Root vegetable supplier Alan Bartlett and Sons has invested £1m in new grading technology to boost the efficiency of its carrot packing.

The Concept Tri-Plus optical sorters were installed at its Chatteris site last week and will be used to grade mainline and Chantenay carrots. They would ensure the site operated “to industry-leading standards”, said commercial director Terry Hawthorn. “The investment is a further demonstration of our desire to lead the way in roots production in all aspects of the supply chain.”

Since going live last week, the graders had already led to improved efficiency, greater consistency in quality and reduced costs, he added.