New Zealand produce-sorting machine maker Compac Sorting Equipment will receive a NZD 3.7 million (US$ 2.78 million) government grant to develop a new, high-speed sorting and grading machine for delicate and irregularly shaped fruit, the government announced last week.

Compac Sorting Equipment is developing a machine to sort delicate and irregular fruit.

The Auckland-based company will match the grant, which will be released over 30 months, Minister of Research, Science and Technology Wayne Mapp said in a news release.

"R&D is the point of difference that gives firms the edge they need in a competitive global marketplace," Mapp said.

Compac sorting equipment operates in more than 20 countries, according to the firm’s website.

Apples, avocados, stone fruit, citrus and kiwi are among the fruits its equipment handles, the company website says.

Photo: Compac Sorting Equipment

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com