Netherlands (the) 26/09/2023

Expanded offering of at-source ripening solutions by Interko

 

Interko, the global expert in fresh fruit ripening room equipment, announces its expanded offering of at-source ripening solutions in response to the increasing demand for its energy-efficient technology.

Interko is collaborating more closely with avocado, mango, and banana growers and processors who want to ripen their fruit at the source, enabling them to supply the puree, smoothie, fresh-cut, and frozen fruit markets both domestically and internationally.

Interko has already secured orders to install large ripening rooms in Latin America, and envisions further growth opportunities in Spain and North Africa.

Recently, the Dutch company completed an at-source ripening room project for a major avocado processor in Mexico. Interko was tasked with constructing eight high-capacity Ultimo rooms – the largest ripening rooms in its range.

According to Chris Maat, Managing Director/Partner at Interko, the at-source ripening is gaining tremendous momentum, even as they continue to be engaged in their traditional end-market ripening business. He highlighted that there is a high demand for Interko's technology to ripen fruit at the source, including avocados for dips/purées, bananas for baby food, and mangoes destined for the smoothie, fresh-cut, and frozen fruit markets.

Maat added that in addition to meeting the substantial market demand, ripening fruit at the source for processing industries also provides growers with an outlet for surplus or lower-grade fruit, which helps reducing food waste.

Maat revealed that the Mexican avocado customer chose Interko as their ripening partner to create high-quality guacamole.

The client required Interko's guidance in training their team on the intricacies of ripening avocados to perfection for guacamole production.

Maat stressed that ripening fruit for processed markets entails different objectives. For instance, in the case of guacamole, the focus is on the texture and flavor of the fruit rather than its physical appearance.

Interko offers a comprehensive range of ripening rooms, from large to small, along with state-of-the-art technologies that can be integrated into new construction or retrofitted into existing facilities. As an ongoing innovator, all Interko solutions are designed for energy efficiency, reduced operating costs, and achieving optimal quality, appearance, and shelf life for ripened fruit.

Companies interested in Interko's ripening technology are invited to meet the team at Fruit Attraction 2023, taking place next week from October 3-5 in Madrid, Spain.

Interko's Managing Director/Partner, Chris Maat, Project Manager Narcís Guinart (both Spanish speakers), and Sales Director Anna Zegveld will be attending the three-day trade show. You can find them at the Fresh Produce Instruments stand in Hall 5, Stand H24.

For appointments at Fruit Attraction, send your inquiry