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Every Resource Counts™
The Locorotondo-based company, one of Italy’s leading cherry producers, started the 2022 season with a new Invision 2 optical sorter from TOMRA Food, installed at the plant in Turi (Bari). The machine is connected to the Total View Plus digital platform, which can detect a wide range of internal and external fruit defects and monitor the workflow for unprecedented quality.
In May 2022, the cherry season at Giacovelli Srl’s plant in Turi (Bari) got underway in high gear, thanks to the new SFS Invision 2 optical sorter from TOMRA Food with Total View Plus, installed by its Italian partner ICOEL.
Anna and Anna Rita Giacovelli are the new generation of the Locorotondo fruit and vegetable company, which was founded in 1954. Anna is the daughter of Raffaele, who runs Giacovelli with his brother Piero. She is deeply attached to the company’s lengthy history: “We started in local markets with stands where we sold directly to the consumer. The first product we sold was citrus fruit and bit by bit we added others, including cherries, which are now one of the most important fruits for us. We process several tons each year for European markets (central and northern Europe) and Italy. Precisely because cherries are becoming more and more important, we decided to invest in technology from TOMRA and ICOEL”.
“Every Resource Counts™ ” is not just a slogan for TOMRA Food, but a serious commitment to minimizing food waste as part of a real food “revolution” involving the entire supply chain. It leverages the latest technology developed from the real needs of the fruit and vegetable industry.
Benedetta Ricci Iamino, Global Category Director Cherry, at TOMRA Food, explains the approach to this particular sector. “Over the past 12 months, a team of our experts has traveled to all the world’s major cherry production areas, working side by side with our customers to try and understand how to help them improve yields, minimize waste, lower labor costs and find answers to ongoing challenges, future market needs and increased quality requirements”.
This focus on the customer is always appreciated – “The human side is also really important. The team is always ready to help you find solutions for any kind of need”, say Anna and Carlos.
“Italy is definitely one of the most significant markets for TOMRA Food’s cherry category and will remain our main focus”, explains Benedetta Ricci Iamino. “Thanks to our solid partnership with ICOEL, over half the electronic sorting systems in the country come from TOMRA. We expect to increase this number over the next two years, thanks to the growing interest in our technology from Italian customers, who know they can count on TOMRA and ICOEL to take care of their cherries”.