News release: Fachaux cherry grading equipment arrives on the Australian market

For the cherry season 2007-2008, Fachaux, a France-based company, sold its flagship equipment to one of the largest cherry growers in Australia. The equipment has received several awards for innovation and Fachaux holds a global patent on the system.

Indeed, the machine uses a fruit-friendly water-based system to separate cherries in cluster. Unlike with other mechanical processes, the stems are not cut halfway, but naturally separated at the junction, ready for singular size or colour grading of the cherry. This process improves the aspect of the end produce (long green stem), and dramatically reduces the surface pitting compared to traditional cluster cutter (main reason for pitting during grading and packaging operations according to a study published by the Washington State University, USA).

Leading cherry growers in the world (Canada, Chile, France, Spain, USA) have adopted the technology since its launch in 2001. Fachaux is confident that more Australian growers will follow suit next season.

More details on the equipment: Water hydraulic cherry cluster separator