Since 2021, cherry processors have had this new state-of-the-art technology that separates the stems from the fruit without damaging the product..
The traditional cherry stem cutter subjects the product to a series of teeth, blades and guards that can damage a large percentage of the fruit. This problem is especially worrying with more delicate, thin-skinned cherries, such as Rainier, but affects all varieties. As a result, the value of the crop can be reduced, and it may not meet certain market requirements by shortening its shelf life.
Until now, it was impossible to avoid this economic loss. But the launch of the new Cascade Singulator has put an end to this problem. The TOMRA Food team in New Zealand designed and developed a pedicel separating machine that features a gentle conveying method and improved pedicel separation.
While traditional corers push the product against the blades, significantly increasing the risk of nicks and scratches, the Cascade Singulator slows the cherries using a non-motorized water system that reduces the flow between each separation bank.
For higher quality separation, the Cascade Singulator aligns the cluster center to achieve a clean and even separation without risk of damaging the cherries. This new Cascade Singulator method improves the placement of the separation that joins the cherries.
Tests have shown that TOMRA Food achieves a separation efficiency of 99 % (no double cherries entering the sorter). Furthermore, approximately 90 % of these cherries are separated as close to the pedicel as possible with the point of attachment to the fruit, if not at the exact natural point.
“The development of the Cascade Singulator’s unique design began with extensive research into the problems associated with bumps and scratches caused by traditional methods, and to offer a technology that could be simpler and reduce costs. Consulting with cherry industry experts from around the world, we were looking for a solution that would ensure gentle handling and respect the individual value of each cherry,” says Benedetta Ricci Iamino, Global Category Manager for Cherries at TOMRA Fresh Food.
“This new technology not only improves the quality of the separation while ensuring greater reliability and consistency of product quality, but also ensures fewer operating hours and lower maintenance costs. Our customers will no longer need to rely on skilled workers to constantly adjust the separator during the cherry campaign depending on the different varieties, and will reduce the operating hours needed to change blades and bearings during maintenance tasks,” adds Benedetta.
