High-tech for berries: AI enters blueberry post-harvest

Optimizing post-harvest efficiency and blueberry packaging is one of the main goals for producers of this berry. With the aim of providing blueberry industry stakeholders a technological tool to meet an increasingly competitive market, Maf Roda Agrorobotic—a French multinational with over 100 years of experience in designing and manufacturing automation solutions for the fresh produce industry—has launched new software for blueberry quality analysis that uses AI to improve classification and make it more precise.

"Our blueberry processing line, which also includes Berryscan G7 and Insight," said Maria Cabello Cardenas, Global Marketing Manager at Maf Roda, to Italian Berry, "analyzes both internal and external defects in blueberries during processing."

The multi-format automatic filler, adaptable to different types of packaging and to be presented at Macfrut, is particularly careful with the delicacy of the blueberries and in preserving their bloom. "At Maf Roda, we offer a complete blueberry solution that integrates various technologies."

Presence at Macfrut 2025

Maf Roda will be present at Macfrut (May 6–8, 2025), in the Berry Area, to showcase the latest innovations in its blueberry processing line: "Macfrut has always been a key trade show for us, and the Berry Area is an additional reason to attend. Blueberries are a strategic product for us, and we truly believe we can offer strong solutions to blueberry producers."

"Our goal at Macfrut," said Maria Cabello Cardenas during the interview with Italian Berry, "is to showcase our advanced technologies in sorting, classification, and packaging to help producers become more efficient and deliver higher quality to the consumer."

During the upcoming edition of the Rimini trade fair, the Berry Area will host key players from the berry supply chain: "We’ll be satisfied if we manage to strengthen our relationships with existing clients and build new ones. Our main objective is to engage stakeholders."

Needs and Technologies

Maf Roda has identified the specific needs of those working with blueberries, as explained by Maria Cabello Cardenas: "The main challenges they face are the variability in fruit quality, the need to minimize damage during handling, and the need to optimize and streamline packaging to reduce costs."

"Correctly classifying the fruit helps because they get an output consistent with what consumers expect. Blueberry consumers want what we all want when we go to the supermarket: freshness, quality, the right color, uniformity in the basket, and a pleasant flavor. Our technology guarantees these results."

The BERRYSCAN G7 now uses artificial intelligence, making the system easier and more intuitive to use: "The new AI-powered software is very easy for operators, so we’ve improved the user experience and operators can be independent right from the start," added Maria Cabello Cardenas.

Automation and Markets

Among the challenges faced by those who grow and market blueberries is the shortage of labor, especially skilled labor. BERRYSCAN G7 is capable of classifying blueberries using multispectral cameras, assessing shape, color, diameter, and identifying other external defects.

It can also assess firmness or softness. The blueberries are rotated 360°, providing a complete view. "In Italy, there has been a steady growth in the blueberry market in recent years, both for domestic consumption and export."

This has driven demand for advanced post-harvest technology. Labor costs in Italy are high (around €15–20/hour), so there is a strong need to reduce them and automate processes."

With BERRYSCAN G7 and INSIGHT, blueberry classification is comprehensive: "Thanks to NIR technology, we can obtain information on the Brix level. This is a crucial metric for exporters, as blueberries continue to ripen and sometimes need to reach distant markets. It can take up to two months before they’re consumed."

Focus on Packaging

Completing a system designed to optimize post-harvest blueberry processing is the packaging component. At the Rimini fair, the French company is presenting something new: "With our multi-format automatic filler," continued Cabello, "which reduces handling and is directly connected to the grader, blueberries are treated as delicately as possible to preserve the bloom that protects the fruit and signals quality."

Maf Roda is present with its complete blueberry processing line in virtually every market where this berry is grown, and is now looking toward emerging countries: "We are active in Europe, North and South America, but also in South Africa and Asia, particularly China. Markets like Egypt, India, Australia, and even Rwanda are of great interest to us."

"The demand for post-harvest technology is growing rapidly in India, where we are working closely with our local team. We closely monitor all potentially interesting markets," concluded Maria Cabello Cardenas, Global Marketing Manager at Maf Roda.

Barbara Righini

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