PND, een Italiaans bedrijf dat tot de meest innovatieve behoort in de productie en marketing van fruitverwerkingsmachines, heeft een interessante nieuwe mijlpaal bereikt met de verwerving van een nieuwe internationale markt. PND's sales manager Valerio De Caro vertelt ons hierover.

"After a long negotiation, our company managed to close a remarkable contract for a frozen fruit company in Central Asia," said De Caro. "Specifically, in Kazakhstan, where we installed a strawberry processing plant. The latter includes as many as six machines and processes about three tons of fruit per hour. The gauging unit, placed upstream, enables to process strawberries of different diameters, ranging from 20 to 50 mm, by simply replacing the fruit support membrane, thus making small interventions to the settings. This is where our innovation lies."

Thus, the month of May has been exceedingly fruitful for the company, as it has repaid for the hard work in the strawberry sector, which has seen a significant increase, especially in the fresh-cut segment. But will there be more after this first installation?

"After the company's achievement in Asia, I am happy to announce that in July we will proceed with the installation of a new plant, of the same type, this time in China, for a large French group that operates in the compote and jam sector. In the same month, the company will be moving to Australia for a new installation, where our strawberry processing machines will once again take center stage."

"We are specifically talking about the model DF12 and DF24 stem removing machine," the manager continued, "which was designed specifically for this fruit and designed to reduce manual labor without compromising on its gentle processing. The device removes the green apical part of the strawberry and, upon request, performs the cutting in half or four of the fruit, ensuring an excellent yield in a short time and without mechanical damage. The two models have many similarities and differ in production capacity and usage of manpower. The DF12 processes 300 fruits per minute with 4 operators, about 300 kg per hour; the DF24, on the other hand, can process 600 fruits per minute with 8 operators, about 600 kg per hour. The operators manually load the fruit into the units, the cutting heads de-stem the strawberries and perform the cutting; the finished product is collected on a belt conveyor and the product then goes on its way to packaging or storage."

PND has managed to win the trust of both industry technicians and customers, who recognize its machinery as irreplaceable tools.

"Relying on us means receiving personalized assistance," concluded the interviewee. “Customer care, in fact, is fast and effective and covers every latitude of the world. All consumable spare parts and routine maintenance components are always available quickly. By being able to provide high quality products and dedicated attention, in a competitive and increasingly globalized market context, is an added value that makes the difference."

PND's next international trade shows are set for 23 to 26 July 2023 at FOODPRO, Australia, at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, stand L38.

The interest in fresh and processed pineapple is constantly increasing. PND, a company specializing in machinery for fruit processing and in the development of advanced systems for fresh-cut and processed product businesses, provides answers for this segment. Export manager Virginia Cascella, explained that "clients from all over the world kept asking for a solution to process pineapples that made it possible to obtain cylinders, rings, wedges and chunks. The demand for solutions for the fresh, frozen and dehydrated pineapple market has been increasing a lot over the past few years."

"We immediately replied with our PINCYL8 model, an extremely compact manual-loading machine measuring 1.5x1.5m and capable of processing 14/16 fruits per minute. We grouped all pineapple processing procedures in a single machine capable of guaranteeing high productivity, reliability, robustness, sanitization and maintenance also in post-production. Operators load the fruits and the machine proceeds with the placement, coring and cutting into cylinders. Then the fruits can be cut into rings, wedges or chunks depending on the client's needs."

The Italian company produces two pineapple processing machines, PINCYL8 and PL2D, which boast a similar production capacity. The semi-automatic cutting and coring PINCYL8 machine was created approximately three years ago, while the other model has been available all over the world for the past 14 years and, after various improvements, it is now among the most popular in Europe, US, Canada, South America and Australia.

"The two-station manual-loading semi-automatic PL2D peeler is intuitive, user-friendly and can process 12/14 fruits per minute. In addition, it is versatile and can also be used to peel melons and squash. All fruits are easily peeled even if their shape is irregular and if they have not been graded, with a waste equal to 45%, external parts included."

The machine is made of stainless steel and it must be paired with various cutters depending on the shape needed. Product output and waste conveyors are added to guarantee the maximum organization and cleanliness of the processing environment. Three models are available with one, two or four work stations depending on the production capacity required.

"Both machines are very popular. Our customer care service is swift and effective in all five continents. With 23 years of experience, 19 machines and a business mainly dealing with exports, the company works on a global scale and is present in various continents. To get to know us and to know where to find us all over the world, please refer to our fair calendar on our website."

The innovation for 2023 is the new mango peeler mod. PL4M, which can process 24-28 fruits/minute. It is an improvement of the 6-head version (36-42 fruits/min) developed over 10 years ago. Plus, in addition to the PL4M and very popular PL6M models, there is also a larger model, i.e. the 8-head PL8M peeler that can process up to 112 fruits/min.

The machine is made entirely of stainless steel and materials compliant with food regulations and can peel fruits of all shapes, grades and ripening levels, unlike any other machine available on the market.

Mango peelers are hand-loaded and very easy to use: operators load fruits onto a conveyor, and are then peeled easily. One operator is enough for the PL6M and PL4M models, while the new PL8M model needs two people due to the size of the machine and its speed.

Mango peelers are among the most popular machines and 160 models have already been distributed all over the world, with lively demand in South America and mostly Peru.

The PL8M model boasts several advantages as it optimizes space, saves on labor and allows for flexible processing. The company has decided to make it work for all production capacities thanks to the collaboration of its clients: the company focuses in fact on listening to consumers and cares about their needs and requirements.

"Choosing PND means receiving personalized assistance. Customer care is in fact quick and effective at all latitudes. All spare parts and ordinary maintenance components are available in a short time."

The company has managed to conquer the trust of both sector technicians and clients, who recognize the machines as irreplaceable partners suitable for all kinds of needs.

"This year, once again, we will attend the main fresh-cut fair in Italy: PND will showcase its products at the EXPO Centre at Macfrut on May 3rd-5th (hall B1, stand 195)," reports export manager Virginia Cascella.

"We have been attending Macfrut for twenty years as it is an occasion to combine business, knowledge and networking and open up to the ever-growing Italian market. We will be there with a 32 sq m stand and two machines: mango peeler PL4M and the wedge, slice and stick cutter SS8”.

As the warm season approaches, so does its main vegetable, namely the cherry tomato. It proves, therefore, that there is a need to cope with the different demands and needs of the fresh-cut, processed, frozen, and dehydrated tomato companies.

Thanks to their know-how of the specifications of each crop, PND has brought innovation to the engineering sector in the manufacturing of fruit processing machinery, with the aim to guarantee high-performing standards. We talked about this with Virginia Cascella, the company's export manager.

"The cutter machine mod. MTP, made of stainless steel, is designed for cutting cherry tomatoes in halves and quarters," says the specialist. "The production capacity is about 200 kg/h, depending on the diameter of the product, and it provides for automatic loading, reducing labor costs. The cutting unit consists of 4 rotating circular blades that, powered simultaneously, cut into quarters; at the same time, it is possible to obtain halves by a mechanical lever system that moves two blades. The transition is immediate and simple."

The compact machine, which is easy to use and maintain, has two belts, an elevator belt with a hopper for loading cherry tomatoes and a conveyor belt for the sliced crop. In addition, it can handle cherry tomatoes of different sizes, Ø 25 - 40 mm, and can be easily transported, as it is equipped with wheels, which can be replaced with adjustable feet upon request.

"Developed out of a customer's specific request from Switzerland, this machine has since then gained interest all over Europe, " concluded Cascella.

The company's know-how and knowledge of the products' organoleptic characteristics made it possible for PND to design a new generation of Williams pear processing machines.

The PEARL6, a six-head pear peeler, de-seeder and separator, is unique and has many advantages and advanced technologies," says Valerio De Caro, the company's sales manager, "that differentiate it from the competition in terms of features, ease of use, maintenance costs and accessibility for washing and sanitizing all components.

The machine, built according to Directive 2006/42/EEC, has a production capacity of 72 fruits per minute and can be fed either manually, by operator, or automatically. The changeover is done by simply switching the mode with a key switch arranged on the control panel, without handling the automatic loader. The structure is made entirely of stainless steel and all mechanical parts insulated and protected by suitable guards to safeguard users. It is, then, equipped with a touch screen HMI monitor, through which it is possible to view the processing and adjust the phase systems, optimizing the product.

"Peeling," continues De Caro, "is suitable for any size of pear and different degrees of ripeness and firmness; there is, as a matter of fact, the possibility to process even very ripe fruit, without ruining the pulp. The quality of the fruit will not, therefore, be affected by its processing."

The optimization of the stem and grain system of the product results in increased yield, and the transmission system with toothed belts allows, on the other hand, the elimination of any noise. All tools, blades and wear parts, then, are easy to replace and adjust.

"Relying on PND means, therefore, receiving personalized assistance. The customer care turns out to be fast and effective and covers every latitude. The company, available for any ordinary and extraordinary maintenance, boasts highly specialized and trained multilingual employees, and an after-sales service that fulfills any request. Within an increasingly globalized and competitive market environment, being able to provide high quality products and constant care is an added value that makes the difference. What is its core strength? Listening to the customer who, at all times, is continuously assisted, from the design to the purchase and commissioning of the machinery," concluded De Caro

After its first mango peeler, the Italian company PND continued to receive requests - especially from South America. Thus, the PL8M model was born.

"It is an innovative model that is mainly aimed at increasing productivity. The new model, which is also suitable for processing kiwis, can peel 112 mangoes or kiwis per minute," says Gianluca Giordano, sales manager for South America. "That speed can be achieved with only two employees manually feeding the fruit. The peeler itself has eight heads for this purpose. Furthermore, the machine retains its previous features. In other words, it succeeds in peeling both hard and ripe fruit and also has the same good performance in terms of waste."

"The brand new PL8M is an optimized remake of the six-head version (36-42 fruits/min), which was designed more than 10 years ago," explains Giordano. "Besides the new PL8M model and the now widely sold PL6M, we also have a smaller model, the PL4M, with 4 heads for a speed of 24-28 fruits/min. That too is very performant and fast."

The mango peelers are manually loaded and are very easy to use. For the PL6M and PL4M models, only one operator is needed. The new model PL8M requires two people, both because of the large size of the machine and the high speed at which it works.

“The machine, built entirely in stainless steel and with materials that meet food standards, is capable of peeling mangoes of any shape, gauge, and most importantly, ripeness. This is an advantage not offered by any machine on the market. The new PL8M has a peeling capacity of 112 fruits per minute and is one of the most in-demand machines. 160 units have already been delivered around the world. Demand has been significant in South America, especially in Peru. The PL8M model optimizes the use of space, saves on labor and is flexible in processing. For every production capacity, whether large or small, we have a model. This is also thanks to the cooperation of our customers who listen carefully to consumers and thus are aware of their needs."

"PND has successfully gained the trust of both technicians and industry customers, who see in the machines an ally that adapts to every need. Our company guarantees quality, reliability and continuous service, at every latitude."

"This year too, PND, a company specializing in the production of machinery for the processing of fruit, will attend Fruit Logistica in Berlin (February 8-10). We have taken part in the fair for 13 years and this year we are planning on participating in 15 fairs all over the world - Europe, US, South America, Asia and Australia," reports Virginia Cascella, export manager for the company.

"The German event provides important business and networking opportunities as it enables us to keep up with new techniques and technologies, improving our results and with the perspective of a lively follow-up after the fair."

In an increasingly globalized and competitive market, being able to supply products of a higher quality and constantly assist the clientele provide added value and make the difference. Those who visit the stand will not only witness this value, but also test the machines directly.

"In addition to our multipurpose cutter SS8, our leading product is the new mango peeler PL8M. It is available also in the 4 (56 fruits/min) and 6 head (84 fruits/min) version and is extremely performing and fast. We are proud of showcasing it to the whole world. The PL8M for mangoes and kiwifruit is in fact a restyling and optimization of the previous version and can process 112 fruits a minute. It is one of the most demanded machines, of which we have already sold 160 units all over the world, especially Peru."

"The company has invested in innovation and specializes in the design and development of advanced systems to provide a concrete answer to the increasing demand and volumes produced. We create technological solutions in line with the constantly changing needs of global commerce. PND guarantees the utmost quality, reliability and constant assistance at all latitudes."

"We would like to invite you to discover the PND world at www.pndsrl.it , where you can browse the catalog and discover the fairs we will attend. Come meet us at Fruit Logistica in stand A.02, Hall 4.1."

Tijdens de feestdagen neemt het verbruik en de productiecapaciteit van fruit gewoonlijk aanzienlijk toe. Wij vroegen Virginia Cascella, exportmanager van PND, een bedrijf dat gespecialiseerd is in de productie van ultramoderne fruitverwerkingsmachines, hoe zij de talrijke aanvragen in de aanloop naar Kerstmis zullen verwerken.

"Onze klanten," legt de manager uit, "zijn meestal fruitproducenten die tijdens de kerstperiode een aanzienlijke stijging van de vraag ervaren. Daarom leek het ons goed om open te blijven en hen in hun werk te steunen. Meer bepaald zullen wij logistieke steun verlenen, via de verzending van reserveonderdelen indien de klant die nodig heeft, en zullen wij een telefonische en online klantendienst garanderen, gericht op het oplossen van alle problemen en verzoeken, van afwijkingen tot technisch advies".

Lovenswaardig initiatief, dat van de PND, die sinds 2000 voortdurend streeft naar het wegwerken van afstanden en wachttijden. Zijn sterke punt is juist de klantenservice. Het bedrijf is namelijk in staat zijn afnemers snel te antwoorden met verwerkingslijnen die zijn afgestemd op hun behoeften en eisen. Geavanceerde technologische oplossingen, afgestemd op nieuwe en veranderende consumentengewoonten.

Ons bedrijf", aldus Cascella, "blijft zich vestigen op de internationale markten, consolideert zijn leiderschap en werkt op volle toeren in Europa, Zuid-Amerika, de Verenigde Staten, Azië, Australië en Afrika. Het is een activiteit die hoofdzakelijk verband houdt met de uitvoer, die 95% van de totale omzet vertegenwoordigt. In december 2022 hadden wij wereldwijd ongeveer 1480 machines, 570 klanten en een aanwezigheid in 63 landen.

De internationalisering van onze producten is een van de belangrijkste doelstellingen die wij ons stellen en die wij ook bereiken door deelname aan de belangrijkste beurzen in de sector. In een steeds meer geglobaliseerde en concurrerende marktcontext is het kunnen leveren van hoogwaardige producten en constante zorg een toegevoegde waarde die het verschil maakt. Daarom hebben wij ervoor gekozen onze klanten niet alleen te laten, ook niet tijdens de vakantie. PND is dus altijd oproepbaar".

"Another three fairs end the year for PND: last week, we were in Orlando for PMA, this week we have been in Bangkok for Asia Fruit Logistica and then we will go to Dubai for Gulfood Manufacturing. We continue to be present in the two hemispheres with our commercial team, which is always enthusiast to showcase our new solutions all over the world," explains Virginia Cascella, export manager at PND srl.

"There is a lot of interest for the processing of pineapples in all their forms: peeled, cored and cut into wedges or diced, ready to be bagged or placed in punnets. Two years ago, PND introduced a new multi-function machine dedicated to the processing of pineapples."

"With a dimension of 1.5 m x 1.5 m, PINCYL8 helps obtain pineapple cylinders at industrial level, which can then be diced or cut into rounds and wedges. Feedback has been great from both Europe and America over the past 24 months. With its 12 fruits a minute guaranteed, sturdiness, reliability and ease of sanitization, PINCYL8 has proven very successful in different markets and is currently the most demanded machine."

"Companies often have space problems, they therefore need compact machines that can meet processing needs while taking up little room. PND managed to combine all pineapple processing stages into a single machine that guarantees productivity, reliability, sturdiness, ease of operation, maintenance and sanitization and with a reduced size."

Over 24 months, PND has installed 13 PINCYL8 machines worldwide: three in the US, two in Canada and the others in Spain, Belgium, Austria and Switzerland. PINCYL8 was chosen by large groups processing fresh-cut products due to its reliability and reduced downtime. The machine is also suitable for small laboratories.

“We zijn een 100% Italiaans bedrijf en dit maakt ons nog trotser en enthousiaster over ons Made in Italy”, zegt Virginia Cascella, exportmanager van PND, het bedrijf dat gespecialiseerd is in de vervaardiging van machines voor het schillen en snijden van fruit.

“Tijdens MacFrut zagen we veel bezoekers afkomstig van bedrijven uit de cateringsector en die zich bezig houden met kant-en-klare producten, maar er was ook veel belangstelling uit Zuid-Amerika, Afrika en de Balkan. Wij zijn zeer tevreden over het verloop van de beurs, de eerste waar we na 19 maanden gedwongen stilstand weer aanwezig konden zijn.”

Pero ¿cuáles son las máquinas más demandadas en la actualidad? "Ha tenido un gran impacto la presentación de máquinas con las características técnicas envidiadas en todo el mundo", explica Cascella. "De hecho, la demostración del pelado y corte en tiempo real es algo que siempre es una grata sorpresa para nuestros interlocutores, que comprueban desde el principio lo intuitivas y sencillas que resultan nuestras máquinas. Más allá de las ferias, sigue teniendo éxito la peladora de piñas y melones mod. PL1D y la cortadora universal de fruta y verdura mod. SS8. Además, cabe destacar las actualizaciones de la peladora mod. PL6, que puede convertirse en una multifunción a todos los efectos para el procesamiento de manzana: en una única máquina encontramos, pues, la posibilidad de pelar, descorazonar y cortar la manzana en cuñas, rodajas y dados".

Het nieuwe product van PND is dus een machine die volledig bedoeld is voor de verwerking van appelen. De mechanische schilmachine blijft compact en gemakkelijk te hanteren, maar kan zowel manueel als automatisch worden geladen, met een capaciteit van ongeveer 400 kg/uur. De omschakeling van het snijformaat is eenvoudig en snel. In slechts enkele minuten kan worden overgeschakeld van de hele geschilde en van klokhuis ontdane appel op het segment, het blokje of de schijf.

De appellijn wordt gecompleteerd door een wastank voor de ontsmetting voorafgaand aan de verwerking en een behandelingstank om te voorkomen dat de appelen na het schillen en snijden bruin worden. De tanks worden ontworpen en gebouwd volgens de behoeften van de klant, zowel qua afmetingen als opties.

Intussen organiseert PND samen met zijn partner Food Freshly de volgende tentoonstelling op Fruit Attraction in Madrid, Hal 3 - Stand F05A.