The first, the Greefa iFD (intelligent firmness detector), pictured, assesses the firmness of fruit by using a non-destructive sensor that takes different measurements over the fruit skin. The second innovation, the Greefa iFA (intelligent flavour analyser) can determine the internal quality of the fruit by transmission via a light box. The transmission serves as a measure for detecting taste properties and waxy brown insides.

While for a number of fruits it is already possible to determine sugar levels, these technologies aim to allow the separation of premium fruit from good fruit in order to gain maximum returns.

Marketing and sales manager Mannes Westhouse said: 'These innovations will allow you to grade fruit by separating the premium fruit from the normal fruit. It is a very secure way of sorting.

'The Greefa iFD is a totally new system for measuring firmness in a way that won't harm the fruit. Every piece of fruit goes through the sensor 20 times to build up an accurate measurement of maturity and shelf life.

'The Greefa iFA, on the other hand, looks for taste and internal diseases such as browning. We want to protect consumers from buying the wrong fruit and to encourage repeat purchase by ensuring premium fruit.' The iFD is suitable for a wealth of fruit including apples, avocados, kiwifruit, mangoes, nectarines and peaches. Both technologies will be on display at Fruit Logistica next week.