UNITEC and innovation: technological solutions for cherry sorting

04 Oct 2024
2858

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

New methods in Poland to speed up sour cherry seed germination

Breeding

09 Sep 2025

A study in Skierniewice, Poland, tested innovative methods to enhance sour cherry seed germination. Seed coat removal combined with cold stratification produced stronger seedlings faster, cutting time and costs while boosting breeding efficiency and genetic progress.

Copper and soils: organic matter as an ally for soil health

Tech management

07 Jan 2025

A recent study conducted in cherry orchard soils in New Zealand analyzed in detail the effects of increasing copper concentrations (7-263 mg/kg) on three key biological indicators: earthworm behavior, soil respiration, and root growth.

In evidenza

Protecting cherry trees from Drosophila suzukii: technical considerations for 2026

Crop protection

22 May 2026

The CTIFL 2026 report presents guidelines to protect cherry trees in France from Drosophila suzukii, combining monitoring, netting, sanitation, biological control and authorized plant protection products for targeted, sustainable crop defense adapted to sites and varieties.

Cherry orchard covers: from a means of protection against rain to a strategic decision for commercial and production stability

Covers

22 May 2026

Cherry orchard covers in Chile no longer protect only against rain: they now regulate microclimate, reduce cracking, improve export quality and fruit condition, supporting more stable economic returns in modern orchards exposed to growing climate risk and market pressure.

Tag Popolari