Advanced reporting function marks major step forward for RipePilot users

Interko, one of the world’s leading designers and manufacturers of advanced fruit ripening rooms, has introduced a significant upgrade to its popular RipePilot automatic control system. The latest enhancement adds a comprehensive reporting function, designed to take traceability and monitoring to the next level.

Originally developed to meet the requirements of a major German fruit trading company, this new feature enables users to automatically generate a complete report covering every stage of the ripening cycle. The function allows operators to access detailed insights and maintain accurate records of their fruit’s progress, offering a level of precision and transparency that meets the expectations of quality-focused retailers.

According to Interko’s Managing Director and Partner, Chris Maat, this marks an important advancement for RipePilot. The technology now compiles all key data recorded during the ripening process into a single, structured document. For ripeners who previously relied on manual reporting, the new capability provides a clearer, more consistent overview by merging automated data with their own visual and quality checks. This enhanced traceability is especially valuable for suppliers working with strict retail specifications.

Since its launch in late 2022, RipePilot has established itself as a benchmark for automated ripening control. Driven by advanced sensors and an exclusive fail-safe mode, the system helps operators fine-tune every phase of the cycle to achieve optimal fruit quality, extended shelf life, and reduced energy consumption. It also contributes to lower product losses by maintaining stable and efficient conditions throughout ripening.

The technology’s popularity has grown rapidly. Today, RipePilot operates in more than 60 ripening facilities worldwide and is installed across over 300 Interko rooms. It can be pre-fitted or retrofitted within the company’s Ultimo, Optimo, Axesso, and Mobilo designs, offering flexibility for both new and existing operations.

Pre-cooling projects gain traction amid global cost challenges

As cost pressures continue to affect the fresh produce industry, efficiency has become a top priority for exporters and packers. Reflecting this trend, Interko has reported increasing demand for its modern pre-cooling rooms, designed to improve airflow, reduce dehydration, and shorten the cooling cycle.

In 2025, the company delivered a custom pre-cooling installation in Colombia for an avocado packer, as well as a multi-purpose cooling facility in Peru for a leading produce supplier. These projects make use of Interko’s Reverso fan system, which features a reversible airflow design that significantly enhances cooling capacity and overall performance.

Maat explained that many traditional pre-cooling rooms still rely on outdated fans that deliver limited cooling power and can contribute to fruit dehydration. By incorporating Interko’s high-efficiency technology, air circulation becomes far more consistent, ensuring faster cooling and better protection for sensitive fruit. This improvement translates into higher product quality, reduced weight loss, and greater energy savings during pre-shipment storage.

Following a successful restructure in 2024, Interko has entered 2025 with strong momentum. The company continues to expand its footprint across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, with notable growth in the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK. In addition to bananas, avocados, and mangoes, Interko is also providing tailored ripening and pre-cooling solutions for processed fruit, a category showing increasing potential in global markets.

Meet Interko at Fruit Attraction 2025

Interko will be offering complimentary consultations at Fruit Attraction 2025, taking place in Madrid from 30 September to 2 October. Visitors can meet the team in Hall 10, Stand 10A25, where the company will share a stand with Fresh Produce Instruments and Catalytic Generators.

The delegation will include Chris Maat (Managing Director & Partner), Narcís Guinart (Product Manager), Anna Zegveld (Sales Director), and Nova Smink (Junior Sales & Marketing Executive). The team will be available to discuss best practices and technologies for ripening, pre-cooling, and de-greening fruit efficiently and sustainably.

The company invites all stakeholders — from ripeners and importers to retailers and processors — to learn how its energy-saving technologies can improve product quality while reducing operational costs.

Those wishing to explore Interko’s latest innovations or discuss tailored solutions for ripening and pre-cooling can schedule a meeting in advance with the team at Fruit Attraction.