CMI unveils advanced pear-packing technology

CMI Orchards introduced new pear-packing technology with strong benefits to retailers and consumers. Its recent expansions on the technology used to pack, market and sell pears is something the company has been working toward for a while.

“CMI always pushes for innovation,” said CMI’s Sarah Barkley, domestic sales and pear lead, “and we’re really excited to see our hard work come to fruition.”

Among the innovations being developed and expanded is a new vent pattern, which provides efficiency at the warehouse level. “Most of the steps of pear packing are manual; the shape of pears can prove a challenge when it comes to automating the process at all, so any effort to modernize reduces cost,” said Barkley. “This new vent pattern helps streamline the process, as well as improving airflow — which is crucial to control temperatures and retain moisture both on the packingline and through the ripening process.”

Any reduction of steps in the packing process reduces cost, she said, and this new vent pattern will be eliminating an entire step.

Barkley said the implementation of SmartHarvest mobile ripening units is another exciting step in CMI’s ever-developing processes. “Empowering our customers to confidently understand the ripeness of their fruit, and having influence over the ripening process, ensures that retailers are going to get more bang for their buck,” said Barkley. “With this development, retailers can offer their customers pears that are at optimal ripeness at point of purchase and ensure the best and most consistent eating quality at home, capturing repeat customers and boosting sales in the produce department.”

This is the newest technology that retailers can access, she said: “Any opportunity we have to be at the frontier of research and development for pears, we take. That’s the sort of innovation we provide for our customers, too.”