Sorma Group is a multinational engineering and manufacturing leader based in Cesena, Forlì-Cesena, Italy. Established in 1973, the company specializes in the development of automated technologies for the post-harvest processing, sorting, weighing, packaging, and labeling of fresh fruits and vegetables. With a strong global presence and innovation-driven mission, Sorma Group provides fully integrated solutions for the fresh produce supply chain, emphasizing operational efficiency, food safety, and sustainable packaging.
Core Business
Sorma Group’s core operations span:
- Design and production of high-tech machinery for post-harvest automation
- Development of sustainable, high-performance packaging materials
- Integration of software and artificial intelligence into optical sorting and weighing systems
- Customization and turnkey installation of packinghouses
- R&D for recyclable and compostable packaging formats
Product and Service Offerings
Sorma Group offers a complete range of solutions for fresh produce packers, including:
Machinery and Technology:
- Optical Sorting Machines – Multi-spectral vision systems to detect defects, size, shape, and color.
- Weighing and Grading Systems – High-precision electronic weighers and graders.
- Automated Packaging Lines – Integrated flow-packing, net-bagging, and clamshell tray machines.
- Labeling and Tracking Systems – Fully automated traceability and barcode/QR labeling solutions.
Packaging Materials:
- Sormapaper – 100% recyclable paper-based packaging line.
- Sormapeel – Lightweight, recyclable composite paper/film packaging that reduces plastic by up to 70%.
- Paper Vertbag – Eco-packaging with a vertical design for better display and branding.
- Nets and Films – Technical mesh bags, film rolls, and other packaging consumables for high-speed lines.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Sorma Group is globally recognized for:
- End-to-End Integration – Offers both packaging machines and proprietary consumable materials.
- Sustainability Focus – First in Europe to provide recyclable, compostable, and eco-friendly packaging at scale.
- Global Reach – Operations in over 80 countries, with 10 subsidiaries and 40+ distributors worldwide.
- In-house R&D – Over 60 patented innovations in post-harvest machinery and packaging technology.
- Custom Engineering – Tailored installations based on crop type, volume, and customer logistics.
Financials
Though Sorma Group is privately held, publicly reported data and industry sources provide insight:
- Estimated Annual Revenue: €150M–€200M
- Employees: 800+ across global facilities
- Manufacturing Sites: 11 production plants located in Italy, Spain, Germany, and France
- Export Share: Over 70% of total output shipped to international markets
Target Market
Sorma Group serves a wide range of stakeholders within the fresh produce industry:
- Fruit and vegetable packers
- Agri-cooperatives and growers
- Supermarket and retail private label suppliers
- Cold chain logistics firms
- Sustainability-focused produce brands
Capabilities
- Mechanical & Electrical Engineering – Custom-built equipment for high-speed, low-error processing.
- Optoelectronics and AI Vision Systems – Integrated artificial intelligence for quality grading.
- Packaging Material Innovation – Proprietary blends of recyclable film, mesh, and biodegradable substrates.
- Global After-Sales Support – Technical teams stationed in regional hubs for machine servicing and upgrades.
Certifications and Compliance
Sorma Group complies with leading international standards:
- ISO 9001 – Quality management systems
- BRC Packaging and Packaging Materials
- CE Certification – Machinery safety conformity
- Material Compliance – EU and FDA food-contact regulations
- Eco-certifications – Packaging solutions meeting recyclability and compostability standards (CIC, Aticelca, TÜV Austria)
Shipment Records
As a machinery and packaging material exporter, Sorma Group regularly ships:
- Post-harvest equipment to Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia
- Packaging materials to over 80 countries
- Turnkey packinghouse systems with installation and staff training
Recognitions and Achievements
- First European group to offer fully recyclable and compostable fruit packaging lines
- Winner of Fruit Logistica Innovation Awards
- Named strategic supplier to major global retail chains for sustainable packaging
- Partnered in EU-funded programs for plastic reduction and smart agriculture
Customer Testimonials
Sorma Group maintains long-term partnerships with some of the largest produce packers and retailers across Europe, North America, and Asia. Industry feedback consistently highlights:
- High ROI from automation
- Exceptional precision in defect sorting and sizing
- Operational uptime and service quality
- Brand differentiation via innovative eco-packaging formats