Automated Postharvest Solutions for Apples and Citrus at Macfrut 2025

At Macfrut 2025—one of the horticultural sector’s most significant international trade fairs—Sorma Group unveiled its newest automated postharvest technologies, focused on optimizing processes for apples and citrus fruits. From optical fresh fruit processing to robotic packaging, the company demonstrated its innovations at Pavilion D1, Stand 147, offering solutions that enhance efficiency and product quality in fruit processing facilities.

During the visit to the stand, Silvia Albanese, Marketing Department at Sorma Group, introduced the new systems, highlighting their innovation, precision, and sustainability.

Aporo: Robotic Packaging with Optimized Fruit Orientation

The Aporo system is a versatile automated packaging solution capable of placing up to eight fruits simultaneously into cavities, orienting each fruit with its most visually appealing side facing upward. Ideal for apples, nectarines, kiwis, and plums, this technology significantly reduces labor costs while enhancing the final product’s presentation.

Thanks to its adaptability to various formats and varieties, Aporo meets the needs of modern packers striving to increase productivity without sacrificing quality.

HyperVision with InstanDefect-AI: AI-Powered Optical Fruit Sorting

Another standout feature was the HyperVision optical sorting platform, which combines 360° hyperspectral imaging with nine cameras per production line. The integration of InstanDefect-AI software, based on deep learning, enables advanced detection of defects and maturity levels. With a processing speed of up to 15 fruits per second, this solution ensures consistent, high-quality output.

Operating on a Linux-based system, it guarantees robust cybersecurity, scalability, and autonomy for efficient and secure real-time management.

High-Performance Citrus Weighing and Packaging

Sorma Group also presented a citrus weighing and packaging line, comprising the WD4-S weigher and the CBR-170S packer. The WD4-S is a compact, precise machine capable of feeding up to four packers with various calibers at high speed, making it perfect for processing all types of citrus fruits.

The redesigned CBR-170S maximizes speed and reliability, featuring:

• Automatic band centering systems,
• New high-efficiency sealing units,
• Optimized suction cup technology,
• Use of woven mesh rolls up to 3,500 meters long, reducing downtime for consumable changes.

This modular system offers customizable packaging options, thermal printing, and additional accessories to meet the demands of large-scale organized retail distribution (GDO).

Postharvest Automation for Sustainable Horticultural Production

Sorma Group’s solutions reaffirm its leadership in sustainable postharvest automation by enabling intelligent resource management, waste reduction, and full traceability. These technologies are designed to address the increasing demands for quality, productivity, and sustainability throughout fresh fruit supply chains.

In the image, Silvia Albanese from Sorma Group’s Marketing Department stands in front of the Aporo system