Italian technologies for the processing and sorting of fruit and vegetables are highly regarded around the world. In this context, Omar Papi, CEO of Futura srl, reviews the year 2024 and analyses the prospects for 2025.
"We are very proud to have consolidated last year's growth trend. In fact, 2024 has also been a very positive year for Futura. We have seen good results from all our planned investments, such as trade fairs and new local facilities. The countries in which we did the most transactions in Europe were Spain and Greece, while in the non-EU context (where we carry out most of our operations), to name but a few, were Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Iran, and Saudi Arabia."
The cultivation of fruit in the former Soviet Union and Asian countries is increasing. "The company's sales policies have historically been firmly established in all CIS countries, facilitated by its direct office in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, which also oversees after-sales services. To further consolidate its direct presence, Futura AZ was established in Baku in 2024 to focus exclusively on Azerbaijan. The company's operations in Azerbaijan are overseen by Azerbaijani staff, who have been instrumental in establishing Futura as the only local company able to offer comprehensive turnkey solutions covering a wide range of services, including the assessment of customer requirements, the design, and construction of warehouses, cold storage systems and a calibration facility. For the upcoming 2025 peach season, two high-capacity fruit and vegetable facilities will be commissioned, one for peaches and flat peaches and the other for apples during the winter season. It is worth noting that we have built up a strong reputation in these regions, based on continuity, professionalism, and the successful installation of at least fifteen plants in various towns in the area," says Papi.
"Among the markets we are following with great interest, as evidenced by the equipment we have already sold, are the UAE and especially the KSA, where there is an initial need for fruit and vegetable sorting and packaging equipment."
In terms of fruit and vegetable varieties, Papi says there is no doubt about the main reference. "The year 2024 confirms that the apple is still the undisputed main product. In fact, at least 50-60% of our facilities are dedicated to this crop. Stone fruits, especially flat peaches, have also made a strong comeback. I am referring in particular to tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, and cucumbers, without overlooking our commercial strategies, which are also aimed at growing plants for the sizing and packaging of vegetables grown in greenhouses."
Stand rendering at Fruit Logistica 2025
The Italian market, on the other hand, is rather saturated. "Traditionally, our business volume in Italy is no more than 10-15%. We are mainly active in central and southern Italy. With the end of the Industry 4.0 programme, which is often accumulated with operational plans, this will be a problem. We are already seeing a big slowdown in sales of new equipment. For this reason, we also have an internal division specialising in the sale of used, fully reconditioned, and guaranteed equipment. We have several potential deals in the pipeline."
There is no shortage of new products to be launched at the show. "Berlin will see the official launch of Futura's new website, futura.grading.com, which is much more attractive and intuitive, but above all richer in content, case studies and available in six languages. The site is intended to represent not only our company but also the values that guide us every day. We want this digital space to be a transparent window into our identity, showing not only what we do, but also how we do it," adds Papi.
Omar Papi and his father Leonardo at a past edition of Fruit Logistica
From a technological perspective, there will be many new innovations in the coming years. We have two new and significant projects in the pipeline. The first of these is a new 'pitch 95' roller sorter, which has been designed and built for the processing and sorting of spherical crops such as citrus fruits, apples, tomatoes, and kiwis. This state-of-the-art machine boasts an advanced electronic vision system that leverages AI to deliver highly efficient, user-friendly, and cost-effective sorting of external fruit imperfections.
The second project is scheduled for completion by the second half of 2025 and will feature a specialised transport system within the roller sorter that can handle both smaller dates and medjouls. The machine will be available in three capacity versions, ranging from 2 to 3 and 6 tons per hour. Dates will be sorted by diameter, colour, and visual quality."
"Fruit Logistica is the fair of choice for us because it is in line with our business. It provides a valuable opportunity for our staff to meet customers face to face, and in turn, our customers extend the same invitation to their customers. We firmly believe that face-to-face meetings are essential in our industry, and a handshake can often be more effective than a video call. To ensure the success of any show, the right pre-fair preparation is essential. We therefore look forward to meeting you at our stand, which as always will be located in Hall 1.1. Stand B42, with the presence of our entire team."