Kiwifruit post harvest supplier EastPack Limited says it is planning to spend $3 million on the latest optical grading systems for its Katikati and Edgecumbe packhouse operations.
EastPack acquired its Katikati packhouse following the company's merger in May with Satara, though it failed in a last-minute bid to derail its Katikati-based competitor Apata's merger with Aerocool earlier this month.
"We're really excited to deliver on our promise to our growers in Katikati that we would upgrade the packhouse following the merger," said EastPack chief executive Tony Hawken.
At both packhouses EastPack will be installing Compac InVision grader software, which uses LED lighting technology to discard any kiwifruit that has external blemishes, shape disorders, cuts or punctures, before they get to a team of graders.
The upgrades will also include a complete new bin tip system and an in-line sanitiser.