Kiwi company takes the spotlight with its world-leading technology
Cherries moving through BBC’s Fill by Weight machine
Auckland, October 17th - Global players in the fresh produce industry will this weekend get a first-hand look at
innovative fruit sorting solutions from Kiwi company BBC Technologies, the world’s leading supplier of blueberry sorting
and packing machinery.
BBC Technologies, specialists in the development and manufacturing of advanced processing technology, will be showcasing
its range, for the first time, at the Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) Fresh Summit Convention & Expo in New Orleans.
PMA’s Fresh Summit is one of the largest trade shows held in the United States, drawing more than 18,000 visitors from
over 60 countries. North America is a key market for BBC, with the thriving New Zealand company recording 30 per cent
year on year growth.
BBC has deep roots in the horticulture sector and owns 162 hectares of blueberries in New Zealand. It has been selling
its technology in the United States for 13 years and also has established markets in Europe, South America and
Australasia, with its equipment operating in 20 countries.
With a track record of investment in research and development, BBC Technologies has developed a suite of hi-tech sorting
equipment for small fruit which has propelled the company to its market-leading position in supplying blueberry sorting
and packing machinery. It is also selling growing volumes of its high quality equipment to sort and track cherries,
grapes, small tomatoes, cranberries and olives.
The company employs more than 85 staff in New Zealand and overseas and is actively recruiting to support its steady
growth in domestic and offshore markets.
CEO Geoff Furniss says that culture makes BBC a favoured place to work and he expects a strong response to the company’s
current recruitment campaign for specialists in electronics and software design, mechanical design and production and
operations
“It’s a great time to join BBC. Our turnkey solutions are resonating with customers around the world. We can offer staff
a fantastic working environment and global opportunities in a fast-growing sector.”
In New Orleans, BBC will be exhibiting its new MIRA -360 machine which sorts for colour and identifies and removes
defects including cracks and splits, soft rot, wrinkles and bruises and insect damage. It also sorts in multiple streams
by size to ensure customers comply with standard industry sizing bands.
In addition, BBC Technologies will be introducing customers to its Fresh Tracker™ traceability software which can track
individual products from harvesting and processing through to packaging and point of sale.
International Sales and Marketing Manager Jason Walker, who will be on the BBC stand at PMA along with other senior
staff from the company, says Fresh Tracker provides customers with confidence about the quality of their produce.
“Managers are never left guessing about the quality levels of their product. For example, if a soft batch of blueberries
is coming through the production line, this can be tracked and the speed of the line adjusted accordingly.
“It allows our customers to maximise return and minimise risk.”
BBC will be exhibiting alongside one of its valued partners, Automated Packaging Systems, developers of a novel FAS
SPrint Revolution™ bagging system which has been incorporated into BBC’s ‘Fill by Weight’ machine.
“That means we can now offer a ‘super filler’ system that allows packers to fill clamshells, punnets, cups and bags with
one machine.
“This presents exciting new opportunities for us and our customers,” says Walker.
Furniss, who will also be on the stand, says BBC’s focus on preserving end product quality, which increases shelf life,
and its innovation, is central to the company’s success.
He says a commitment to service has also given the company a market edge.
“All of our products are backed by industry-leading support. If our customers have an issue, they simply pick up the
phone to our support team.
“We listen to what our customers tell us they need and respond accordingly.”
PMA’s Fresh Summit takes place from 18 – 20 October. Find out more at: www.freshsummit.com
About BBC Technologies
BBC Technologies are specialists in the manufacturing and development of Advanced Processing Technology. The New
Zealand-based company has a track record of investing in research and development to provide innovative solutions to the
horticulture industry globally. Its equipment is sold and serviced throughout North America, South America, Europe,
Australia and New Zealand. BBC Technologies has a strong commitment to service and all its products are backed by
industry-leading support. Find out more at: www.bbctechnologies.com
ENDS