Sustainability, customer satisfaction, and ripening technology leadership: BIG Interview with Chris Maat, Interko

Since 1968, the trusted expert in ripening technology, Interko, has installed over 6,000 fruit ripening rooms worldwide for avocados, bananas, papayas, and mangoes. In this interview, we chat with Chris Maat, Interko's Managing Director/Partner, about the challenges of the ripening technology business, addressing sustainability concerns, and adjusting to the specific requirements of users, among other topics.

Fructidor: “Chris, could you please explain if there are specific considerations for adapting ripening room designs to different markets?“

Chris Maat: “The key to perfect fruit ripening lies in tailoring room designs to meet the unique requirements of both the customer and their target market. Firstly, we assess which fruits—be it bananas, avocados, mangoes, pears, kiwifruit, or stonefruit—or mixed loads will undergo ripening. Understanding the ripener's volume capacity, box and pallet sizes, and the fruit's journey from growth to transportation is crucial, as these factors impact the ripening process. Next, we analyze the end market—is it a supermarket, street market, or farmers' market? Additionally, we consider whether the fruit will be consumed fresh, fresh-cut, puréed, or frozen, which informs the desired ripeness, quality, and appearance levels. Other factors include the room's location—whether it's in the end market or the producing country—and whether it's a new construction or a retrofit within an existing space. Importantly, the room must fit the customer's available space, budget, and power supply. Moreover, we ascertain whether the customer seeks a turn-key solution, an automated room, or a traditional ripening room with full control. Armed with this information, we recommend the most suitable room from our range—Ultimo, Axesso, Optimo, or Mobilo—and customize it with the necessary controls, features, and accessories to help the ripener achieve their objectives. Every Interko ripening room is unique, tailored to accommodate multiple factors specific to each customer.“

Fructidor: “Are there challenges associated with meeting regulatory requirements in those regions?“

Chris Maat: “Compliance with regulatory requirements is standard practice for us and not deemed challenging. To simplify the global application of our technology, we select electrical components that adhere to major international regulations. In some regions, we must also adhere to local laws, such as earthquake building regulations.“

Fructidor: “How does Interko stay abreast of technological advancements in the fresh fruit ripening industry?“

Chris Maat: “Interko leads the way in global fresh fruit ripening technology, pioneering advancements like our exclusive Reverso fans and Ripe Pilot automatic controller. Our competitors follow our lead. For nearly 60 years, Interko has been at the forefront of innovation, driven by our founder, Dutch aeronautical engineer Cornelius Bolkestein. Our engineers continually push boundaries to develop innovative, cost-effective, and energy-efficient solutions, allowing us to address any challenge 99.9% of the time. We collaborate with universities, research bodies, and conduct market research in the Netherlands. Moreover, we heavily rely on customer feedback to drive constant improvements to our technology.“

Fructidor: “How do you stay competitive among other ripening technology providers?“

Chris Maat: “Interko's independence as a manufacturer gives us a competitive edge. Managing production in-house enables us to control costs and design. For instance, our engineering team consistently seeks ways to enhance efficiency, such as minimizing raw material usage and optimizing equipment packing for global delivery. Customer feedback is integral to our approach—we listen attentively to their needs, ensuring our technology meets their requirements while staying ahead of market demands. At our core, Interko focuses on efficiency, cost reduction, performance, and reliability, striving daily to minimize costs for customers through material selection and energy-efficient technology.“

Fructidor: “How do you address sustainability concerns in the design and operation of fruit ripening rooms?“

Chris Maat: “Sustainability is a top priority for Interko, reflected in our design and operational practices. Our rooms are designed to be energy-efficient and airtight, minimizing energy usage and CO2 emissions, thus reducing operating costs for customers. For example, our rooms operate one fan per pallet of fruit, minimizing air loss and unnecessary heating or cooling. Our REVERSO fans are exceptionally energy-efficient, using as little as 80 watts per pallet at full airflow. Additionally, our rooms are built to last, with robust construction and stainless steel components, ensuring longevity. From a product sustainability perspective, our technology optimizes ripening, extending product shelf-life and reducing food waste. We also provide guidance to customers on fine-tuning their ripening processes and transportation for optimal results and long-term sustainability.“

Fructidor: “What measures do you take to enhance the energy efficiency of your ripening rooms?“

Chris Maat: “Energy efficiency is a core focus for Interko, and our rooms are among the most energy-efficient in the world. Fundamental design features, coupled with ongoing testing and improvement by our engineers, contribute to their efficiency. Last year, we launched the second generation of our REVERSO reversible fans, which further reduced energy consumption, using as little as 80 watts of electricity per pallet. Additionally, our Ripe Pilot automated ripening controller optimizes the ripening process, leading to significant energy savings for customers.“

Fructidor: “Can you share examples of innovations driven by customer input or industry demands?“

Chris Maat: “Customer input and industry demands drive our innovation. For instance, our collaboration with Fyffes resulted in the design and construction of an extensive ripening center in Ireland. By replacing outdated rooms with ultra-energy-efficient Ultimo rooms, we helped Fyffes achieve sustainability goals, reduce operational costs, and minimize product waste. Our continuous improvement efforts, such as the development of Reverso 2.0 fans, demonstrate our commitment to meeting customer needs and advancing technology to address evolving industry demands. Additionally, we adapt our ripening rooms for use at the source, enabling growers and suppliers to reduce food waste by processing surplus or lower-grade fruit.“

Fructidor: “What is the most challenging for Interko today?“

Chris Maat: “Interko thrives on innovation and overcoming challenges. Current global trends against globalization, including conflicts and disruptions in the supply chain, present obstacles. However, our focus on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction drives us to navigate and adapt to these challenges effectively.“

If you run a fruit business and wish to upgrade to Interko's ripening technology, send your inquiry