One of the largest apple-growing co-operatives in Italy has installed a new purpose-built automated washing plant with the help of Danish washing technology firm Brüel International.

The 283-strong Juval co-operative - a member of the VIP and VOG associations - grows nearly 45,000 tonnes of apples every year for consumption across Europe.

The investment in a state-of-the-art container washing system came as a result of increasing demands for quality and hygiene from new EU legislation that came into effect last year.

A team made up of representatives from VIP and VOG worked with Brüel International to develop the optimum solution.

Brüel International added that this system could suit other fruit producers.

The new washer system has a capacity of 85 containers per hour and includes an 180o tipping device on the in-feed to the system ensuring that the containers are fully emptied of any debris before they enter the washer.

The equipment also incorporates a screw filtration system and a rotary spray system with a jet operating pressure of 11-12 bars to ensure all contaminants are removed.

Juval chairman Luis Alber and director Peter Stricker said in a joint statement: “The cleanliness of the containers as well as the economic efficiency of the machine has fully met, if not exceeded, our expectations. Thanks to our co-operation with Brüel we have achieved a competitive advantage over our competitors in the market.”

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