Consumer preferences are increasing for fresh-cut strawberries

That fresh-cut strawberries are receiving great attention is nothing new. This was confirmed by Virginia Cascella, an expert in the field of machines for processing fruit and vegetables destined for the fresh-cut sector.

Melania Di Prisco (accounting department) and Virginia Cascella (export manageress)

"Our company designed the strawberry destalking machine mod. DF12 and DF24, to support not only food processing companies but also those operating in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors," said Cascella. "This machine is used to remove the petiole of the upper part of the fruit and, on request, performs its cutting in halves or fours. A careful operation for an extremely delicate fruit."

Strawberries with incoming petiole

The demand for specialized machinery to process this product, according to PND, is constantly increasing, and the company is perfectly capable of meeting it.

"Thanks to its innovative stainless-steel design, the machine makes it possible to reduce mechanical damage resulting from automated processing, as it uses a precision system for a clean cut in a short time. Perfected over time, the strawberry destalking machine mod. DF12 and DF24 allows for reduced waste, guaranteed within 10-12%, and is able to process strawberries of different diameters, ranging from 20 to 50 mm, simply by replacing the membrane supporting the fruit, that is, by making small interventions on the settings."

Strawberry destalking machine mod. DF12 and DF24

Another benefit not to be underestimated, in addition to its easy handling, maintenance, and cleaning, is the reduction in labor.

Processing takes place in four stages: loading, product alignment, de-peeling, and fruit ejection. The DF12 processes 300 fruits per minute with four operators, about 300 kg per hour. The DF24, on the other hand, can process 600 fruits per minute with eight operators, about 600 kg per hour.

Strawberries destalked and cut

"From the very first moment, we had great satisfaction in the results that this internationally appreciated machine has given us. So far, we have recorded sales of as many as 90 units in Spain, Mexico, the Netherlands, Great Britain, France, Australia, and Chile, in just six years," concluded Virginia Cascella.

"Our strength is our attention to the customer, who is supported from the design to the commissioning of the machine, with meticulous assistance that goes beyond any kilometer distance."