf life. A sugar content of 20-21 Brix, coupled with a tropical exotic aftertaste, make them very popular.
AVOCADO PITTER 300-AVC, CTI FOOD TECH
A patented machine for removing avocado seeds. It guides and transports up to 300 avocados per minute into a special feeder tank where the fruit is positioned vertically and cut into two halves. A pin then removes the seed.
DCM VISCOTEC BLUE, DE CEUSTER MESTSTOFFEN – DCM
An odourless, highly concentrated, water-soluble and easy to dose mild gel fertilizer for use in organic agriculture and horticulture. High nitrogen content, potassium and amino acids stimulate the root system as well as nutrient absorption and overall plant growth.
FRED – THE PEAR,VARICOM
A red-cheeked pear variety in the premium segment, characterized by constant fruit size, crunchy texture and consistency, as well as a pleasant balance of sweetness and light acidity. It does not drip and maintains an optimum balance between crispness and juiciness.
MODULA, ROTER ITALIA
An electronic sowing machine with flexible piercing elements to pick up the plant seed and place the optimum sowing quantity in the soil troughs at optimum sowing distances. Activation or deactivation takes place directly on the display.
PERFOTECO2CONTROL, PERFOTEC
A CO2 protective gas system suitable for all packaging machines, with a patented gas flushing tube. A finely adjusted gas mixture of CO2, oxygen and nitrogen is adapted to the individual respiration requirements of the respective fruit and vegetable product.
REDLANDER, BEJO
A red hybrid onion variety with high resistance to downy mildew. Fresh and juicy, with good skin quality and a light interior colour, the seed is available as organic and conventional in various pack sizes. Considered to have particularly good harvest and storage properties.
SLIDE VALERIANA ECO, HORTECH
An electrically operated full harvesting machine for lamb’s lettuce with a special comb conveyor system to optimise transport. The large steering radius of 75 degrees guarantees the highest cutting quality. Asynchronous motors and battery power ensure ecological operation.
SOFTRIPE RIPENING TECHNOLOGY, FRIGOTEC
Fully automatic ripening technology for bananas and other tropical fruits in which they are ripened homogeneously and naturally according to their biology. Different degrees of ripeness and improved fruit quality can be achieved.
TOP-SEALABLE COMPOSTABLE, RECYCLABLE STRAWBERRY PUNNET, CKF
A sealable, compostable and recyclable wood pulp tray for 350-400g of strawberries. With the sealing film, the packaging contains only the smallest possible amount of plastic. It offers a high level of protection, good visibility of the product and a longer shelf life.
