Istituto Agronomico per lOltremare Universit degli Studi di Firenze

Italian machinery and equipment

for palm date processing

Edited by
Francesco Garbati Pegna,
Massimo Battaglia, Carlo Bergesio
2
Introduction

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) can be considered the linchpin plant in desert and pre-desert
agricultural systems. Its cultivation is most effective in protecting areas that are environmentally at risk.
The species is highly adaptable to difficult soil and climate conditions, thanks to its evolution which has
produced marked differentiation into numerous local cultivars and ecotypes. Each of these has been
subjected to natural and anthropic selective pressure through the age-old history of cultivation in
circumscribed distribution areas under extreme conditions. .

The Project Improvement and valorization of date palms in the Al Jufrah Oases, in Libya, funded by the
Directorate General for Development Cooperation of the Italian Foreign Ministry and coordinated by the Istituto
Agronomico per lOltremare in Florence, in collaboration with the Libyan Ministry of Agriculture, was launched
within the framework of the agreement between Italy and Libya aimed at strengthening and further
developing relations between the two countries. The overall objective of the project is to identify technical
and economic measures intended to support and enhance economically the date-production chain,
promoting the social and economic development of the area.

Within this Project special attention has been given to the possibility of improving productivity, safety and
product quality in palm date processing through the use of modern tools and equipment: this pamphlet,
which has been produced in cooperation with the Department of Agricultural and Forest Economics,
Engineering, Sciences and Technology of the University of Florence, describes the main post-harvest operations
that are carried out in date palm chain and the relevant equipment that can be used for best results, together
with a list of highly experienced Italian manufacturers that produce and sell the referred machines or tools.

The Istituto Agronomico per lOltremare (IAO) is an Italian Foreign Ministry institution with a vast
experience in international development cooperation in the rural sector, which is already implementing
several other bilateral agricultural and livestock programs in Libya.

The Department of Agricultural and Forest Systems Management GESAAF (ex DEISTAF - www.deistaf.unifi.it) is
a Department of the University of Florence, with robust competencies in tropical environment and rural
development and longtime experience in date palm mechanization and post-harvest operations.

3
4
5
Index of post harvest operations and relevant equipment

1. First (temporary) storage ... pag. 9

Shelters
Tarpaulins
Washing machines for boxes

2. Refrigeration and freezing ... pag. 10

Cold storages
Freezing and deep freezing equipement
Raks and automatic systems

3. Pre-drying and Drying ..... pag. 12

Solar dryers
Cabinet dryers (gas, diesel)
Continuous dryers
Drying chambers
Adapted containers
co-genaration (CHP)
Microwave Vacuum Dryers

4. Washing .. pag. 15
Washing machines
Dryers

5. Sorting . pag. 17
Sorting tables/belts (conveyor)

6. Pitting .. pag. 18
Pitting machines

7. Pest control ..... pag. 19

Ovens
Infrared rays and Microwave/Radio frequency Systems
Fumigation chambers (CO2, Phosphine, Perfume)
Raks and automatic systems

8. Rehydration ... pag. 21

Rehydratation systems
Steam generators

6
9. Milling ........ pag. 22
Mills

10. Dates syrup production ... pag. 23

Destoners-Pulpers
Malaxers
Separators (decanters and centrifuges)
Filters (sheets / bag / plate / carbon / press / vacuum / drum)
Cookers and vacuum concentrators
Complete lines for syrup production

11. Dates paste production .... pag. 27

Destoners / Pulpers
Mincer / cutter
Presses

12. Dates packaging pag. 28

Thermosealing machines
Vacuum packaging machines
Single-dose packing machine
Boxes

13. Dates syrup packaging ... pag. 32

Fillers machines
Honey Fillers

14. Dates paste packaging . pag. 33

Wrapping machines

15. Flour packaging pag. 34

Bag filling machines

16. Weighing pag. 35

Weighing machines

17. Labeling . pag. 36

Labelling machines (automatic, semiautomatic)

18. Systems and equipment for storage .. pag. 37

Pallettizers, depalletizers

7
19. Machines, plants and equipment for the food industry ... pag. 38
Factory hygiene: equipment and materials
Water depuration
Reverse osmosis: plants

Company Cards ... pag. 39

8
1. First (temporary) storage

Upon harvest dates, while waiting for mid or long-term storage or processing, should be stored in a clean
and fresh place. If the dates have been placed in plastic boxes they can be stacked in piles on a paved surface
under a canopy and covered with a tarpaulin to protect them from the dust. However this temporary storage
should be limited to a few days since dates are exposed to uncontrolled variations in moisture content and to
the attack of insects and other pests. If dates are heaped bulk the layer should be as thin as possible and the
storage time not more than 6 hours.

Figures 1 and 2 Shelters and tarpaulins

Machinery/
Companies Web
equipment

Shelters Fiocchi Box Prefabbricati SpA www.fiocchibox.it

Petucco Box snc www.petuccobox.it

Tarpaulins Arrigoni SpA www.arrigoni.it

P.A.T.I. SpA www.pati-films.com

Washing machines for boxes Colussi Ermes www.colussiermes.it

PRC Impianti snc www.prcimpianti.com
STV snc di Giovanni Salati & C www.stvmachinery.it
Velox Barchitta Srl www.veloxbarchitta.it

9
2. Refrigeration and freezing

As for other fruits cooling helps to preserve quality and to increase preservability together with shelf life.
This is particularly true for fresh soft and semisoft dates. For best results refrigeration should start as soon as
possible after harvest and be maintained without interruption until the moment of consumption (cold
chain).
Freezing is a more expensive process, both on an economic and energetic point of view, and is used only for
high quality dates. When the temperature drops below 15 C all vital processes are interrupted until the
temperature raises again; unlike other fruits dates are not affected by low temperatures and maintain their
characteristics almost unaltered; moreover low temperatures kill the adults and eggs of insects that might be
infesting the fruits. Once thawed out dates should be consumed within a few hours.
Refrigeration and freezing are done with the use equipment such as industrial refrigeration plants, cold
rooms, freezers, refrigerated counters, refrigerated and isothermal boxes, etc.

Figure 3 Cold storage

Figure 4 - Raks and automatic systems in a cold storage

10
 Machinery/
Companies Web
equipment

Cold storages Albafrigor Srl www.albafrigor.com

Bruzzo www.bruzzofrigoriferi.it
Cacciatori Srl www.cellafrigo.com
DGD Srl www.dgdsrl.it
Ferbox Srl www.ferbox.eu
Frigo tecnica internazionale SpA www.frigotecnica.com
Frigomatica Srl www.frigomatica.it
Frigomeccanica SpA www.frigomeccanica.it
Frigor-Box Srl www.frigorbox.it
Frigostaff Srl www.frigostaff.it
Frigostamp Srl www.frigostamp.com
Incold Spa www.incold.it
Mannai Salvatore & Figlio www.mannaiefiglio.com
MISA SpA www.misaspa.it
Nav-System SpA www.nav-system.it
Nuova Satif Srl www.satifcellefrigorifere.it
Rotafrigor Srl www.rotafrigor.com
Seven Frigo Srl www.sevenfrigo.net
Standard-Tech Impianti Srl www.standard-tech.it
V.R.C. Cold Srl www.vrccold.it

Freezing and deep freezing Cesare Tavalazzi Srl www.tavalazzi.com

equipement CFT SpA Division Mecparma www.mecparma.it

Raks and automatic systems Agrogest Srl www.agrogest.com

Automha Srl www.automha.it
Reggiani Srl www.reggianiscaffalature.it
Sacma SpA www.sacmaspa.com
Sigma Produzioni SpA www.sigmaproduzioni.it

11
3. Pre-drying and Drying

Some variety of dates, if collected when completely ripe, need to be partially dried to increase their
durability; in other cases fruits are completely dried, up to a moisture content of 5% or lower, so they can be
stored for long time or grinded to make flower.
Moisture reduction can be done directly in the field by laying the dates on a mat, a canvas or a tarpaulin,
under the sun or in the shade if the air relative humidity is sufficiently low. This practice is empirical and
exposes the dates to dirt and pests; moreover mats and canvas, though allowing better air circulation, are
difficult to wash and tend to retain dirt and shelter insects, molds and bacteria.
When aiming to a higher quality product and to loss reduction a dryer must be used.
Batch dryers are constituted by a box, a bin or in some cases even a room where dates are arranged in layers
on trays or grills and exposed to a continuous flow of air with low relative humidity. Batch dryers are less
expensive than continuous ones but require higher labor inputs for loading and unloading the trays and
dates are more exposed to mechanical damage. The relative humidity of the air is usually managed by
heating with burners, electric resistances, solar collectors or cogeneration.
In Continuous dryers dates flow on a conveyor belt through a heating tunnel. The temperature and the time
of exposure determine the water loss. Heating can be done with the use of electric resistances, infrared
lamps, microwaves or other radiation generating devices; the advantages of this kind of
In some cases dryers can also be used for removing the water that remains on the surface of the dates after
washing or for killing insect adults or eggs living inside the fruit.

Figure 5 - Solar dryer

12
 Figure 6 - Cabinet dryer

Figure 7 - Cabinet dryer (internal)

13
 Figure 8 - Adapted containers (in this cases as fumigation chambers) Figure 9 - Raks in a drying chamber

Machinery/
Companies Web
equipment

Solar dryers Termotend Sas di C. Menegatti & C. www.termotend.com

Cabinet dryers (gas, diesel) Cauteruccio Engineering www.cauteruccioengineering.com

CFT SpA Division Mecparma www.mecparma.it
De Lama Spa www.delama.it
M.F.T. Srl www.mftitalia.com
Solar Impianti Srl www.solarimpianti.it
Tecmon Srl www.tecmon.it
Tecnofrutta Srl www.tecnofrutta.eu

Continuous drayers CFT SpA Division Mecparma www.mecparma.it

Fava Spa www.fava.it
Tecnofrutta Srl www.tecnofrutta.eu

Drying chambers Energyfrigo www.energyfrigosnc.com

Nardi International Srl www.nardi.it

Adapted containers University of Florence - DEISTAF www.deistaf.unifi.it

co-genaration (CHP) Arco Impianti Srl www.arcoimpiantisrl.it

Microwave Vacuum Dryers Stalam Spa www.stalam.it

* Adaptation of containers to function as driers and in some cases as fumigation chambers can be done by experienced
workshops, DESITAF (Department of Agricultural and Forest Economics, Engineering, Sciences and Technologies) has
designed one in 2005.

14
4. Washing

It is a fundamental operation that should concern all dates destined to human consumption, both whole or
processed into derived products.
While on the tree and during harvesting and transport these fruits are exposed to dust and contamination
with earth particles that tend to adhere to the sometimes sticky and wrinkly surface of the fruits.
Dates are usually unloaded in a tank full of flowing water where the current provides an efficient washing of
the surface and then transported to a draining (perforated) surface and rinsed by a shower. Usually the
water in the tank recirculates through a filter and is only partially renewed, while for the shower fresh water
is used.
At the end of the process dates normally retain some water on the surface, this can be blown away with a fan
at the end of the perforated strip; if the skin has absorbed to much moisture this can be eliminated by
heating as described in the drying and disinfestation sections.

Figures 10 and 11 - Washing machine

15
 Figure 12 Trays for drying

Machinery/
Companies Web
equipment

Washing machines Bertuzzi Food Processing Srl www.bertuzzi.it

Boema SpA www.boema.com
Buscetto Gaetano Ind. Costr.Mecc. Srl www.buscetto.it
Cesare Tavalazzi Srl www.tavalazzi.com
CFT SpA www.cftfoodtechnology.com
Frigojollinox Srl www.frigojollinox.it
Ing. A. Rossi Imp. Industriali Srl www.ingarossi.com
Labs Srl www.labs-srl.it
M.F.T. Srl www.mftitalia.com
MEC Sistem Snc www.mecsistem.it
Navatta Group Food Processing Srl www.navattagroup.com
New Vettori & Manghi Srl www.newvettorimanghi.com
Tec.Al. Srl www.tecal.info
Tecmon Srl www.tecmon.it
Tecnoceam Srl www.tecnoceam.com
TMCI Padovan SpA www.padovan.com
Toscana Enologica Mori www.tem.it
Tropical Food Machinery Srl www.tropicalfood.net
Turatti Srl www.turatti.com

Dryers Tecnoceam Srl www.tecnoceam.com

Turatti Srl www.turatti.com

For other drying systems and equipment see chap. 3 and chap. 7

16
5. Sorting

This operation usually immediately follows washing so sometimes the two operations are referred to as
cleaning. Sorting can be done on working benches by workers who manually select and discard the fruits
that are not suitable for the process, but it is much more fast and effective if a 3-lane conveyor belt is placed
right after the washer and the workers sit at the two sides of it: the good fruits are allowed to proceed on the
central lane while the bad ones are moved to the lateral ones which discharge directly into waste bins.

Figure 13 - Sorting belt

Machinery/
Companies Web
equipment

Sorting tables/belts Bertuzzi Food Processing Srl www.bertuzzi.it

(conveyor) Boema SpA www.boema.com
Buscetto Gaetano Ind. Costr.Mecc. Srl www.buscetto.it
Cesare Tavalazzi Srl www.tavalazzi.com
CFT SpA www.cftfoodtechnology.com
Frigojollinox Srl www.frigojollinox.it
Ing. A. Rossi Imp. Industriali Srl www.ingarossi.com
Labs Srl www.labs-srl.it
M.F.T. Srl www.mftitalia.com
Navatta Group Food Processing Srl www.navattagroup.com
New Vettori & Manghi Srl www.tecmon.it
Tecmon Srl www.newvettorimanghi.com
Tecnoceam Srl www.tecnoceam.com
TMCI Padovan SpA www.padovan.com
Toscana Enologica Mori www.tem.it
Tropical Food Machinery Srl www.tropicalfood.net
Turatti Srl www.turatti.com

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6. Pitting

Pitted dates have a much higher value than whole dates, also because the seed can be replaced by an edible
nut or sweet, hence turning the fruit into confectionery. Pitting can be done manually by cutting the date
open with a knife or punching it with a needle (in this case the date maintains its original aspect) or
mechanically with the use of pitters similar to those used for olives or plums, but adapted to the different
texture and composition of dates.

Figure 14 - Pitting machine (www.meccanofrutta.it)

Figure 15 Possible use of dates after pitting

Machinery/
Companies Web
equipment

Pitting machines Pigo srl www.pigo.biz

Toscana Enologica Mori www.tem.it
Zanichelli meccanica SpA www.zacmi.it
Zenari Engineering snc www.meccanofrutta.it

18
7. Pest control

Sometimes dates contain eggs or larvae of insects that can develop during storage, if there is enough
moisture and oxygen, thus making the fruit not marketable and causing loss of product.
Disinfestation of dates can be carried out mainly by the use of gas (fumigation) or by the use of heat.
Fumigation
Maintaining dates in a modified atmosphere for some time is a very effective way of disinfestation: this can
be done by injecting phosphine or CO2 in a sealed bin: the former will act as a poison for the insects and if
the process is carried out correctly it doesnt constitute an hazard for the workers or the consumers; the latter
simply modifies the composition of the air inside the bin, hence making it unsuitable for insect or egg
survival. While in some cases fumigation can be done at atmospheric pressure, both gasses are much more
effective if used at low pressure or under vacuum, so treatment time is strongly reduced.
Heat treatment
Insect adults and eggs die if exposed to temperatures above 50C for a sufficient time and since eggs can be
laid close to the seed, complete disinfestation takes place only if the heat is allowed to reach this part of the
fruit. A traditional method of heat disinfestation is done by exposing the dates to an air temperature of about
70C for at least 20 minutes; this is done inside an oven that can be constituted by a heated bin or chamber
like those described in the drying paragraph. This kind of treatment however has consequences on the
organoleptic characteristics of the fruits that result partially baked. A good disinfestation can also be
achieved by exposing the dates to higher temperatures for a shorter time and a good combination of the two
parameters can result in a better quality of the disinfested fruits.
A fester way to quickly raise the temperature inside the fruit without overheating the outside, as it happens
in the ovens, is that of exposing the dates to different radiations of different frequencies, such as infrared,
microwave, radiofrequency etc. This can be done in a continuous process with the radiation emitter
installed on top of a conveyor belt.

Figure 16 Ovens

19
 Figure 17 - Fumigation chamber (by injecting CO2)

Machinery/
Companies Web
equipment

Ovens see chapter 3 (heat disinfestation equipment is mostly the same than
drying equipment but used at higher temperatures)

Infrared rays Bi.Elle Srl Microwave Eng. Company www.microwaves.it

Microwave/Radio frequency Cefla Finishing Group www.cefla.com
Systems Officine di Cartigliano SpA www.cartigliano.com
Sical SAS di Buffoni Paolo & C. www.sicalsas.it
Stalam SpA www.stalam.it
Synerprogetti Srl www.synerprogetti.com

Fumigation chambre Beca Italy by Chimical Suis www.becaitaly.com

(CO2, Phosphine, Perfume) Vitillo Liberato Srl www.vitilloliberato.it

Raks and automatic systems see list in Refrigeration and freezing table

20
8. Rehydration

Dry dates can be rehydrated by soaking in warm water or with the use of steam. High temperatures
accelerate the process but affect the organoleptic characteristics. Steam, produced in specific steam
generators can be sprayed on the dates arranged in thin layers (hydration tunnel for continuous process) or
injected in a container where the saturated atmosphere and some positive pressure make the process more
effective.

Figure 18 - Steam generators

Machinery/
Companies Web
equipment

Rehydratation systems Boema SpA www.boema.com

MCF Trade
Metro International Srl
Tecnofrutta Srl
Toscana Enologica Mori
Zanichelli meccanica SpA
www.storagemcfspa.com
www.metrointernational.it
www.tecnofrutta.eu
www.tem.it
www.zacmi.it

Steam generators Cappellotto V. snc www.cappellottosnc.it

Cometh Srl www.cometh.it
Ditta Arturo Mazzi e F. www.mazziarturo.it
LPV Caldaie Srl www.lpvcaldaie.com
Manara Roberto Srl www.manara.net
Mingazzini Srl www.mingazzini.com
Panini Srl www.op-panini.eu
Tecnovapor Srl www.generatoridivapore.it

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9. Milling

Both dried seeds and dried low quality dates can be grinded into flour to be used in animal feeds. The flour
is produced with the use of hammer mills and in some cases straw or hay can be mixed with the dates in
order to avoid jamming.

Figure 19 Mill (www.tavalazzi.com)

Machinery/
Companies Web
equipment

Mills Beccaria srl www.beccaria.it

Cesare Tavalazzi Srl www.tavalazzi.com
Toscana Enologica Mori www.tem.it

22
10. Dates syrup production

Syrup is a traditional product in most date production areas: it is thick, dark and very sweet and is used in
the same way as honey; with a sugar concentration of over 70Bx it is an easy way to valorize and preserve
medium or low quality dates. At household level the dates are boiled in water and then squeezed and the
juice filtered and successively boiled again, to remove water, until it becomes dense and sticky, but the best
syrup is obtained by gently pressing soft dates and collecting the juice, though in this case the outputs are
very low and the juice is not pasteurized.
At an industrial level clean whole or de-stoned dates are processed in a malaxer with warm water until
almost all of the sugar contained in the dates has dissolved in the water; in order to make successive filtering
easier the pulp should not be desegregated in too small particles. The liquid is then filtered and the meal
disposed or dried to be used as a fiber and protein source. Filtering is a difficult operation, because of the
high content in mucilage of the juice, and should be done in multiple stages. For the first stage a net filter
with large mesh can be used, while the most used type of filter for the second stage is the filter press, but
also plate filters, drum filters, vacuum filters and even decanters and vertical axle centrifuges can be used.
Once clear the syrup is concentrated in a jacketed pan heated with steam and provided with a stirrer. For a
higher syrup quality temperatures should be kept below 70 C during all the process, in this case vacuum
concentration pans must be used in the final stage.

Figure 20 - Destoner

23
 Figure 21 - Filter

Figure 22 - Vacuum concentrator

24
 Machinery/
Companies Web
equipment

Destoners-Pulpers Asepsystems Srl www.asepsystems.com

Bertuzzi Food Processing Srl www.bertuzzi.it
Boema SpA www.boema.com
Cesare Tavalazzi Srl www.tavalazzi.com
CFT SpA www.cftfoodtechnology.com
Consorzio Tecnoalimentare Italiano www.consorziotecnoalimentare.it

CTI Foodtech Srl www.ctifoodtechpeach.com

Impiantia Srl www.impiantia.it
Ing. A. Rossi Imp. Industriali Srl www.ingarossi.com
Labs Srl www.labs-srl.it
M.F.T. Srl www.mftitalia.com
Navatta Group Food Processing Srl www.navattagroup.com
Pigo srl www.pigo.biz
TMCI Padovan SpA www.padovan.com
Zenari Engineering snc www.meccanofrutta.it

Malaxers Alfa Laval SpA local.alfalaval.com

Separators Alfa Laval SpA local.alfalaval.com

(decanters and centrifuges) MEC Sistem Snc www.mecsistem.it
Nuova Sara Srl www.nuovasara.com
Reda SpA www.redaspa.com
Seital Srl www.seital.com
Tropical Food Machinery Srl www.tropicalfood.net

Filters Acram Srl www.acram.it

(sheets / bag / plate / carbon / Asepsystems Srl www.asepsystems.com
press / vacuum / drum) Bertuzzi Food Processing Srl www.bertuzzi.it
Della Toffola SpA www.dellatoffola.it
Tecnolat SpA www.tecnolatspa.it
TMCI Padovan SpA www.padovan.com
Turatti Srl www.turatti.com

Cookers Asepsystems Srl www.asepsystems.com

and vacuum concentrators
Bertuzzi Food Processing Srl www.bertuzzi.it
Boema SpA www.boema.com
Cappellotto V. snc www.cappellottosnc.it
CFT SpA www.cftfoodtechnology.com
CTI Foodtech Srl www.ctifoodtechpeach.com
Farck SpA www.farck.com
Firex Srl www.firex.it
Frau Impianti SpA www.frauimpianti.com
Frigojollinox Srl www.frigojollinox.it
Galvanin Food Division Srl www.galvaninfooddivision.it
Giordan SAS di Giordan Sergio & C. www.giordaninox.it

25
 Ing. A. Rossi Imp. Industriali Srl www.ingarossi.com
Labs Srl www.labs-srl.it
LPV Caldaie Srl www.lpvcaldaie.com
Metro International Srl www.metrointernational.it
Navatta Group Food Processing Srl www.navattagroup.com
New Vettori & Manghi Srl www.newvettorimanghi.com
Off. Mecc. Pellacini Sergio & Figli SAS www.pellacini.com
Panini Srl www.op-panini.eu
Reda SpA www.redaspa.com
Solar Impianti Srl www.solarimpianti.it
Tec.Al. Srl www.tecal.info
Tecmon Srl www.tecmon.it
Tecnoceam Srl www.tecnoceam.com
Tecnofrutta Srl www.tecnofrutta.eu
Tecnolat SpA www.tecnolatspa.it
TMCI Padovan SpA www.padovan.com
Tropical Food Machinery Srl www.tropicalfood.net
Turatti Srl www.turatti.com

Complete lines Bertuzzi Food Processing Srl www.bertuzzi.it

for syrup production Ing. A. Rossi Imp. Industriali Srl www.ingarossi.com
Tecmon Srl www.tecmon.it
Toscana Enologica Mori www.tem.it

26
11. Dates paste production

Date paste is a simple way of preserving medium quality dates without affecting moisture and flavor: date
paste can be consumed as it is or used as an ingredient for confectionery and in many other different ways.
Paste is made by removing the seeds and grinding the pulp of fully mature soft or semidry dates. De-stoning
can be done by hand while grinding is usually done with the use of a meat mincer. Mechanical de-stoning
for paste production is done with the use of fruit pulpers , based on beaters rotating inside a cylindrical
sieve, or de-stoners (sometimes referred to as macerators) based on a couple of counter-rotating rollers, which
crush the dates in lumps or in a coarse paste while removing the whole seed. In order to increase durability
(by eliminating the air) and make packaging easier the paste is pressed into blocks with manual or hydraulic
presses.

Figures 23 - Press

Machinery/
Companies Web
equipment

Destoners / Pulpers see list in Dates syrup production table

Mincer / Cutter Galvanin Food Division Srl www.galvaninfooddivision.it

Gherri Meat Technology Srl www.gherrimt.it
Giordan SAS di Giordan Sergio & C. www.giordaninox.it
Navatta Group Food Processing Srl www.navattagroup.com
Roboqbo Srl www.roboqbo.com
Tecmon Srl www.tecmon.it
Tecnofrutta Srl www.tecnofrutta.eu
Tropical Food Machinery Srl www.tropicalfood.net

Presses Cappellotto V. snc www.cappellottosnc.it

TMCI Padovan SpA www.padovan.com
Tropical Food Machinery Srl www.tropicalfood.net

27
12. Dates packaging

High quality whole or pitted dates are usually packed in cardboard boxes by hand. After closing the boxes
can be wrapped with a plastic film. Good and medium quality dates can be packed in cardboard or plastic
trays (PP, A-PET, C-PET etc.) and sealed with a PET film even under vacuum or in modified atmosphere
(MAP). Whole dates can also be packed bulk under vacuum in plastic bags. The machines used for these
kinds of packaging are thermosealing machines, vacuum packaging machines, wrappers, and single-dose
packing machine; dates can also be packed inside sealed bags.

Figure 24 - Thermosealing machine

Figure 25 - Thermosealing machine

28
Figures 26 and 27 - Thermosealing machine

29
Figure 28 Different dates packs

30
 Machinery/
Companies Web
equipment

Thermosealing machines AL.MA. Srl www.almapackaging.com

AMC Srl www.amcpackaging.com
Coligroup SpA www.colimatic.it
Comiz Packaging Srl www.comiz.com
Facchinetti Srl www.facchinettinovara.it
Farck SpA www.farck.com
Gherri Meat Technology Srl www.gherrimt.it
Ghizzoni new co Srl www.ghizzoni.com
IFP Packaging Srl www.italferpack.com
ILPRA SpA www.ilpra.com
Impiantia Srl www.impiantia.it
Italdibipack SpA www.italdibipack.com
Minipack-Torre SpA www.minipack-torre.it
Ormad Com Srl www.ormad.com
Orved SpA www.orved.it
Piber Group Srl www.pibergroup.com
Reepack Srl www.reepack.com
RGD Packaging Srl www.rgdmape.com
Tecmon Srl www.tecmon.it
TMCI Padovan SpA www.padovan.com
Unimec Srl www.unimecsrl.com
Veripack - F.N.C. SpA www.veripack.it
Yang Srl www.yang.it

Vacuum packaging machines Coligroup SpA www.colimatic.it

Fimek Srl www.zeronovanta.com
Gherri Meat Technology Srl www.gherrimt.it
Ghizzoni new co Srl www.ghizzoni.com
IFP Packaging Srl www.italferpack.com
ILPRA SpA www.ilpra.com
Italdibipack SpA www.italdibipack.com
Lavezzini Srl www.lavezzini.it
Minipack-Torre SpA www.minipack-torre.it
Orved SpA www.orved.it
Reepack Srl www.reepack.com
Yang Srl www.yang.it

Single-dose packing machine C.I.A. Conf. Italiane Automatiche Srl www.ciasrl.it

Italpak Srl www.italpak.com

Boxes Cartografica Galeotti www.cartograficagaleotti.com

Wrappers Concetti SpA www.concetti.com

31
13. Dates syrup packaging

Date syrup is dense and sticky due to the high sugar content (> 65 Bx) so specific equipment must be used
for bottling. For small amounts the simplest way is to fill the bottles or jars manually, using a honey bottling
bucket with gate valve. For higher quantities it is necessary to use volumetric filling or dosing machines
based on a volumetric (syrup is pumped in a cylinder with a pre-regulated volume before filling) or
weighing (the bottle rests on a scale connected to the filling machine) system. The automatic versions of
these machines often are also capable of closing the bottles with a lid, in other cases manual capping or an
additional machine are necessary.

Machinery/
Companies Web
equipment

Fillers machines Asepsystems Srl www.asepsystems.com

Ave Technologies Srl www.ave-technologies.com
Bonicomm Srl www.bonicomm.it
Carlo Migliavacca Srl a s.u. www.carlomigliavacca.com
Cavicchi Impianti Srl www.cavicchiimpianti.com
CFT SpA www.cftfoodtechnology.com
CTI Foodtech Srl www.ctifoodtechpeach.com
Euroetik Srl www.euroetik.it
Finpac Srl www.finpac.it
FMT Srl www.fmt.it
IFP Packaging Srl www.italferpack.com
ILPRA SpA www.ilpra.com
Ing. A. Rossi Imp. Industriali Srl www.ingarossi.com
Labs Srl www.labs-srl.it
Melegari Manghi Srl www.melegarimanghi.com
Off. Mecc. Pellacini Sergio & F. SAS www.pellacini.com
STV snc di Giovanni Salati & C www.stvmachinery.it
Tecnoceam Srl www.tecnoceam.com
Tecnomec snc www.tecnomec.pr.it
Telm Srl www.telm.it
TMCI Padovan SpA www.padovan.com
Tropical Food Machinery Srl www.tropicalfood.net

Honey Fillers Ghidi metalli Srl www.ghidimetalli.it

Giordan SAS di Giordan Sergio & C. www.giordaninox.it
Lega srl www.legaitaly.com
Quarti Italy Srl www.quartiitaly.com
Stal Materiale Apistico www.stale.it

32
14. Dates paste packaging

Date paste is a thick sticky mass that can be shaped and cut into parallelepipeds or cylinders with a
moulding/extruding machine or pressed into blocks. After shaping and cutting the paste can be wrapped
with plastic or paper sheets by hand or with a wrapping machine, when using the press instead the paste is
laid on a plastic sheet and placed in a mould before pressing and after the sheet is wrapped manually
around the block.

Figure 29 Pressed and wrapped dates past Figure 30 Packed date paste

Machinery/
Companies Web
equipment

Wrapping machines Facchinetti Srl www.facchinettinovara.it

Ulma Packaging Srl www.ulmapackaging.it

33
15. Flour packaging

As for other kinds of flower this product is packed in large bags so bag fillers must be used. The simplest
version of these bagging machines is made of a hopper with a valve at the bottom and below a collar for
holding the bag: the operator manually places the bag in the collar, opens and closes the valve to fill the bag
and then removes it for the next operation. More complex machines perform the whole operation
automatically, including bag sealing, and are often coupled to a scale in order to fill the bags with an exact
amount of flower.

Machinery/
Companies Web
equipment

Bag filling machines BL Bag Line Srl www.bl-bagline.it

Cavicchi Impianti Srl www.cavicchiimpianti.com
Concetti SpA www.concetti.com
F.lli Sacchi snc Cost. Meccaniche www.cmsacchi.com
Servipack Italia cms.servipackitalia.com
V.A.I. Srl www.vai-packaging.it
Weitek Srl www.weitek.it

34
16. Weighing

Weighting is a fundamental operation when packaging products for sale. Scales are often incorporated or
added to packaging machines (and in some cases are able to control them) but can be provided separately
for manual measurements.

Machinery/
Companies Web
equipment

Weighing machines Bilanciai Campogalliano Soc. Coop. Arl www.coopbilanciai.it

Co-El Srl www.metaldetectorcoel.it
Comek Srl www.comek.it
Electradue Srl www.electradue.it
Pen - Tec Srl www.pen-tec.it
R.E.P.S. Srl www.reps.it
Turatti Srl www.turatti.com
V.A.I. Srl www.vai-packaging.it

35
17. Labeling

For labeling the products, labels can be applied manually when self-adhesive or with glue if not. Automatic
labeling machines are available in various models and sizes for packets, boxes, bottles and all other
containers; feeding can be manual or automatic.

Machinery/
Companies Web
equipment

Labelling machines Arca Etichette SpA www.arca.it

(automatic, semiautomatic)
Ave Technologies Srl www.ave-technologies.com
Bilanciai Campogalliano Soc. Coop. Arl www.coopbilanciai.it
Coding Solutions Srl www.codingsolutions.it
De Santis Srl www.de-santis.biz
Eidos SpA www.eidos.eu
Electradue Srl www.electradue.it
Euroetik Srl www.euroetik.it
MMS - Meteor Mobile Solutions Srl www.meteormobile.it
Newtec Labelling Srl www.newteclabelling.it
Nimax SpA www.nimax.it
P.E. Labellers SpA www.pelabellers.it
Packlab Srl www.packlab.it
Primetec Srl www.prime-tec.eu
Proget Sistem Italia Srl www.progetsistem.com
R.E.P.S. Srl www.reps.it
World Jet Srl www.worldjet.it

36
18. Systems and equipment for storage

Once packaged the date products can be assembled in boxes and the boxes placed on a pallet and wrapped
for safer preservation during storage and transport. There are several kinds of machines for these purposes.

Figure 31 Equipment for storage

Machinery/
Companies Web
equipment

Pallettizers, depalletizers Ape Impianti Srl www.apeimpianti.it

Ave Technologies Srl www.ave-technologies.com
Bondani Srl www.bondani.it
Clevertech Srl www.clevertech.it
De Santis Srl www.de-santis.biz
Fipal Srl www.fipal.it
FMT Srl www.fmt.it
GPM Project Srl www.gpm-project.it
Logicon Srl www.logicon.it
Mariani SAS www.mariani-it.com
Pinardi Costruzioni Meccaniche www.pinardi.net
Sistal Tech Srl www.sistaltech.it
Tec.Al. Srl www.tecal.info
Temas Srl - Acitek Food Division www.temassrl.com

37
19. Machines, plants and equipment for the food industry

When processing food the hygiene of the premises if fundamental for obtaining a valuable and safe product.
Besides the constructive characteristics of the structures cleaning and disinfection hold a very important role
and are connected to the availability of pure and sweet water.

Machinery/
Companies Web
equipment

Factory hygiene:
Martik Srl www.martik.it
equipment and materials

Water depuration Austep SpA www.austep.com

Depura Srl www.depurasrl.com
P.I.ECO Srl www.pieco.it

Reverse osmosis: plants Austep SpA www.austep.com

Depura Srl www.depurasrl.com
P.I.ECO Srl www.pieco.it

38
Istituto Agronomico per lOltremare Universit degli Studi di Firenze

Company Cards

AMC Srl Standard Tech Impianti Srl

Bertuzzi Food Processing Srl Tecnofrutta Srl

Cartografica Galeotti SpA Termotend Sas di Claudio Menegatti & C.

Cefla Finishing Group Tropical Food Machinery Srl

De Lama SpA Zenari Engineering snc

De Santis Srl

Nardi International Srl

Nav-System SpA

Orved SpA

R.E.P.S. Srl

Roboqbo Srl

Stalam SpA
AMC Srl Products
Via Pietro Nenni 37 Thermosealing machines
80018 Mugnano di Napoli (NA) ITALIA
Tel. +39-081-0605956
Fax +39-081-19303811
info@amcpackaging.com
www.amcpackaging.com

AMC is a dynamic company established in 1998 as a "service center" in the dairy sector for the group PFM Packaging
Machinery Spa, the most famous multinational company world leader in food packaging. AMC becomes a
manufacturer thanks to the whole technical experience in the field, the professionalism, the training of staff, and to
continuously technology research that guarantee high quality standards in the manufacture. We do large attached
customization based on the specific needings of our customers. AMC is specialized in the production of machinery
and packaging lines from basic to sophisticated solutions, totally customized" in the food field paying the utmost
taking care and attention to every single component.
Some interesting information on our machines
- Automatic multiple denester - Any trays shape available
- Any shape of conveyors - Fully stainless steel AISI 304/316
- Automatic mold changing system - Integrated weighters, Multihead weigheters available
- High reliability in any conditions - Vacuum and modified-atmosphere packaging
- 24 h/day work without stopping - Remote assistance
- Water/acid resistant - International experience
- Intuitive and eased touch screen control panel - Totally projected, realized and assembled in Italy
- Very Safe & Easy to use - CE marked
- Multiple automathic integrated lid applicators - Best quality components used
Bertuzzi Food Processing Srl Products
Corso Sempione 212 bis Date Syrup Processing Line
21052 Busto Arsizio (VA) ITALIA (soaking group, destoner, vacuum and plate filter,
Tel. +39-0331-356111 vacuum pan, semi-automatic doser and capping
Fax +39-0331-356299 machine)
info@bertuzzi.it Washing machines
www.bertuzzi.it Sorting tables/belts

Bertuzzi Food Processing (Bertuzzi) was founded in 1936. The core activity of Bertuzzi has always been focussed on
developing innovative technologies for fruit and vegetable processing. In particular, Bertuzzi designs and supplies
equipment, machines and complete plants to transform any type of vegetable and fruit into juices, concentrates,
baby food, jams, ready made drinks and, in general, any fruit/vegetables base products. Bertuzzi has supplied more
than 1000 plants in over 100 countries. In 2010, Bertuzzi has been integrated into the Mazzoni LB Group moving its
office and workshop to the Mazzoni headquarters in Busto Arsizio.
Mazzoni LB, founded in 1946, is the world leading company in the design and supply of complete plants and
machineries for the production of soap and glycerine with a market share exceeding 60%. Mazzoni LB is also active in
Confectionery industry: mixers and extruders for chewing gum and equipment for liquorice industry. Mazzoni LB has
supplied more than 2400 plants in over 130 countries. Mazzoni LB acquired in 2012 a 40% share in Axor, the fastest
growing Italian company in the design and supply of dry pasta and snacks. The Mazzoni LB Group has together with
Axor and Bertuzzi an average turnover exceeding 70 million US$ with more than 130 employees with strong R&D,
engineering and manufacturing capabilities and with a sales and technical assistance network present in all the main
world markets.

41
Cartografica Galeotti SpA Products
Via per Vorno 15/17 Boxes for dates and food packaging
55060 Guamo (Capannori - LU) ITALIA
Tel. +39-0583-403444
Fax +39-0583-947838
info@cartograficagaleotti.com
www.cartograficagaleotti.com

Cartografica Galeotti has been making boxes since 1931. Three-quarters of a century later, we are very proud to say
that we are still here. Remaining on the market nowadays means making specific investments for the various
customer sectors. This is why we have set up specific lines for certain types of products: high-productivity lines for
skillets; machinery for applying self-sticking glue used especially by the footwear sector; automatic window-making
machinery; machinery for applying metal finger eyelets; gluing machines for automatic bottoms and for 4- or 6-
corners, that can also handle large formats. By integrating the entire production process internally, from design to
printing, from laminating to die cutting and gluing, we can mould our production capacity to suit the ever-increasing
requests from our customers and guarantee faster response times, quality, reliability and value for money.

42
Cefla Finishing Group Products
Via Bicocca 14/C Dryers (hot air and infrared rays)
40026 Imola (BO) ITALIA
Tel. +39-0542-653441
Fax +39-0542-653444
cefla.finishing@cefla.it
www.ceflafinishinggroup.com

Cefla Finishing Group is specialized in manufacturing a great variety of systems, especially oriented to drying various
types of applications.
The systems manufactured for the drying of dates are constituted by hot air in-line ovens of appropriate length
(depending on the production and on the volume of water to be removed).
These dryers are highly efficient thanks to the perfect insulation and energy recovery which is made possible by the
recirculation of air used for the dehydration.
The material is conveyed on a non-stick belt assuring about its thickness uniformity.
In consideration of the fairly low working temperatures, it can be guaranteed that the product will keep the highest
nutritional integrity and taste.

43
De Lama SpA Products
Via Piemonte 21 Cabinet dryers
27028 San Martino Siccomario (PV) ITALIA
Tel. +39-0382-559501
Fax +39-0382-556224
sales@delama.it
www.delama.it

De Lama is a leading manufacturing company established in 1949 that has successfully been operating mainly in the
pharmaceutical field all over the world for the production of sterilising equipment ever since.
Hundreds of Sterilisation Equipments have been successfully installed, along the years, all over the world.
De Lama performs all its activities in compliance with the certified Company quality management systems:
- UNI EN ISO 9001:2000
- UNI CEI EN 13485 (medical devices)

De Lamas plants are designed, manufactured and tested in full compliance with cGMP and FDA Guidelines.
For further and more detailed information we kindly invite you also to browse in our website at www.delama.it

44
De Santis Srl Products
Via De Gasperi 96 Labelling and cartoning machines
84016 Pagani (SA) ITALIA
Tel. +39-081-915344
Fax +39-081-5152066
desantissrl@teletu.it info@de-santis.biz
www.de-santis.biz

De Santis is well known as the leading manufacturer in Italy of labelling and cartoning machines for round metal cans.
De Santis company started at the end of the 19th century when the present owner's grandfather started a small
engineering workshop in Pagani. In 1938, De Santis developed the first automatic high speed can labelling machine
built in Italy. De Santis offers a comprehensive range of can handling machinery capable of accepting cans straight
from the sterilization process and taking them through to the warehouse stage. The range consists of:
- Crate unloaders, for round and square baskets.
- Unscramblers, for cans.
- Converging and dividing units, for precise feeding of one or more packaging lines.
- Labelling machines.
- Case Packers, available in two types of models for single land or for multiple lane (output up to 1000cpm.).
- Case Gluer-Sealers. At the end of the packaging line there are case gluer sealers utilizing the hot melt methods to
seal cartons (top and/or bottom) upto 50 cpm(tape also available).
De Santis units have been installed and have been worked for many years all around the world.
Another element of De Santis' success is that the spare parts are immediately available and delivered, also for very
old machines.

Labelling Machine Labelling Machine

Serial HSL-High speed Serial LB - Standard

Carton Filler Carton Filler

Serial PN - PNM - High Speed Serial UP900 - Non Shock

45
Nardi International Srl Products
Via Ritonda 79 Drying kilns
37047 San Bonfacio (VR) ITALIA Drying chambers
Tel +39-045-6101249
Fax +39-045-7612512
info@nardi.it
www.nardi.it

Nardi is a well-known brand of timber drying kilns, famous throughout the world for its quality, sturdiness, up-to-date
electronic controls and technical and technological assistance to the customer. Thanks to a very refined electronic
control system, quality and speed of drying are enhanced. A niche production regards drying plants for agronomical
products (tobacco, herbs, etc.) offering the same quality level of its drying kilns for timber. In this context Nardi can
provide kilns also for the processing of palm dates, in the drying and pre-drying phases. As with all niche products,
the design of the kiln is made in strict accordance with the final customer, according to his particular needs. Nardi is
at your complete disposal for all information: whether technical or commercial.

46
Nav-System SpA Products
Via S.Tomaso 1370 Cold rooms
47521 Cesena (FC) ITALIA High thickness panels
Tel. +39-0547-350505
Fax +39-0547-350500
info@nav-system.it
www.nav-system.it

Nav-system designs and manufactures the whole range of turnkey cold rooms and controlled-atmosphere rooms for
the storage and processing of fruit and vegetable products. One of our strength points is undoubtedly the direct
manufacturing of state-of-the-art insulated sandwich panels designed to customer specifications. But above all Nav-
system means all-round service, which includes custom-specific technical and financial consulting, custom-tailored
engineering, manufacturing up to standard, and on- time deliveries.

FROST

WET

47
ORVED SpA con socio unico Products
Via dell'Artigianato 30 Thermosealing machines
30024 Musile di Piave (VE) ITALIA Vacuum packaging machines
Tel. +39-045-576259
Fax +39-045-8100124
orved@orved.it
www.orved.it

Established in 1984, Orved has always focused on the conception, design, construction and development of vacuum,
modified atmosphere and protective packing machines. Since the beginning, Orved has always offered high quality
products and technologically advanced solutions. The whole range of machines is worldwide renowned for its
reliability and strength, due to companys 28-years experience in this field.
All Orved machines are built in compliance with the strictest international regulations, and are CE certified. The
company it-self is ISO 9001:2000 certified, both for its production of packing machines and vacuum bags.
Orved products are characterized by completely stainless steel structures, this ensuring the solidity of the machines.
Some of Orved machines include exclusive features covered by international patents, that Orved obtains for its most
important innovations. Orved boasts a range of vacuum packing machines and prices which can be defined as the
most complete in this sector.
For many years, Orved has also designed and produced trays thermosealing machines and thermosealing machines in
modified athmosphere. Orved holds exclusive patents for these machines as well. The company is represented in the
national and international market by distributors and agents and attends the most important national and
international trade fairs in the sector. The company is active in the international market with the following branches:
Orved France, Orved Espaa, Orved Romania, Orved Tunisie, Orved Brasil with a connected production site for the
South American market, Orved China, Orved USA, Orved Japan.

48
R.E.P.S. Srl
Via P. Bembo 34
41100 Modena (MO) ITALIA
Tel. +30-059-821667
Fax +39-059-3366046
info@reps.it
www.reps.it
R.E.P.S. Sarl Products
80 BD Moulay Slimane Labelling machines
Ain Sebaa Casablanca - MOROCCO Weighting machines
Tel. +212-0522355735
Fax +212-0522-355935
Cell. +212-661360603
info@repsmaroc.com
www.repsmaroc.com

We have been producing weighing and labeling system for twenty years, we create marking and identification
solutions , automated systems, and personalized services . REPS was born from the desire to find the right solution to
difficult problems .We are specialized in the development and implementation of labeling systems , weighing and
automatic identification, thanks to the professionalism and analysis skills developed throughout the several years of
experience as well as to our technical and commercial strength. REPS provides the clients with a complete full 360
degrees service to achieve the optimal solution. We project ideas and give solutions in the most various fields of
production and distribution, from the food to the mechanical industry, from logistics to retail.

49
Roboqbo Srl Products
Via del Lavoro 7/15 Multifunctional industrial cutter
40050 Argelato (BO) ITALIA Food processing system
Tel. +39-051-892483
Fax +39-051-893162
info@roboqbo.com
www.roboqbo.com

Roboqbo s.r.l. is on the market since more than 30 years and is one of the leading companies worldwide for industrial
cutter and food processing system manufacturing. Founded in 1978 its core business was the design and
manufacturing of top-table cutters for restaurants, hotels and gastronomy industries and since the very beginning,
their main characteristic was stainless steel as construction material As time passed by, the production evolved into
the manufacturing of professional cutters with increasing capacity and performances in order to meet the needs of
both small laboratories and large-scale industry. The main objective of Roboqbo has always been the highest quality
standards of the output with focus on reliability, practicality and speed of processing. These values gave birth in
1997, to the Qbo Universal Line, a new concept of technologically advanced multifunctional cutter able to
homogenize, cook, chill, process under vacuum. Qbo Universal Line units are characterized by a wide range of
capacities from 8 to 550 liters, and are the only machines capable of satisfying most production needs in the food
processing industry. The Qbo Universal Line is able to replace, through only one single unit, many traditional types of
machineries like dough mixers, cutters, mincers, kettles boules and pasteurizers. For its versatility and ease use, the
Qbo Universal Line is a concrete answer to the needs of restaurants, gastronomy, catering, pastry, cheese, bio,
pharmaceutical, and cosmetics from small laboratories/restaurants to medium/large food industry.

50
Stalam SpA Products
Via dell'Olmo 7 (Z.I.) Microwave Vacuum Dryers
36055 Nove (VI) ITALIA Radio Frequency continuous disinfestation tunnels
Tel +39-042-4597400 Microwave continuous disinfestation tunnels
Fax +39-042-4590722 Radio Frequency sterilizers for pumpable products
stalam@stalam.com
www.stalam.com

Established in 1978, STALAM is the world leader in the development, design and manufacture of radio frequency (RF)
equipment for the drying and thermal processing of raw materials, intermediate and finished industrial products.
Lately, STALAM has undertaken an ambitious business development program, involving the diversification into other
innovative, non-conventional drying and thermal processes, which also include the microwave (MW) and infrared (IR)
technologies. In this context, STALAM collaborates actively with prestigious universities, research institutes and
engineering firms. Exporting more than 95% of its products to the five continents, STALAM provides professional and
prompt commercial and technical assistance in all relevant industrial areas throughout the world, thanks to its well
structured sales and servicing organization.

51
Standard Tech Impianti Srl Products
Via 11 Settembre 26 Cold rooms
35010 Villafranca Padovana (PD) ITALIA Refrigerating panels and doors
Tel. +39-049-9070585
Fax +39-049-9070444
info@standard-tech.it
www.standard-tech.it

Certified ISO 9001-2008 and PED 97/23/EC, Standard Tech Impianti is specialized on turn-key refrigerating
structures construction for dates. Particularly:
- refrigerating panels and doors made by permanent materials, assembled in workplace with a particular technic
acted to anticipate fouling factors and for making easier hygienic operations
- special coatings acts to improve the atmospheric estate inside the storage cold rooms
- complete refrigerating systems with special units acted to preserves dates during time of storage. All systems are
gifted by refrigerating plants working with ammonia/Freon/glycol, specific aero-coolers and air treatment units
completed with energy saving equipment, particular specifications of sizing for dates storage
- special atmosphere controlled systems with specific nitrogen generators, oxygen reducers, adequate control units
for the management of the gasses percentage parameter inside of the environments
- electric boxes of power and control for the management of the thermo-hygrometric parameters inside of the
storage rooms
- electrical systems in accordance with latest norms and rules for the connections of all our machinery

52
Tecnofrutta Srl Products
Via B. Di Virgilio 2 - Zona PIP Cabinet and continuous dryers
71045 Orta Nova (FG) ITALIA Continuous cookers
Tel. +39-0885-787048 Cutters
Fax +39-0885-787048 Rehydratation systems
areacommerciale@tecnofrutta.it - carmelo.saldutto@tecnofrutta.it
www.tecnofrutta.com - www.tecnofrutta.eu

TecnoFrutta Srl is a leading reality in the design and production of dryers for processing and transforming fruit and
vegetables. The company can be found in the heart of Tavoliere delle Puglie, the most productive agricultural area in
southern Italy. Thanks to the thirty-year experience of its founder, Mario Ferragonio, TecnoFrutta soon became a
market favourite, with a client portfolio that grew progressively and quickly to include Europe and some countries in
the Mediterranean area. Today, the company aims at expanding into and conquering the Asian and American market
segments. TecnoFrutta Srl designs and produces machinery and plants for the fruit and vegetable and food packaging
industries according to the specific requirements of each client. In addition to dryers, in which the company excels,
TecnoFrutta also designs and produces machinery for use during the various vegetable processing phases (cutting,
washing, grading, processing and waste movement).

53
Termotend Sas di Claudio Menegatti & C. Products
Via Puccini 10 Solar dryers
41012 Carpi (MO) ITALIA
Tel. +39-059-6232923 - +39-320-7431677
Fax +39-059-689491
info@termotend.com - claudio.menegatti@termotend.com
www.termotend.com

The Termotend Sas was founded in 2008 after a long research on its own technology, developed for producing hot air
with the sun. The continuous research on the primary idea of converting sunlight into energy that can be used in a
very short time, was able to achieve interesting results and after a decade of research, it was decided to promote a
new system on the market that can achieve significant savings on air conditioning environment and on applications
for the drying of food products. The developed technology allows the production of hot air with the sun, in a simple
and immediate way, this system enables many applications, from domestic heating to drying of various products,
both food and other kind. The market launch of devices for home heating and drying of food, allowed to verify the
actual effectiveness of the systems and their reliability.
In a few years, applications have spread to many parts of the world, with the distribution of small drying systems
completely independent, it was noticed the effectiveness of the system and create conditions for the development of
more capable and professional systems. Currently we have a headquarters in Carpi (MO) and dealers in different
parts of Italy, abroad in Tunisia, Syria, Ukraine, Georgia, Spain, Argentina, Reunion, Lithuania, France, Switzerland,
Czech Republic, Slovakia. The main office is mainly engaged in design and development, the production is left to
third-party companies that produce on our license. Italian and foreign subsidiaries dealing mainly market research
and promotion of the devices. Currently we have two product lines, one on space conditioning, consists of solar
collectors to produce hot air for heating and another line for the manufacturing of devices and systems for the drying
of food products. The continuous research and design flexibility allows us to quickly develop solutions tailored to
customer needs, and studying efficient solutions economically and ecologically sustainable. The ecological view of
our devices is key factor of our entire business and corporate philosophy. All of our efforts are on the way to get the
maximum energy with minimal use of materials, environmental impact, all materials used in our devices are
recyclable and do not contain harmful elements.

54
Tropical Food Machinery Srl Products
Via Stradivari 17 washing machine, brushing machine
43011 Busseto (PR) ITALIA sorting machine, chopping
Tel. +39-0524-91311 cutting machine, extractor rotating beaters
Fax +39-0524-91808 pre-heater, refiner
info@tropicalfood.net press, decanter
www.tropicalfood.net sterilizer, evaporator, cooler
aseptic filler

We are manufacturer of complete lines for tropical fruit and tomato processing and are present in many countries in
Africa and Latin America .The capacity of our plants starts from 1000 Kg/h of fresh fruit upward for the production of
concentrate, natural juice,sauce and RTD juices packed in aseptic bag-in-drum or other packaging solutions.

55
Zenari Engineering snc Products
Via r. Maffei snc Destoners
37050 Vallese di Oppeano (VR) ITALIA
Tel. +39-045-7134454
Fax +39-045-6983140
zenariengineeringsnc@virgilio.it - info@meccanofrutta.it
www.meccanofrutta.it

Our factory operates in machine manufacturing since 20 years ago.

Recently we acquired the Meccanofrutta Italiana brand and its know-how, specialized in making devices for
processing fruit and vegetables. Among our products we can include pitters for cherries,olives and plums, besides
other machines for fruit transformation.
Our machines are characterized for a solid and reliable build and as they are made in stainless steel they guarantee
reliability in utilization and duration even in aggressive environment.

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 www.libyandates.com

Realised in the framework of the Cooperation Project

"Improvement and Valorisation of Date Palm in Al Jufrah Oasis"

Implemented by Department of Agricultural and Forest Systems Management

of the University of Florence (Italy) with the collaboration of
Istituto Agronomico per l'Oltremare of Florence

Edited by University of Florence 2012

All rights reserved

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