Technology that measures small, soft fruits with absolute precision

Agrosta introduces its new texture analyzer, Firmtech A, developed specifically for products that require a high degree of precision when measuring their physical properties, such as delicate fruits like grapes, blueberries, or raspberries. The company states that while the device is intended for small, delicate fruits, it can also be used for other types of samples, such as creams or dried aromatic herbs.

Firmtech A is geared toward the more technologically advanced side of the agri-food industry: it is recommended for teams seeking to characterize the sensory properties of fruit, such as an organoleptic quality control laboratory or a breeding team. Thanks to its full automation, it also eliminates what is known as “operator error”—that is, measurement differences attributable solely to manual handling or the bias of the operator taking the measurements—resulting in more robust and reliable results.

Among the features of the Firmtech A, its force resolution of 0.2 g stands out, giving the instrument incredible sensitivity: it is capable of detecting the very first physical contact with samples and distinguishing between subtle differences in firmness among different samples.

In addition, it allows for two types of analysis: firmness testing (with two modes, force-driven and penetrometry) and TPA (Texture Profile Analysis), which is essential for food texture studies. Within TPA, it offers several modes: single compression, double compression, and constant force.

It also stands out for its full automation: the only thing the operator needs to do is place the fruit in position. The equipment will handle weighing, taring, measuring the sample, and repositioning it to measure the next piece. It will transmit the measurement results to an Excel file, as well as generate a force-deformation curve that updates in real time with each measurement.

It is thanks to technologies and equipment like Firmtech A that Agrosta has established itself as an internationally recognized expert in fully automated food measurements and texture studies.