TOMRA Sorting NV, headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, is a global leader in sensor-based sorting and processing technology, primarily serving the food, recycling, and mining industries. A subsidiary of TOMRA Systems ASA, a publicly traded Norwegian company listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker: TOM.OL), TOMRA Sorting plays a pivotal role in optimizing resource productivity by delivering high-performance automated sorting systems.
Company Overview
Established as a cornerstone of TOMRA Group’s sustainability-driven mission, TOMRA Sorting NV has become a flagship innovator in optical sorting technology. With over 50 years of engineering heritage and a global footprint spanning more than 80 markets, TOMRA Sorting has continually invested in R&D to enhance quality control, efficiency, and yield in the food industry.
Core Business
TOMRA Sorting NV focuses on designing and manufacturing advanced sensor-based food sorting, steam peeling, and analytics equipment that streamline processing lines and ensure food safety. Their comprehensive solutions help eliminate foreign materials, detect subtle defects, reduce waste, and optimize yield across various food categories, including fresh produce, potatoes, fruits, nuts, and proteins.
Products and Services
TOMRA’s product offerings are categorized into multiple high-performance equipment lines:
-
Food Sorting Solutions:
- TOMRA 5B – Optical belt sorter for vegetables and frozen food
- TOMRA 5C – Precision sorter for nuts and dried fruits
- TOMRA 5S Advanced – Next-gen sorting for high-volume produce
-
Steam Peeling Systems:
- Orbit Steam Peeler
- Eco Steam Peeler – Recognized for up to 25% steam savings
-
Process Analytics:
- QVision Fat Analysis System – Real-time fat, protein, and moisture measurement
- TOMRA Insight – Cloud-based data platform for predictive diagnostics and operational control
-
Grading and Packing:
- Spectrim with LUCAi – AI-based blemish and color sorting
- Compac Packing Systems – High-speed grader packers for fruits
These solutions are designed for deployment in industries where performance, hygiene, and precision are critical.
Specialization and USP
TOMRA Sorting’s unique value proposition lies in its integration of AI and multispectral imaging for high-throughput precision sorting. The company’s LUCAi platform enhances defect detection using machine learning, while TOMRA Insight provides real-time monitoring to reduce downtime and improve ROI. Their steam peeling solutions are also industry leaders, capable of delivering up to 28% yield increase and significantly lower energy consumption.
Financials
TOMRA Group reported total revenues of NOK 12.2 billion (approx. $1.2 billion) for FY 2023, with TOMRA Food (which includes TOMRA Sorting NV) contributing NOK 3.5 billion (approx. $345 million). The food sorting division has demonstrated consistent growth with annual investment in R&D exceeding 8% of total segment revenue.
Shipment and Export Performance
TOMRA Sorting NV has a strong global export footprint, with equipment deployed in over 80 countries. According to trade data and company press releases:
- Over 12,800 food sorting units installed globally as of 2024
- Major exports to the U.S., China, India, Australia, and the EU
- High-performance sorters are regularly exported with average shipment values ranging from €100,000 to €500,000 per unit
TOMRA maintains advanced manufacturing and support hubs in Belgium, Slovakia, China, and New Zealand, ensuring high-capacity production and global distribution efficiency.
Target Market
TOMRA serves a diverse range of clients in:
- Fresh and Frozen Food Processing
- Fruit and Nut Processing
- Protein and Seafood Processing
- Snack and Confectionery Manufacturing
- Potatoes and Vegetables Industry
Their key clientele includes both mid-sized processors and multinational food corporations focused on maximizing yield, safety, and sustainability.
Capabilities
- AI-powered defect recognition and multi-sensor fusion
- Remote diagnostics and cloud-based monitoring
- Integration with plant-wide ERP and MES systems
- Full lifecycle support including installation, training, and predictive maintenance
- Sustainability-focused engineering to minimize food loss and energy use
Certifications and Compliance
- ISO 9001: Quality Management
- ISO 14001: Environmental Management
- CE Certified machinery compliant with EU safety standards
- Hygienic design in line with EHEDG guidelines
- FDA-grade contact materials for food safety
Customer Testimonials
TOMRA Sorting NV has received high praise from clients such as:
“TOMRA’s solutions helped us improve yield by 15% while maintaining top-grade quality in our export batches.” — Major Nut Processor, USA
“The 5C sorter eliminated more than 95% of defects in a single pass—our best investment in years.” — Dried Fruit Exporter, South Africa
Major Achievements
- Launched LUCAi, an AI-powered food inspection system in 2023, reducing false rejects by 30%
- Partnered with PepsiCo and McCain Foods for global deployment of sorting systems
- Named “Technology Company of the Year” at the European FoodTech Awards 2022
- Installed more than 600 Orbit Steam Peelers, saving over 12 billion liters of water annually
- Featured in leading exhibitions including Fruit Logistica, Pack Expo, and Anuga FoodTec
TOMRA Sorting NV continues to be at the cutting edge of food sorting technology, driving transformation through intelligent solutions that enable safer, more efficient, and more sustainable food production worldwide.
