Smart entry-level ripening room offers part-loading flexibility and energy efficiency at an attractive price
Dutch ripening specialist Interko says it is experiencing rocketing global demand for its turnkey Optimo ripening room, a more affordable option for ripeners. The company is currently working on over 30 installations, including 10 in the Netherlands for French premium retailer Grand Frais; four in Aruba for bananas; two in Kenya for avocados, four in Asia for avocados, and three in Portugal for bananas.
Managing director/partner Chris Maat said the solution is a good entry-level system that uses all the pioneering technologies of Interko’s larger ripening rooms. It can ripen eight to 24 pallets of bananas, avocados or mangoes, and accommodate different pallet sizes.
“Our Interko Optimo room is the number one choice for ripeners who want a smaller, economical room and the flexibility to part-load different fruits without compromising on cutting-edge technology and high-energy efficiency,” he said.
The single-level ripening room that can be split into four zones, each with an individual cooler and air guidance system. This enables ripeners to switch on and off each zone independently as they adapt to market demand which saves energy usage and reduces running costs.
“To optimise the airflow, the room features a heat exchanger along the length of the room plus our exclusive Reverso 2.0 fans which were upgraded last year. Unlike in a tarp room, the air distribution in an Optimo room is more equal, so the temperature is uniform throughout, resulting in evenly ripened fruit across the room. Compared with a tarp room, Optimo ripeners achieve better quality fruit consistently, and low energy consumption, which means happier customers and lower electricity bills.”
Fine Fruit Company, which handles the overseas imports for French supermarket operator Grand Frais, is working closely with Interko to install 10 Optimo ripening rooms in the Netherlands for avocados and mangoes.
Its director, Almir Dedovic, commented: “Grand Frais focuses on firsts and prioritises premium quality fruit with superior flavour. Interko therefore was the natural fit for this installation project considering its track-record in perfecting the ripening process for fresh fruit. Interko’s professionalism and personal touch ensured that we were in excellent hands and that the Optimo room was the perfect choice”.
Geerlofs, a specialist manufacturer of storage and processing systems for fresh produce, said Interko’s reputation was a big draw. It which is involved in the installation of two Optimo rooms in Kenya for avocados.
“For some applications and good customers who have a business for which we need other specialists to join us, we do this with partners that we trust and know well – Interko is such a company,” a representative of Geerlofs said.
Compra Aruba, Aruba’s largest supplier of food and non-food, said it chose Interko after being impressed by its advanced ripening technology. “After searching for the best on the market, we came across Interko. Management saw one of their ripening rooms in operation, then agreed on a system and price,” a spokesperson commented.
Interko recently launched interactive installation and user manuals, available digitally, to facilitate the set-up process ripeners.
Interko will be at next week’s Fruit Attraction, co-exhibiting with Fresh Produce Instruments in Hall 6, Stand E16A.
