Product Offerings
Product Categories:
agricultural machinery and equipment, cold chain logistics
Products:
Softripe® Ripening Chambers, Controlled Atmosphere (CA) Storage Systems
Frigotec GmbH, the developer behind the patented Softripe® technology, is a German-based innovator in controlled ripening systems and post-harvest cold storage engineering. Headquartered in Landsberg, Saxony-Anhalt, Frigotec has revolutionized the fresh produce industry through its breakthrough ripening platform Softripe®, which has been recognized for its efficiency, sustainability, and scientific precision in the treatment of tropical and climacteric fruits. The company provides turnkey solutions for industrial fruit processors, logistics providers, and retail distribution centers across Europe and beyond.
Core Business
Frigotec GmbH specializes in the research, development, manufacturing, and deployment of advanced ripening systems. Its core offering, the Softripe® system, is an intelligent fruit ripening chamber technology based on real-time gas monitoring and automated atmosphere control. The system is tailored for bananas, avocados, mangoes, kiwis, pears, and persimmons.
Frigotec’s mission is to modernize fruit ripening through:
- Data-driven ripening control
- Energy-efficient and climate-neutral systems
- Full process transparency and reproducibility
Beyond Softripe®, the company also engages in cold storage solutions, atmospheric control engineering, and post-harvest consulting.
Product and Service Offerings
Softripe® Ripening Systems
- Target Fruits: Bananas, avocados, mangoes, kiwis, pears, persimmons
- Technology Core:
- Monitors ethylene production, CO₂ and O₂ levels
- Automated air exchange, temperature, and humidity regulation
- Integrated process automation with self-learning algorithms
Cold Chain Engineering
- Design and construction of cold storage and ripening facilities
- Customizable modular chambers with Softripe integration
- Retrofit upgrades for existing ripening rooms
Services
- Turnkey installation
- Maintenance and remote monitoring support
- R&D support for ripening optimization
- Energy-efficiency consulting and carbon footprint reduction
Specialization and Core USP
Frigotec’s competitive edge lies in the proprietary Softripe® system, which is:
- AI-Driven: Uses a proprietary algorithm for real-time fruit maturation monitoring
- Self-Adaptive: Automatically adjusts conditions based on fruit responsiveness
- Sustainable: Achieves up to 30% energy savings compared to traditional systems
- Product-Optimized: Results in better fruit texture, taste, shelf life, and reduced shrinkage
- Award-Winning: Silver Innovation Award at Fruit Logistica 2019 in Berlin
Unlike traditional ripening chambers, Softripe® adapts to the biology of the fruit, delivering scientifically backed and reproducible ripening outcomes.
Financial Overview
While Frigotec is a privately held SME, industry data suggests:
- Softripe systems deployed in over 10 countries since 2018
- Over 100 Softripe chambers installed in Europe and North America
- Major clients include large retail logistics centers and fresh produce importers
- Ongoing partnerships with companies like Port International GmbH, Besseling Group, and Jansen Control Systems
The company has expanded its international footprint through licensing and co-development agreements, particularly in Western Europe and the UK.
International Projects and Deployments
- Germany: Deployed in logistics centers of leading German supermarket chains
- UK & Ireland: Adopted by UK fruit ripening specialists for bananas and avocados
- Benelux Region: Joint integration projects with Dutch partners in climate control
- Italy and Spain: Softripe adopted for Mediterranean-grown mango and kiwi
- Middle East and South America: Market expansion ongoing with system trials
Each system typically handles 20–50 tons per chamber, with scalability across multiple units. Full load cycles range from 24 to 72 hours, depending on the fruit.
Target Market
Frigotec serves a B2B clientele including:
- Fruit importers and distributors
- Retail logistics and ripening centers
- Banana and avocado exporters/importers
- Cold storage solution providers
- Post-harvest research institutes
Softripe® targets operations that require precision ripening and consistent quality for high-throughput supply chains.
Capabilities
- In-house R&D and engineering
- Manufacturing of modular ripening chambers
- On-site installation and calibration
- Remote diagnostic systems and software updates
- Integrated control panels and multilingual software interfaces
- Data logging and traceability for compliance and analytics
The system supports full integration with ERP and warehouse systems for centralized operational control.
Certifications and Compliance
Frigotec ensures compliance with European engineering and safety standards:
- CE Certified Equipment
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management (applies to design and manufacturing)
- Complies with HACCP guidelines for food-safe post-harvest environments
- Meets German energy efficiency regulations (EnEV)
The system architecture supports compliance with retailer-driven sustainability audits and carbon reporting frameworks.
Customer Testimonials
Though not widely published, installations have received industry praise for:
- “Reducing banana ripening time by up to 20% without compromising quality”
- “Delivering perfect avocado ripeness consistently and predictably”
- “Saving nearly €20,000/year in energy bills per 10-chamber facility”
Softripe is often cited in trade exhibitions and white papers as a category-defining technology in post-harvest innovation.
Major Achievements
- Softripe launched in 2018 after 7 years of R&D
- Winner of Fruit Logistica 2019 Silver Innovation Award
- Installed in over 100 commercial ripening chambers
- Partnered with Port International for carbon-neutral banana programs
- Named one of the top food tech innovations by Eurofruit Magazine
- First climate-controlled avocado ripening system deployed in Germany