Innovation in the Pomegranate Industry: PND Launches the SM2 Shelling Machine

At the Macfrut trade fair, PND showcased its SM2 pomegranate shelling machine, a cutting-edge solution designed to optimize aril extraction with maximum efficiency, hygiene, and respect for fruit integrity.

This launch comes at a pivotal time for the fresh-cut produce market, where pomegranates are gaining momentum as a healthy, ready-to-eat product. Presented as fresh arils, pomegranates have become a sought-after ingredient in salads, fruit mixes, juices, and prepared meals. The SM2 from PND offers producers a strategic tool to scale up production capacity without compromising product quality.

Precise and Gentle Operation

As Valerio De Caro, Sales Manager at PND, explains:

"The SM2 operation starts with manually cutting the pomegranate in half. Once prepared, the fruit is placed into one of the two processing heads. Inside, two hammers gently abrade the fruit, intermittently tapping it to carefully separate the arils from the peel without causing damage. The extracted arils fall directly onto a tray below, though it is also possible to connect a processing line underneath to continue the workflow. This flexibility allows the SM2 to adapt to both semi-automatic setups and more complex industrial lines."

This method ensures a clean, careful separation that preserves the visual and sensory qualities of the arils—critical for fresh-cut produce.

Hygienic Design and Easy Maintenance

Constructed entirely from stainless steel, the SM2 offers excellent corrosion resistance and durability for demanding industrial environments. All components are designed for quick replacement and easy maintenance, minimizing downtime and maximizing operational efficiency.

Moreover, all fruit-contact surfaces are made from food-approved materials, ensuring a safe and hygienic processing environment. The machine complies with the European Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, meeting the highest safety standards.

Technology Serving the Fruit

With the SM2, PND addresses one of the greatest challenges in pomegranate processing: automating shelling without sacrificing fruit quality. Thanks to its advanced design and efficiency-driven approach, this machine sets a new benchmark in the industry, enabling companies to respond swiftly to the growing demand within the fresh-cut produce sector.