A technology specialist is claiming success following consumer tests of its innovative equipment.

Sinclair IQ had conducted the tests on its SIQ-FT machine, a high speed machine that is designed to measure the firmness of individual fruit. The company claims that the machine emulates the consumer’s ‘squeeze test’ without causing any damage to the product, and said the results of consumer trials showed the machines methods to be effective.

Product manager Neil Winney said: “These trials show that our technology can simulate how consumers judge the quality of fruit, with firmness measurements matching consumer perceptions.”

He said the machine allows pack houses to increase efficiency and supply retailers with consistent quality fruit.