BIG interview: Piotr Nitychoruk on why small packhouses need smarter fruit sorting

Labour shortages, inconsistent grading, fruit damage during handling, and rising retailer standards are putting growing pressure on packhouses, especially smaller operations that cannot justify large industrial sorting lines.

Green Sort says many growers still struggle with sorting systems that are either too expensive, insufficiently precise, or poorly adapted to real packhouse conditions where fruit quality, humidity, and operating pace constantly change throughout the season.

In this interview, Fructidor speaks with Piotr Nitychoruk, Sales and Marketing Director at Green Sort, about the main weaknesses growers report with existing sorting equipment, how AI and infrared analysis are improving fruit quality control, and why automation and gentler fruit handling are becoming increasingly important for modern packhouse operations.

What problem does Green Sort actually solve for fruit growers in day-to-day packhouse operations?

Green Sort solves the problem of manual, time-consuming, and inconsistent fruit sorting in packhouse operations by automating the process. It provides high accuracy in detecting defects and fruit quality, improving consistency of results. It also reduces mechanical damage thanks to gentle handling within the system. Additionally, it is well suited for small and medium-sized farms, improving overall work comfort and ergonomics.

How much of your technology is shaped by real orchard and packhouse conditions rather than controlled testing environments?

Our technology is largely shaped by real conditions in orchards and packhouses, where fruit quality, humidity, and operating pace constantly vary. Controlled test conditions are mainly used to verify and refine solutions. This approach ensures the systems are designed to perform reliably in real, not ideal environments.

What is the most common weakness growers report with sorting equipment before switching to Green Sort?

Price and lower precision of vision systems.

In a market full of optical sorting and AI claims, where does Green Sort deliver a clear operational advantage?

The Green Sort system stands out primarily due to its compact and simplified design, making it more affordable and well-suited for small and medium-sized farms, unlike large and expensive sorting lines. A key advantage is its advanced optical analysis supported by artificial intelligence, which evaluates not only size and color but also defects and characteristics such as softness or signs of spoilage, including the use of infrared imaging. Additionally, the system is “self-learning,” meaning it can be adjusted to specific types of fruit and user requirements, which increases sorting accuracy over time. Another important distinguishing feature is its gentle fruit handling system, which minimizes damage and improves the final product quality.

How are quality and data expectations changing for small and mid-size producers supplying retailers and exporters?

Requirements are increasing, but we are keeping up with them. We always strive to stay aligned with our customers’ evolving needs.

Beyond size and colour, which quality parameters matter most to buyers today?

Key for customers beyond size and color are primarily defects and external fruit quality, which the system can precisely detect thanks to optical analysis. Also important are softness and signs of spoilage, which in the case of certain fruits (e.g., blueberries) are assessed using cameras and infrared technology. Additionally, batch uniformity and consistency are significant, as they affect dessert-grade quality and the organization of further distribution.

Which fruit is currently the hardest to sort accurately, and why?

We try not to limit ourselves to a single fruit type and continuously improve on many levels. Our systems are self-learning AI-based machines, and we started using this technology over 10 years ago. The machine learns from each individual fruit, continuously improving its accuracy and performance over time.

How does being based in Poland influence the way you design, test, and price your machines?

It has no impact. We are located in the center of Europe, and today the world is so connected that we can reach any market. Our machines are already used all over the world.

Can improved sorting genuinely reduce food waste at packhouse level, or does it mainly shift losses further along the chain?

Yes, improved sorting can genuinely reduce food waste at the packhouse level.

What is the next practical improvement in fruit sorting that growers will notice first?

The next practical improvement in fruit sorting that growers will notice first will be further development of our packing systems and the automation of unloading processes, including increased use of robotics.

Growers and packhouses interested in improving sorting accuracy, reducing fruit damage, and automating operations can request a free consultation today.