specialise in the development of machines for the sorting and packaging of fruit and vegetables. They are the only company to pound pears in water. "We are very active in the top fruit and cherry growers sector, both in and outside the country," explained Stefaan Stas owner. "We build customised solutions, even for smaller growers. The focus for top fruit is on sorting and packaging, but with cherries we go further as we also cool the product. Last year we introduced the first cherry cooler to Belgium." Cherry cooler
He explains that developments are fast. "We began with cherry growers around ten years ago when we were asked to deliver a belt which later became a sorting belt. Seven years ago we looked for a solution to sorting cherries electronically. Then a couple of years ago came the request to create a cherry cooler. That was already there, but we didn't have any 'ready made' solutions for the smaller grower. We then went into the development of our own and last year the first ones went into use. We are now making models which can cool 500, 1000 and 2000 kilos per hour. It is the intention that cherries are cooled within an hour of picking which enables them to stay fresher for a week longer and the stalks remain 3 to 4 days longer. The faster cherries are cooled after picking, the longer the shelf-life."
"The 500-model is designed for the grower with a few hectares but if you are a professional grower with 10 hectares, it is better to use the model which can sort 1000 kilos per hour. That model is higher, has more water volume and a high cooling capacity. There are some models on the market but they had problems with abrasion damage. Ours is built to withstand that and has a better size sorter."
Electronic cherry sorter
We have already been delivering electronic cherry sorters, but not to smaller companies. We send the larger ones to Australia where we work together with GP Graders. We are presently busy with a sort of 'light version,' with a camera system and a pre-sorting belt. Then we will be looking at the possibilities for a mechanical version." Isn't it a large investment for small companies? "A cherry sorter or cooler is intended for professional growers from three hectares. If you want advice on whether you should invest in one, my answer is: one little cherry cooler. and you are guaranteed to improve the quality of the cherries."
Top fruit
For apples and pears Stas works together with Aweta. "These sorters work carefully picking out bad quality. This happens in the water. There is a buffer plate and all hollow pear's swim against it, so the pears which stay floating can be thrown away, they have holes or are brown inside." He adds that there are more and more automated machines. "People standing on the machines don't have to walk far since everything is more compact."
Customers
The share of revenue for Stas in Belgium is 30 to 40%. "We also export to various parts of Europe. One important customer is Germany who are growing in cherry cultivation. Next to them are Croatia and Serbia who are also growing some cherries. In Bulgaria we see opportunities for the future." Stas have operated a Polish branch for a number of years." These customers are becoming more important and the cultivation of fruit increases every year. We have started construction of a new building of 50 x 27 meters and expect this to be ready by September. The Ukraine is also a customer and we can do more there too." Despite all the opportunities Stefaan sees, he is still focused on his present customers. "It is important to continue to operate and keep investing in the right people in order to keep growing should the opportunities arise. We used to do more with tomatoes but then there were fewer loose tomatoes and the introduction of vine tomatoes came causing a 'gap' in production. Therefore, we now focus more in the direction of cherry growers."
