Kiwi Crunch Implements Robotic Apple Packer

Kiwi Crunch has always been committed to delivering the highest-quality apples to consumers, and thanks to the advanced technology of the Hawk Dual Zone Robotic Apple Packer, the company has taken its production efficiency to the next level.

The Hawk robotic apple packer is a powerhouse of efficiency, using AI-driven computer vision technology to inspect and pack apples with remarkable precision. With 15 cameras working simultaneously, the system performs multi-point inspections across 12 apples at a time, checking factors such as stem and calyx alignment, blush color, and overall appearance. The result? Apples that are perfectly sorted and ready for market at an impressive rate of over 165 fruits per minute (FPM).

After years of utilising the Hawk system, Kiwi Crunch has seen the results. This innovative technology has enabled us to streamline its packing process while maximizing throughput. By automatically adjusting the speed to match the available fruit, the Hawk system ensures optimal performance and consistency, all while handling each apple gently to preserve its quality.

Kiwi Crunch started their journey with Hawk in 2021. “We had found in the past that automation was expensive but knew that times were changing, and we had to find a way to add some automation to the packhouse. Hawk installed 20 permanent lanes of tray denesting, tray in box inserters and carton handling solutions.”

Kiwi Crunch is one of New Zealand's largest vertically integrated pip fruit exporters with orchards in Hawke's Bay and Central Otago, marketing around 2 million cartons of apples and pears annually into more than 30 countries.