GREEFA, headquartered in Tricht, Netherlands, is a global leader in the development, manufacturing, and supply of advanced grading and packing solutions for the fruit and vegetable industry. Since its establishment in 1940, the company has earned international acclaim for pioneering intelligent sorting technologies that enhance efficiency, quality control, and automation in post-harvest handling.
Company Background
GREEFA (short for "Groenten en Fruit Afzetorganisatie") originated as a growers' cooperative and evolved into a privately held company focused on high-tech post-harvest machinery. With over 80 years of expertise, the company today serves customers in more than 45 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
Its commitment to innovation is rooted in Dutch engineering precision and deep sectoral knowledge, particularly in apples, pears, citrus, kiwis, tomatoes, avocados, and peppers.
Core Business Activities
GREEFA specializes in the design, engineering, production, and installation of:
- Electronic sorting and grading machines
- Fruit and vegetable measuring systems
- Intelligent packing systems
- End-to-end logistical solutions for packhouses
The company offers complete turnkey solutions that combine optical technologies, automation, and data analytics to enable efficient post-harvest processing.
Product Portfolio
GREEFA offers one of the most comprehensive product lines in the industry. Their key product segments include:
Grading Machines
- GeoSort – Designed for apples and citrus with high-speed, gentle handling
- CombiSort – Suitable for various fruits, adaptable across different product types
- SmartSort – Specially made for delicate fruits like tomatoes and soft citrus
- EasySort – Entry-level solution for smaller operations
- QSort – High-speed sorting of round fruits
Measuring Systems
- iQS Pro – Advanced external quality system using multiple camera and lighting technologies
- iFA – Internal quality system using Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for fruit flesh analysis
- Weight, size, shape, color, curvature detection – Integrated in-line sensors with AI-driven calibration
Peripherals and Automation
- SmartPackr – Robotic packing system with vision-guided arm technology
- Automatic TrayPackr – For high-throughput tray packaging
- Infeed, pre-treatment, labeling and filling systems
- Internal logistics and bin handling
- Data analysis and dashboarding tools
GREEFA systems are modular, scalable, and tailored to each customer's production and space requirements.
Unique Selling Propositions
- In-House R&D and Manufacturing: All machines are developed and built at GREEFA’s facilities in Tricht, ensuring full control over quality and innovation.
- Fruit-Specific Engineering: Solutions optimized for different fruit characteristics and regional demands.
- AI & Optical Technologies: Implementation of deep learning, multispectral imaging, and precision sorting algorithms.
- Energy Efficiency: Machines are designed with sustainability in mind, reducing power consumption and mechanical wear.
- Global Support Network: Localized service and maintenance through partnerships and subsidiaries worldwide.
Financial and Operational Strength
GREEFA is privately owned, and while detailed financials are not publicly disclosed, industry sources indicate:
- Annual revenues exceeding €75 million (2023 est.)
- Export-driven business with over 85% of sales outside the Netherlands
- Installed base of over 3,500 machines globally
- 300+ employees including dedicated R&D, software, and automation specialists
The company continues to invest in product innovation and international market expansion.
Shipment and Export Records
Trade and industry data suggest GREEFA's equipment has been exported to key agricultural economies including:
- United States – Apple, citrus, and tomato packhouses
- Chile and Peru – Avocado and kiwifruit facilities
- India and China – Pomegranate and citrus operations
- New Zealand – Apple and kiwifruit automation
- South Africa – Citrus sorting for major exporters
Export shipments frequently include complete packline installations valued between €250,000 to €1.5 million per project, depending on customization and scale.
Target Market
GREEFA serves:
- Commercial fruit packhouses and cooperatives
- Exporters seeking high-speed and gentle fruit handling
- Agricultural technology distributors and integrators
- R&D facilities and breeding programs for sorting trials
Key sectors:
- Apples, pears, kiwis, tomatoes, citrus, peppers, avocados, and stone fruits
Capabilities
- Custom Engineering – Tailored solutions based on crop type, throughput needs, and plant layout
- Installation & Commissioning – Full-service deployment across continents
- Software Integration – Real-time data dashboards, traceability, and API integration with ERP systems
- Training & Support – On-site and remote training modules and ongoing service agreements
Certifications and Quality Standards
- ISO 9001 Certified
- CE Conformity for all European markets
- Global supplier partnerships with packhouse automation specialists
- Compliance with food-grade materials and hygiene protocols
All machines are built in compliance with EU safety, environmental, and manufacturing regulations.
Customer Testimonials
- “GREEFA’s GeoSort system transformed our packing operation. We’ve reduced waste by 18% and increased throughput by 35%.” – Packhouse Manager, Washington, USA
- “Their iQS Pro detection has helped us eliminate external defects with remarkable precision.” – Export Director, South Africa
Major Achievements
- Over 80 years of continuous innovation in post-harvest technology
- Recognized globally as a top-tier manufacturer of fruit sorting systems
- Developed proprietary AI-driven optical systems used in multiple continents
- Operates with global installations in over 45 countries, across all major fruit-producing regions
- Winner of several AgriTech innovation awards in Europe and North America
