Grading and Packaging

The purpose of this stage is to guarantee the fruit’s uniformity during classification, its presentation for easy identification by the distributors and also to guarantee that the consumer receives the fruit in its best condition. We work “Just in Time”, we receive the customer’s order then package and prepare the kiwifruit so it is equally fresh on arrival at its destination.

Grading

The fruit is taken to the grading machine where unacceptable fruit is manually removed. Then it passes by an inspection camera which acts as a second filter where fruits with defects are removed. During this process the kiwifruit is “brushed”, eliminating remains of soil and this fruit’s characteristic “hair”.

It is referenced in accordance with date of grading, farmer code, plantation and batch storage date in the chamber. Each supplier, entry and lot is graded separately to avoid possible contamination.

Grading is carried out in accordance with the classification of sizes defined by the market and the number of fruit in 3 kg, as stipulated in Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1673/2004 dated 24 September 2004 stating the EU marketing standard applicable for kiwifruit.

Packaging

Once the kiwifruit has been graded it is immediately packed individually into bulk boxes, single-layer 3Kg boxes or in 1Kg bags, depending on the sizes programmed. Packaging is carried out in a standardised way however, we try to satisfy each customer’s specific requirements.