Innovation Reports
BROUGHT TO YOU BY PMMI MEDIA BRANDS:
2026
Edition

Fruits & Vegetables

Innovations Report

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From The Editors

Welcome to the 2026 ProFood World/ Packaging World Innovations Report.
This second-year report showcases standout packaging and processing equipment and materials spotted by PMMI Media Group editors at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, held September 29-October 1, 2025.

Editors highlight the defining features of each new product and capture videos of the innovations in action on the show floor. What follows is an organized, category-by-category look at the most noteworthy and genuinely new solutions drawn from hundreds of booth visits, and curated through decades of combined editorial experience.

Participating editors included:

  • Matt Reynolds, Chief Editor, Packaging World
  • Liz Cuneo, Editor in Chief, Healthcare Packaging
  • Derrick Teal, Editor in Chief, ProFood World
  • Anne Marie Mohan, Senior Editor, Packaging World
  • Lilián Robayo Páez, Editor in Chief, Mundo EXPO PACK
  • Silvia Gamba, Assistant Editor, Mundo EXPO PACK
  • Casey Flanagan, Associate Editor, ProFood World‍
  • Sean Riley, Editor in Chief, OEM Magazine
  • Pat Reynolds, Contributor, Packaging World‍
  • Rick Lingle, Contributor, Packaging World
Fruits & Vegetables

Introduction

Gentle Yet Powerful

From field to shelf, maintaining product quality while improving efficiency and reducing waste requires innovative approaches to processing and packaging for fruits and vegetables. Advances in automation, hygienic design, and sustainable materials are helping the industry meet these challenges head-on—ensuring that products retain their nutritional value, visual appeal, and safety throughout the supply chain. From gentle handling and precision cutting technologies to high-speed sorting, washing, and sustainable packaging systems, manufacturers are investing in equipment that enhances productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

Fruits & Vegetables
Innovations Report

Sorting Equipment

Technology Excellence

Oxipital AI

V-CORTX
3D Data-Driven AI Training
Uses LiDAR and 3D scanning instead of 2D image labeling to capture every detail to save time and reduce training.
Synthetic Data Generation
Simulates millions of product scenarios using 3D scans—different orientations, lighting, and conveyor setups—without interrupting production.
Pre-trained AI models eliminate the need for manual setup and labeling, while rules-based inspection ensures every customer’s standards are met.
Derrick Teal
Editor-in-Chief, ProFood World
V-CORTX
Oxipital AI

Real-time defect detection prevents out-of-spec products from reaching packaging or shipment.

V-CORTX
Oxipital AI

Key Features

vCortex is a next-generation vision system designed to detect defects, ensure product quality, and optimize production using artificial intelligence trained on 3D data.
BEGIN SPONSORED CONTENT

High Tek USA, Inc.

High Tek T2 Weigher
Watch Video

Compact T2 Weighing & Bagging Machine System

The High Tek USA T2 is a compact, entry-level weighing and bagging solution designed for small to medium production runs. It delivers reliable accuracy, easy operation, and a space-saving footprint.

Compact T2 Weighing & Bagging Machine System

High Tek T4 delivers fast, accurate multihead weighing for dry or wet products.

Learn More

M16 Multihead Weigher

High Tek M16 delivers high-speed, high-accuracy weighing for demanding production environments.

Learn More

Mini Weigher System

High Tek Mini Weigher delivers precise, reliable weighing for snacks, fresh, and frozen foods.

Learn More
END SPONSORED CONTENT
Operator Friendly

WECO (Duravant)

360Tek Optical Sorter for Blueberries
Full Coverage
This sorter rotates blueberries 360 degrees, and takes up to 16 photos of each berry.
Precise Identification
The system can identify small defects like bird pecks, scars, or stems, or even jumbo berries, and separate them into their own streams.
Advanced optical sorters like this give producers the precision and speed needed to detect even the smallest imperfections, helping to meet expectations of consistent product quality.
Casey Flanagan
Associate Editor, ProFood World
360Tek Optical Sorter for Blueberries
WECO (Duravant)

This sorter can identify not only small defects like bird pecks or scars, but also jumbo berries for jumbo programs, and send them down the correct stream.

360Tek Optical Sorter for Blueberries
WECO (Duravant)

Key Features

This high-precision sorter helps operators catch small defects or color variations more accurately, improving quality of the final product.
No items found.
Fruits & Vegetables
Innovations Report

Processing Equipment

Technology Excellence

FPS Food Process Solutions

Pulse Electric Field (PEF) Systems
Improved Processing
High-voltage electricity applied directly to foods alters their cellular structure and makes them more malleable for production.
Enhances Extraction
The process increases the yield of oils, juices, polyphenols, vitamins, and other soluble compounds.
Adding a step might sound counterintuitive to saving time, but processes like these can speed up production and improve the process by better preparing the raw materials.
Derrick Teal
Editor-in-Chief, ProFood World
Pulse Electric Field (PEF) Systems
FPS Food Process Solutions

Both liquid and solid system types can benefit from the process to increase production line efficiency and consistency.

Pulse Electric Field (PEF) Systems
FPS Food Process Solutions

Key Features

Pulse Electric Field (PEF) technology applies high-voltage electricity directly to foods to alter cellular structure by creating small holes in cell membranes to: release liquids and compounds more easily, facilitate infusions, or improve extraction processes.
No items found.
Fruits & Vegetables
Innovations Report

Packaging Equipment

Operator Friendly
High Speed

A&B Packing Equipment

G3 Evolution Weigh and Fill Machine
Gentle Precision
The G3 Evolution linear weigh and fill system is designed for small, delicate products like blueberries and grape tomatoes, combining speed, accuracy, and gentle handling.
Hygienic Design
The system simplifies cleaning with a fully stainless steel frame, lift-up access points, and an open design that eliminates cable raceways.
Equipment that balances careful handling with precise measurement supports consistent results for produce manufacturers.
Casey Flanagan
Associate Editor, ProFood World
G3 Evolution Weigh and Fill Machine
A&B Packing Equipment

The G3 Evolution handles delicate produce with high speed and accuracy while accommodating a wide range of container styles.

G3 Evolution Weigh and Fill Machine
A&B Packing Equipment

Key Features

A&B Packing Equipment's new G3 Evolution is designed for efficient cleaning, from its stainless steel frame to its two-lift system for easier access.
Fruits & Vegetables
Innovations Report

Materials

Sustainable / Recyclable

Tipa

Home-Compostable Produce Stickers/Labels
Material Collaboration
The fresh produce stickers are made from Tipa film and Bio4Life adhesive, both of which are home-compostable.
Meets PPWR Regulations
Stickers align with the new PPWR regulations in Europe, where home-compostable labels on fresh produce are to become mandatory.
TIPA’s home-compostable produce stickers solve a small but stubborn waste challenge, giving brands and retailers a food-safe label that breaks down naturally with organic waste.
Anne Marie Mohan
Senior Editor, Packaging World
Home-Compostable Produce Stickers/Labels
Tipa

The stickers stay durable across various storage conditions and are gentle on produce, preserving its natural look without marks or discoloration.

Home-Compostable Produce Stickers/Labels
Tipa

Key Features

The sticker's elasticity ensures adaptability across a range of fresh produce skins. It can also be used for food packaging labels such as PLUs, ingredients, branding, and barcodes as well as closures for food and fashion packaging.
Fruits & Vegetables
Innovations Report

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Fruits & Vegetables
Innovations Report

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Fruits & Vegetables
Innovations Report

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Our Editors

Matt Reynolds

Chief Editor

Packaging World

Anne Marie Mohan

Senior Editor

Packaging World

Elisabeth Cuneo

Editor in Chief

Healthcare Packaging

Derrick Teal

Editor in Chief

ProFood World

Sean Riley

Editor in Chief

OEM Magazine

Lilián Robayo Páez

Editor in Chief

Mundo EXPO PACK

Silvia Gamba

Editor

Mundo EXPO PACK

Casey Flanagan

Associate Editor

Packaging World

Patrick Reynolds

Contributor

Packaging World

Rick Lingle

Contributor

Packaging World

We'd love to hear your feedback!

editors@pmmimediagroup.com

Enjoying this preview?

The complete report reveals many more game-changing innovations.

View FULL REPORT
Enjoying this preview?

The complete report reveals many more
game-changing innovations.

View FULL REPORT