Fruit Logistica 2025 in Berlin has once again confirmed its reputation as the leading event for the global fruit and vegetable sector. With more than 3,300 exhibitors from 91 countries and more than 78,000 visitors, the fair offered a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and innovations. Leasecontrol was there and tasted the atmosphere of innovation and activity.
Despite the high number of visitors, it was never too busy at the trade fair. This made it possible to talk to interesting parties and visit stands. From these conversations it became clear, among other things, that this year’s emphasis was on sustainability, better processing and packaging methods and the optimization of logistics handling.
Valuable findings
Data driven operation is a development that has really accelerated. In many different ways data are collected, from sensors on equipment to high resolution cameras on drones that generate images. A striking method is plant sensing.
This involves inserting a thin needle or probe into the stem of a plant, similar to an infusion, to measure parameters such as sap flow, moisture transport, nutrient uptake and temperature. The data and images are analysed and with the help of smart algorithms, the grower gains valuable insights to, for example:
- Refine the cultivation strategy.
- Optimising the moisture and nutrient uptake.
- Early detection of growth deviations and deceases.
A good example of this can be seen with the Croptimus solution from Fermata Technology. This image analysis technology helps growers detect pests and diseases in greenhouses early, which can reduce crop loss and increase efficiency. The technology works both through installed cameras and with smartphone images. According to the developers this reduces scouting, reduces crop loss by 30 percent and reduces resource consumption by a quarter. An innovative step forward for greenhouse horticulture.
Sustainability and data
An innovation that brings sustainability and data together is the data logger from the Dutch company Tapp. This data logger is made of recyclable materials and thus prevents electronic waste. Data loggers are indispensable for monitoring supply chains. These small devices are usually made of plastic and work electronically. Tapp introduced a new paper data logger at the fair, with which the company responds to both environmental challenges and operational requirements. Important data such as temperature and humidity are directly available via the smartphone, which simplifies quality control. The ink on the paper data logger acts like a battery.
Sorting, processing and packaging
Finally, we cannot ignore the power of the hardware. Now we enter the field of sorting, processing and packaging. With smart sorting robots, you as an entrepreneur are able to work in a much more customer-oriented way. You can serve specific markets that need a certain variety or size of potato, carrot or onion. Tolsma Grisnich from Emmeloord presented the Optica Q at Fruit Logistica, an optical sorting machine that achieves efficiency and – due to its large capacity – cost savings. Innovation from Dutch soil.
