Azcaval, a well-known player in the field of fruit packaging solutions, is focusing on innovation to meet the growing demand for efficiency, automation, and sustainability in the global market.
“With the introduction of new technologies and specific solutions for delicate fruits such as blueberries, cherries, and stone fruit, Azcaval is paving a development path that could radically change how fruit is packaged globally,” says Pedro Azcárate, the company’s sales manager. “With a global market that is increasingly dynamic and competitive, we are ready to contribute to the sector’s evolution by implementing new technologies and strategies that will shape the future of fruit packaging.”
Belt-80 and Automation
A concrete example of what the company means is the Belt-80, an advanced solution for packaging cherries, cherry tomatoes, and stone fruit. Launched at the end of 2024, this technology has already received great feedback from the market.
“The Belt-80 is designed to increase speed and precision, while minimizing the risk of damaging the fruit,” Azcárate emphasizes. “With the integration of advanced automation systems, we can support our clients in managing high volumes and maintaining consistent quality in packaged products.”
The Belt-80 not only optimizes productivity, but also helps reduce dependency on manual labor, addressing one of the main challenges in the industry.
Small Fruits on the Rise
The market for small fruits, especially blueberries, is experiencing exponential growth. The cultivated area and consumption are increasing rapidly, along with the demand for more efficient packaging solutions. On this topic, Pedro Azcárate states: “Blueberries are becoming a global commodity, and this brings significant challenges for producers and packers. Our technology is designed to quickly adapt to new demands, reducing waste and optimizing packaging formats to meet this growing demand.”
“Challenges related to unpredictable weather conditions, high production volumes, and increasingly stringent quality standards are at the core of Azcaval’s strategies,” he adds. “Our technological solutions, such as real-time monitoring and data analysis, enable producers to tackle these obstacles efficiently.”
Sustainability and Globalization
With the expansion of berry-producing areas, countries like Peru, South Africa, Mexico, and Morocco are becoming key players in exports. Market evolution requires solutions that not only enhance efficiency but also address growing concerns about sustainability. Pedro Azcárate explains: “Sustainability regulations are becoming increasingly strict. For this reason, we have optimized our machines to handle eco-friendly packaging formats, using recyclable and biodegradable materials to support our clients in their transition toward a greener market.”
In this context, blueberries have gone from being a niche product to a daily food staple, accessible to a wider audience, leading to a demand for greater consistency and quality in every package.
Versatility and Automation
Looking ahead, Azcaval is focusing on three fundamental pillars: technological innovation, global expansion, and adaptability. Labor shortages, combined with high turnover on packaging lines, are a daily challenge for producers. “We are developing increasingly user-friendly and more automated solutions. Our goal is to reduce dependency on manual labor and offer solutions that can easily adapt to different formats, materials, and fruit varieties,” says Azcárate.
Expansion into the European, Latin American, and North American markets is a strategic priority for Azcaval. The company is working with large exporters and regional producers to offer customized solutions tailored to the specific needs of different markets.
Macfrut 2025
This year, Azcaval is strengthening its presence in the Italian market by once again participating in Macfrut 2025, a key event for the fruit and vegetable sector. Italy is in fact a key market for Azcaval, where the company has built strong relationships with potential customers. “Macfrut is a crucial opportunity to interact directly with our Italian clients and to showcase our innovative solutions, which are appreciated for their precision and efficiency in packaging processes,” concludes Pedro Azcárate.
Berry AreaThis article is part of a series dedicated to Berry Area in co-operation with Macfrut 2025. This content is in support of the event which will take place May 6-8, 2025 in Rimini Expo Centre, where the Berry Area stands as a reference point for all those seeking innovative solutions for the production and marketing of berries. 👉 Learn more about the Berry Area at this link. |
