UNITEC and innovation: technological solutions for cherry sorting

04 Oct 2024
2150

In 2024, cherry production faced numerous challenges due to climate conditions, that affected both the amount and the quality of the harvest. Late frosts, heavy rains, and other weather-related events put significant pressure on growers, drastically reducing production in some cases. Despite these challenges, the demand for cherries remained high, with prices rising especially for premium-quality fruit.

In this complex scenario, UNITEC technologies have provided a decisive solution for the industry. Advanced systems like Cherry Vision 3.0 and 3.5 AI have revolutionized the way cherries are selected and sorted. Thanks to the use of artificial intelligence, these technologies allow to detect external defects with extreme precision, such as imperfections in the skin or variations in color and shape, ensuring that only high-quality fruit is delivered to the market.

Additionally, with the use of cutting-edge sensors, UNITEC’s sorting systems can also analyze the internal parameters of cherries, thus maximizing the value of every single fruit. Indeed, with UNIQ Cherry, it is possible to detect ripeness and firmness, further enhancing the effectiveness of the sorting process.

These innovative solutions enable fruit packing houses to significantly boost operational margins, drastically reduce labor costs, and entering new markets by offering consistent quality to their Customers—a key factor in building trust between the parties.

Thanks to these advanced technologies, all developed in-house by UNITEC’s R&D department at their headquarters in Italy, producers are better equipped to handle climate challenges while maintaining a high level of competitiveness. They can bring guaranteed quality cherries to market, even under adverse weather conditions.

Source: Unitec
Image: Unitec


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

How environmental conditions affect calcium absorption in covered cherries

Covers

09 Dec 2024

Claire Scofield studies the effects of environmental conditions under rain covers on calcium uptake in cherries. The aim is to further our understanding of xylem dynamics and the impact of rain covers on these processes.

Cherry Institute 2025: Washington takes stock of cherry markets, technologies and prices

Events

16 Jan 2025

On 10 January, at the 82nd Cherry Institute in Yakima, Northwest Cherries administrators told growers that the 2024 season was a success in terms of shipments and promotions, a positive point after several difficult years.

In evidenza

How to prevent fruit cracking in Mediterranean orchards with advanced sensing

Tech management

01 Dec 2025

Fruit cracking leads to significant economic losses in Mediterranean orchards. Advanced sensing technologies and precision agriculture now allow growers to detect early stress signals, reduce fruit splitting, improve resource efficiency and enhance overall crop sustainability.

Self-care or failed responsibility? Cherry harvest reveals workplace safety gaps

Tech management

01 Dec 2025

Cherry season exposes the limits of self-care as a safety model. Is it a personal duty or a sign of poor risk management? When risks increase, only structured systems—not individual willpower—can ensure health and safety for all workers in the field.

Tag Popolari