Just in time for the start of the Fruit Logistica 2025 trade fair, Frigotec GmbH presented its latest application of the Softripe fruit ripening process. Following the successful market launches of the system for bananas, avocados, mangoes, and – last year – pineapples, the technology has now been extended to kiwis. "The first kiwi ripening was technically cautious and therefore the potential of the Softripe technology was not fully exploited. However, tastings with trade fair visitors yielded positive feedback and promising discussions," reports Roman Pretsch, project manager at Softripe, when asked.
The Softripe process from Frigotec was again very well received at Fruit Logistica this year.
An existing Softripe customer who successfully ripens avocados and has already convinced his customers of the new avocado fruit quality wanted to solve the well-known market problems with underripe and sour-tasting kiwi, says Pretsch, looking back on the development of the new application. "Thanks to our good connections in the international fruit sector, we were able to find an Italian producer who supported us in this test ripening and helped us. At the trade fair, this kiwi producer gave us impressive confirmation of the unique fruit quality in terms of firmness and flesh quality. Softripe ripens the fruit from the inside out, giving the flesh the ideal biological ripeness. This ultimately contributes to the firm, stable fruit peel and the softer, juicier, and, above all, ready-to-eat fruit flesh. The Brix or sugar content develops to a maximum while acid is broken down at the same time, resulting in a balanced acid and sugar ratio. We would like to continue working on this topic with our ripening customers and their food retail customers."
Roman Pretsch and Ronny Sachsenröder at Fruit Logistica 2025.
The new system application from Frigotec is primarily aimed at European kiwi producers, such as those in the two main growing countries, Italy and Greece. However, the Softripe process is also suitable for overseas kiwis, the company emphasizes. "These can be harvested at maximum unripeness according to a defined specification and transported to the respective export countries in stable quality. The high quality of the ingredients is maintained and, with the Softripe ripening process, can be fully ripened and developed, just like on the tree."
Whether avocados, pineapples, or kiwis – the Softripe system contributes significantly to improved fruit ripening and quality of marketed produce.
Encouraging results with bananas, avocados, and mangoes
Over the years, Softripe technology has been continuously developed and improved, and today, Generation 4.0 is available on the market. R. Pretsch: "In the avocado sector, we are not only very well known in the fruit trade in Europe but also at the producer level in the respective growing countries. Avocado ripening is currently our flagship product, with demand constantly increasing, as it is currently being used successfully in twelve countries worldwide. Fruits are a natural product and are subject to natural fluctuations in quality and characteristics. With Softripe, the fruit trade can consistently achieve the maximum possible quality from the unripe goods delivered because the process always interacts with and is based on the respective fruit situation. In countries like Chile, we are currently seeing a very positive development in which, thanks to our application for bananas, sales, and turnover figures in supermarkets have demonstrably increased and further ripening chambers have been ordered."
In addition to bananas and avocados, mango ripening using the Softripe system is also gaining importance. "Together with our customers, we want to show this year that Softripe can be used to bring ship-ripened mangoes up to the same level of quality and flavor as air-freighted mangoes, but with a better shelf life. Softripe has a wide range of applications, but the fruit trade needs to be willing to apply them in practice. Softripe can provide ripening facilities and support customers with its technical and plant-physiological know-how along the supply chain. Fruits such as avocados and mangoes are a black box for consumers in terms of their inner quality. With the constant application, labeling, and reference to this new fruit quality, customer trust in retail could be achieved along with increased sales and, at the same time, product losses along the supply chain could be reduced," they conclude.
Photo credit: Softripe - Frigotec GmbH
For more information:
Roman Pretsch
Softripe - Frigotec GmbH
Tel: +49-34602-3050
info@frigotec.de
www.softripe.com