Unitec S.p.A. is a global leader in the design and production of innovative technologies for the sorting, grading, and quality control of fresh fruits and vegetables. Headquartered in Lugo (Ravenna), in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, Unitec has been setting standards in the agri-industrial automation sector for nearly a century, serving over 70 countries with precision-engineered solutions.
Company Overview
Founded in 1924, Unitec S.p.A. specializes in integrated and automated systems that enhance the efficiency, quality, and profitability of post-harvest fruit and vegetable processing. With a firm commitment to innovation, Unitec has introduced pioneering optical sorting technologies and robotics systems that revolutionize how produce is handled after harvesting.
Through subsidiaries and engineering centers in the U.S., Chile, France, Spain, Turkey, South Africa, Australia, Argentina, Russia, and Canada, Unitec maintains a strong international presence and direct engagement with local markets.
Core Business
Unitec’s business is centered on:
- Designing and manufacturing sorting, grading, and packing systems for fresh produce
- Delivering custom-engineered solutions based on fruit type, customer need, and regional demand
- Integrating AI-driven vision systems and robotic automation to improve sorting accuracy and efficiency
- Providing after-sales technical support and digital service tools worldwide
Product Offerings
1. Sorting & Grading Machines
- Tailored to more than 50 types of fruits and vegetables, including:
- Apples, Blueberries, Cherries, Oranges, Plums, Kiwis, Pomegranates, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Lemons, and more
- Sort by external defects, internal quality, size, color, and weight
2. Vision Systems
- Cherry Vision 3.0: Detects defects with ultra-high-definition optics
- Blueberry Vision 3: Offers 360° fruit scanning for internal and external quality assessment
- Pear Vision, Apple Vision, Citrus Vision, Tomato Vision, and others designed for specific crops
- Systems use machine learning algorithms for real-time classification
3. UNI Robotics
- Robotic packing solutions that automate crate and tray packing, reducing manual labor
- Fully integrated with grading systems for seamless post-sorting automation
4. Digital Platforms
- Remote diagnostics, maintenance scheduling, and performance optimization tools
- Integration with ERP systems for end-to-end production data tracking
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
- Fruit-specific technology: Each system is uniquely optimized for a specific type of produce
- Over 100 patents registered globally for proprietary technologies
- Offers 0% damage rate sorting for sensitive fruits like blueberries and cherries
- Data-driven systems for traceability, quality assurance, and yield analysis
- Custom engineering capabilities for turnkey plant installations
Global Market Presence
- Operates in more than 70 countries
- Over 1,800 installations worldwide
- Regional service centers across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Oceania
- Market leaders in premium fruit markets like the U.S., Italy, Spain, Chile, and South Africa
Financial and Industry Impact
While Unitec is a privately held company and does not publicly disclose full financials, industry insights and export data reflect:
- Annual Revenue Estimate: Over €120 million
- Year-over-year growth: 15% CAGR driven by demand for high-efficiency grading solutions
- Clients include leading fresh produce exporters and packing houses
- Participates in major international trade shows including Fruit Logistica (Berlin) and Macfrut (Italy)
Target Market
Unitec serves:
- Fruit and vegetable producers/exporters
- Post-harvest processing centers
- Cooperatives and agribusinesses seeking automation and quality control
- Packing houses focused on reducing waste and improving classification accuracy
Capabilities
- In-house R&D department with multi-disciplinary engineering teams
- Custom-built machinery for client-specific applications
- Rapid deployment and commissioning globally
- Real-time tech support through remote diagnostics and international service teams
- Production scalability from small cooperatives to large industrial facilities
Certifications and Standards
- ISO 9001-certified manufacturing processes
- CE-certified machinery in compliance with EU machinery directives
- Compliant with international food safety and hygiene standards
- Systems designed for integration with Industry 4.0 platforms
Recognitions and Industry Involvement
- Awarded for innovation at Fruit Logistica Innovation Awards
- Regularly featured in global agri-tech journals and fresh produce conferences
- Recognized by leading fruit associations for improving sorting precision and reducing post-harvest losses
Testimonials
Unitec technologies are trusted by global leaders in the fresh produce sector, with clients reporting:
- 30–50% reduction in labor costs after automation
- Up to 95% grading accuracy compared to manual sorting
- Enhanced shelf life and market acceptance due to damage-free processing
Achievements
- Developed the first fully automated sorting system for blueberries with internal quality inspection
- Deployed customized sorting lines for over 50 different fruit types
- Partnered with global exporters to scale from manual to automated post-harvest systems
- Delivered complete turn-key packing lines to top 10 fruit exporters in Italy, Spain, and the U.S.
Unitec S.p.A. continues to lead the evolution of agricultural post-harvest technology through innovation, precision engineering, and global service excellence, empowering fruit growers and distributors to meet the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and traceability.
