How data and AI are reshaping global fruit ripening by Interko – BIG interview with Chris Maat

Fruit ripening has shifted from being a largely experience-based craft to a data-driven, digitally managed process. So says global ripening room expert Interko, whose customers are now using its smart digital technology not just to operate rooms day-to-day, but to optimise fruit quality, achieve specific ripeness levels, reduce costs, and prepare for an AI-assisted future. 

From room control to strategic data asset 

Interko’s ripening rooms are equipped with multiple sensors that continuously measure temperature, CO₂, ethylene, and humidity – all tracked by thecompany’s innovative RipePilot control system, providing a precise view of the ripening process. 

Following a recent digital data network upgrade, RipePilot can now process larger and more complex datasets, consistently. This creates an even more accurate, fully logged picture of what happens inside each ripening room, offering clearer insights for management. 

“Beyond daily room management, operators are increasingly using this data for process optimisation, better decision-making, and performance improvement,” explains Interko Managing Director/Partner Chris Maat.  

“RipePilot’s integrated reporting function also delivers valuable insights into internal quality management, traceability, and power consumption, which, in turn, feeds into cost management.” 

Meeting sharper retailer demands 

This evolution of ripening technology supports retailer demand for ever more specific ripeness profiles across different fruit categories. 

Today, Interko’s RipePilot offers higher precision, greater flexibility, and more data-driven control than earlier generations.  

“Thanks to its fully digital architecture, RipePilot allows operators to apply fruit-specific programmes for bananas, avocados, and mangoes,” says Maat. “At the same time, users retain full flexibility through manual, calendar-based, or step-by-step control.” 

This combination of preset programmes and operator freedom helps ripeners match diverse retail specifications while responding to the realities of each batch. 

Managing variability in fruit condition 

Operators also need ripening strategies to be more adaptive and responsive than in the past, which can be achieved with data-driven technology.

One of the biggest operational challenges worldwide is the increasing variability in fruit condition on arrival at ripening centres.  

“Our RipePilot control system offers preset recipes for various types of fruits, but still allows the ripener to customise the settings manually,” notes Maat. 

“We encourage operators to enter initial product data for each batch, which improves visibility and traceability and enriches the dataset available for continuous improvement,” he continues.  

“This data-led approach ensures that every batch reaches the desired ripeness, even when the starting conditions of the fruit vary significantly.”  

The rise of at-source ripening 

At the same time, interest in at-source ripening is growing among exporters, driven by the added value it creates for local fruit producers and growers.  

“By ripening and processing fruit closer to its origin, growers become less exposed to short-term fluctuations in supply and demand in destination markets,” points out Maat. 

“Transforming fresh produce into ripened, processed, or even frozen products extends shelf-life, reduces waste, and improves the ability to handle market volatility.”  

Ultimately, this approach gives fruit exporters more options in how and when they serve their customers. 

Using data to strengthen quality performance 

As ripening technology expands the operator’s understanding and capability, far greater emphasis is being placed on using detailed data internally for quality management and improvement. 

“RipePilot enables operators to automate quality monitoring, track performance, and generate exportable reports for analysis, and this is becoming central to modern ripening operations,” says Maat.  

By linking ripening conditions with product quality outcomes, RipePilot helps operators understand which parameters drive consistent results.  

Over time, this connection between process data and quality performance forms the foundation for more systematic improvement and closer alignment with customer expectations. 

Towards AI-assisted ripening 

Looking ahead, Interko believes the next generation of ripening rooms will be shaped by AI-assisted ripening, automated decision-making, and advanced data processing.  

"By analysing datasets from large numbers of ripening rooms, AI will increasingly support decisions such as the optimal time to inject ethylene, adjusting parameters in real time, and forecasting how room conditions are likely to evolve through the cycle,” Maat explains. 

Already, RipePilot’s fully digital data network already enables the collection and processing of complex, consistent datasets that provide deeper insights into the ripening process.  

“AI-assisted ripening will build on this; combining human expertise with intelligent system support,” predicts Maat. “While fully automated ripening remains the ultimate goal, AI assistance is playing a crucial intermediate role in allowing businesses to adopt data-driven decision making gradually as they build confidence in the technology.

The benefit is smarter and more precise process control of the ripening process.” 

Next steps: hardware and algorithms 

Future development at Interko will focus strongly on digital innovation and product development.  

A key upcoming milestone for the Dutch company will be the launch of a newly redesigned ripening room cooler, engineered from the ground up around the digital data network.  

“Our next-generation cooler is designed to fully optimise advanced sensor integration, data connectivity, and energy efficiency; creating an ideal platform for further digital innovation,” reveals Maat. 

"In parallel, we are focusing on developing intelligent algorithms to power our AI-assisted ripening strategy,” he adds. “These algorithms will enable smarter decision making, tighter process control, and increasing levels of automation.” 

Together, the new hardware combined with AI capabilities will help Interko’s global ripening customers to move from reactive control to proactive, predictive management oftheir fruit ripening so they can better respond to a rapidly evolving global fruit market. 

To discover how digital ripening control and AI-assisted technology can support more precise fruit ripening, operators and exporters can inquire for a free consultation.