This year's Fruit Logistica Innovation Award (FLIA), which has grown to become one of the most prestigious prizes in the fresh produce industry, was won by the Oriental Red – red kiwifruit from Jingold in Italy.
Trade visitors to Fruit Logistica had two days to cast their votes for the industry’s most important prize, which was then handed out on Friday 8 February.
Jingold's Oriental Red – red kiwifruit was originally from China, and the red Dong-Hong kiwi not only has unique organoleptic properties, but also boasts an excellent shelf life.
As well as the fiery red colour of its flesh, trade visitors also commented on the fruit’s extremely pleasant, sweet taste. With a sugar content of 20 to 21 degrees Brix, the Oriental Red 'leaves an exotic aftertaste that enriches the international fruit trade'.
“We are very happy to win this important award,' said Federico Milanese, international development manager. 'It’s been a year of hard work for our team. We invested a lot of energy to develop and improve our product and are glad that people like it so much.'
The silver award was awarded to the Softripe Ripening Technology from German firm Frigotec. According to Fruit Logistica, trade visitors were impressed by this natural, energy-saving ripening technology for bananas and other tropical fruit.
Thanks to Softripe Ripening Technology, fruit reaches consumers at optimum ripeness, and varying the different ripening levels can also improve fruit quality.
The Bronze FLIA was won by the Top-sealable compostable, recyclable strawberry punnet from CKF in Canada.
With its sealable, compostable and recyclable wood pulp punnets for 350g to 400g of strawberries, the Canadian group is setting an example of environmental protection in terms of sustainability.
The wood pulp punnet not only provides a great deal of protection for the fruit and a view of the product, but also ensures a longer shelf life, without using plastic.
