JBT’s range of high-speed labelers and high quality wax coatings are finding increasing favor with fresh produce growers and exporters across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, thanks to an emphasis on reliability, accuracy and suitability for long transit. This was one of the key findings from JBT’s appearance at Fruit Logistica 2018 in February, which JBT is aiming to develop further at upcoming shows later in the year.

Looking back on JBT’s participation at Fruit Logistica 2018, which took place in Berlin, Germany’s Messe Berlin conference center, JBT Global Product Line Director for Fresh Produce Technologies John Siddle said the success at the show provided a strong platform for the rest of the year.

(l-r) JBT’s John Siddle, Robert Goetz, Kalid Saou and Francisco Peris

“We had a good show and obtained several solid leads, which we are in the process of turning into sales,” he recalls. “Fruit Logistica is always a good show for us because we’re growing in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.”

Siddle says visitors to the JBT booth showed particular interest in two products that are well suited to the needs of fruit and vegetable producers and exporters – the G3 Labeler and the Endura-Fresh (9000 and QDP) line of coatings.

Effective solutions
A high-speed produce labeler that is capable of handling 13 pieces of fruit a second, the G3 Labeler also has an accuracy rate of over 95%, putting it well above many rival systems currently available.

JBT’s range of wax coatings for fruits has also attracted attention at produce events thanks to a capacity to maintain products in optimum appearance even after long periods in transit.

Endura-Fresh 9000 is a natural coating that is allowed in all areas of the world, and is JBT’s best-performing coating for long trade transit in terms of arrivals appearance and quality. The coating is notable for its superior weight loss control and shine even over long distances.

Endura-Fresh Quick Dry Poly (QDP), which is a polyethylene-based coating, is a more cost effective option for countries where the material is permitted. Also capable of effectively preserving fruit during long journeys, QDP has recently increased its market share in both South Africa and Europe.

Overall a successful show, Siddle added that JBT’s appearance at Fruit Logistica had provided a strong base to build on for produce fairs later in the year, notably Fruit Attraction 2018, which takes place in Madrid, Spain from October 23-25.