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

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.

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

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/ equipment Shelters

Companies Fiocchi Box Prefabbricati SpA Petucco Box snc

Web www.fiocchibox.it www.petuccobox.it www.arrigoni.it www.pati-films.com www.colussiermes.it www.prcimpianti.com www.stvmachinery.it www.veloxbarchitta.it

Tarpaulins

Arrigoni SpA P.A.T.I. SpA

Washing machines for boxes

Colussi Ermes PRC Impianti snc STV snc di Giovanni Salati & C Velox Barchitta Srl

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

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Machinery/ equipment Cold storages

Companies Albafrigor Srl Bruzzo Cacciatori Srl DGD Srl Ferbox Srl Frigo tecnica internazionale SpA Frigomatica Srl Frigomeccanica SpA Frigor-Box Srl Frigostaff Srl Frigostamp Srl Incold Spa Mannai Salvatore & Figlio MISA SpA Nav-System SpA Nuova Satif Srl Rotafrigor Srl Seven Frigo Srl Standard-Tech Impianti Srl V.R.C. Cold Srl

Web www.albafrigor.com www.bruzzofrigoriferi.it www.cellafrigo.com www.dgdsrl.it www.ferbox.eu www.frigotecnica.com www.frigomatica.it www.frigomeccanica.it www.frigorbox.it www.frigostaff.it www.frigostamp.com www.incold.it www.mannaiefiglio.com www.misaspa.it www.nav-system.it www.satifcellefrigorifere.it www.rotafrigor.com www.sevenfrigo.net www.standard-tech.it www.vrccold.it www.tavalazzi.com www.mecparma.it www.agrogest.com www.automha.it www.reggianiscaffalature.it www.sacmaspa.com www.sigmaproduzioni.it

Freezing and deep freezing equipement Raks and automatic systems

Cesare Tavalazzi Srl CFT SpA Division Mecparma Agrogest Srl Automha Srl Reggiani Srl Sacma SpA Sigma Produzioni SpA

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

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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/ equipment Solar dryers Cabinet dryers (gas, diesel)

Companies Termotend Sas di C. Menegatti & C. Cauteruccio Engineering CFT SpA Division Mecparma De Lama Spa M.F.T. Srl Solar Impianti Srl Tecmon Srl Tecnofrutta Srl

Web www.termotend.com
www.cauteruccioengineering.com

www.mecparma.it www.delama.it www.mftitalia.com www.solarimpianti.it www.tecmon.it www.tecnofrutta.eu www.mecparma.it www.fava.it www.tecnofrutta.eu www.energyfrigosnc.com www.nardi.it www.deistaf.unifi.it www.arcoimpiantisrl.it www.stalam.it

Continuous drayers

CFT SpA Division Mecparma Fava Spa Tecnofrutta Srl

Drying chambers

Energyfrigo Nardi International Srl

Adapted containers co-genaration (CHP) Microwave Vacuum Dryers

University of Florence - DEISTAF Arco Impianti Srl Stalam Spa

* 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.

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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

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Figure 12 Trays for drying

Machinery/ equipment Washing machines

Companies Bertuzzi Food Processing Srl Boema SpA Buscetto Gaetano Ind. Costr.Mecc. Srl Cesare Tavalazzi Srl CFT SpA Frigojollinox Srl Ing. A. Rossi Imp. Industriali Srl Labs Srl M.F.T. Srl MEC Sistem Snc Navatta Group Food Processing Srl New Vettori & Manghi Srl Tec.Al. Srl Tecmon Srl Tecnoceam Srl TMCI Padovan SpA Toscana Enologica Mori Tropical Food Machinery Srl Turatti Srl

Web www.bertuzzi.it www.boema.com www.buscetto.it www.tavalazzi.com www.cftfoodtechnology.com www.frigojollinox.it www.ingarossi.com www.labs-srl.it www.mftitalia.com www.mecsistem.it www.navattagroup.com www.newvettorimanghi.com www.tecal.info www.tecmon.it www.tecnoceam.com www.padovan.com www.tem.it www.tropicalfood.net www.turatti.com www.tecnoceam.com www.turatti.com

Dryers

Tecnoceam Srl Turatti Srl

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/ equipment Sorting tables/belts (conveyor)

Companies

Web

Bertuzzi Food Processing Srl Boema SpA Buscetto Gaetano Ind. Costr.Mecc. Srl Cesare Tavalazzi Srl CFT SpA Frigojollinox Srl Ing. A. Rossi Imp. Industriali Srl Labs Srl M.F.T. Srl Navatta Group Food Processing Srl New Vettori & Manghi Srl Tecmon Srl Tecnoceam Srl TMCI Padovan SpA Toscana Enologica Mori Tropical Food Machinery Srl Turatti Srl 17

www.bertuzzi.it www.boema.com www.buscetto.it www.tavalazzi.com www.cftfoodtechnology.com www.frigojollinox.it www.ingarossi.com www.labs-srl.it www.mftitalia.com www.navattagroup.com www.tecmon.it www.newvettorimanghi.com www.tecnoceam.com www.padovan.com www.tem.it www.tropicalfood.net www.turatti.com

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/ equipment Pitting machines Pigo srl

Companies

Web www.pigo.biz www.tem.it www.zacmi.it www.meccanofrutta.it

Toscana Enologica Mori Zanichelli meccanica SpA Zenari Engineering snc

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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

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Figure 17 - Fumigation chamber (by injecting CO2) Machinery/ equipment Ovens

Companies

Web

see chapter 3 (heat disinfestation equipment is mostly the same than drying equipment but used at higher temperatures) Bi.Elle Srl Microwave Eng. Company Cefla Finishing Group Officine di Cartigliano SpA Sical SAS di Buffoni Paolo & C. Stalam SpA Synerprogetti Srl www.microwaves.it www.cefla.com www.cartigliano.com www.sicalsas.it www.stalam.it www.synerprogetti.com www.becaitaly.com www.vitilloliberato.it

Infrared rays Microwave/Radio frequency Systems

Fumigation chambre (CO2, Phosphine, Perfume) Raks and automatic systems

Beca Italy by Chimical Suis Vitillo Liberato Srl

see list in Refrigeration and freezing table

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

Figure 18 - Steam generators

Machinery/ equipment Rehydratation systems

Companies Boema SpA MCF Trade Metro International Srl Tecnofrutta Srl Toscana Enologica Mori Zanichelli meccanica SpA

Web www.boema.com www.storagemcfspa.com www.metrointernational.it www.tecnofrutta.eu www.tem.it www.zacmi.it www.cappellottosnc.it www.cometh.it www.mazziarturo.it www.lpvcaldaie.com www.manara.net www.mingazzini.com www.op-panini.eu www.generatoridivapore.it

Steam generators

Cappellotto V. snc Cometh Srl Ditta Arturo Mazzi e F. LPV Caldaie Srl Manara Roberto Srl Mingazzini Srl Panini Srl Tecnovapor Srl

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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/ equipment Mills

Companies Beccaria srl Cesare Tavalazzi Srl Toscana Enologica Mori

Web www.beccaria.it www.tavalazzi.com www.tem.it

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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/ equipment Destoners-Pulpers

Companies Asepsystems Srl Bertuzzi Food Processing Srl Boema SpA Cesare Tavalazzi Srl CFT SpA Consorzio Tecnoalimentare Italiano CTI Foodtech Srl Impiantia Srl Ing. A. Rossi Imp. Industriali Srl Labs Srl M.F.T. Srl Navatta Group Food Processing Srl Pigo srl TMCI Padovan SpA Zenari Engineering snc

Web www.asepsystems.com www.bertuzzi.it www.boema.com www.tavalazzi.com www.cftfoodtechnology.com

www.consorziotecnoalimentare.it

www.ctifoodtechpeach.com www.impiantia.it www.ingarossi.com www.labs-srl.it www.mftitalia.com www.navattagroup.com www.pigo.biz www.padovan.com www.meccanofrutta.it local.alfalaval.com local.alfalaval.com www.mecsistem.it www.nuovasara.com www.redaspa.com www.seital.com www.tropicalfood.net www.acram.it www.asepsystems.com www.bertuzzi.it www.dellatoffola.it www.tecnolatspa.it www.padovan.com www.turatti.com www.asepsystems.com www.bertuzzi.it www.boema.com www.cappellottosnc.it www.cftfoodtechnology.com www.ctifoodtechpeach.com www.farck.com www.firex.it www.frauimpianti.com www.frigojollinox.it www.galvaninfooddivision.it www.giordaninox.it

Malaxers Separators (decanters and centrifuges)

Alfa Laval SpA Alfa Laval SpA MEC Sistem Snc Nuova Sara Srl Reda SpA Seital Srl Tropical Food Machinery Srl

Filters (sheets / bag / plate / carbon / press / vacuum / drum)

Acram Srl Asepsystems Srl Bertuzzi Food Processing Srl Della Toffola SpA Tecnolat SpA TMCI Padovan SpA Turatti Srl

Cookers and vacuum concentrators

Asepsystems Srl Bertuzzi Food Processing Srl Boema SpA Cappellotto V. snc CFT SpA CTI Foodtech Srl Farck SpA Firex Srl Frau Impianti SpA Frigojollinox Srl Galvanin Food Division Srl Giordan SAS di Giordan Sergio & C. 25

Ing. A. Rossi Imp. Industriali Srl Labs Srl LPV Caldaie Srl Metro International Srl Navatta Group Food Processing Srl New Vettori & Manghi Srl Off. Mecc. Pellacini Sergio & Figli SAS Panini Srl Reda SpA Solar Impianti Srl Tec.Al. Srl Tecmon Srl Tecnoceam Srl Tecnofrutta Srl Tecnolat SpA TMCI Padovan SpA Tropical Food Machinery Srl Turatti Srl Complete lines for syrup production Bertuzzi Food Processing Srl Ing. A. Rossi Imp. Industriali Srl Tecmon Srl Toscana Enologica Mori

www.ingarossi.com www.labs-srl.it www.lpvcaldaie.com www.metrointernational.it www.navattagroup.com www.newvettorimanghi.com www.pellacini.com www.op-panini.eu www.redaspa.com www.solarimpianti.it www.tecal.info www.tecmon.it www.tecnoceam.com www.tecnofrutta.eu www.tecnolatspa.it www.padovan.com www.tropicalfood.net www.turatti.com www.bertuzzi.it www.ingarossi.com www.tecmon.it 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/ equipment Destoners / Pulpers Mincer / Cutter

Companies see list in Dates syrup production table Galvanin Food Division Srl Gherri Meat Technology Srl Giordan SAS di Giordan Sergio & C. Navatta Group Food Processing Srl Roboqbo Srl Tecmon Srl Tecnofrutta Srl Tropical Food Machinery Srl

Web

www.galvaninfooddivision.it www.gherrimt.it www.giordaninox.it www.navattagroup.com www.roboqbo.com www.tecmon.it www.tecnofrutta.eu www.tropicalfood.net www.cappellottosnc.it www.padovan.com www.tropicalfood.net

Presses

Cappellotto V. snc TMCI Padovan SpA Tropical Food Machinery Srl 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/ equipment Thermosealing machines AL.MA. Srl AMC Srl

Companies

Web www.almapackaging.com www.amcpackaging.com www.colimatic.it www.comiz.com www.facchinettinovara.it www.farck.com www.gherrimt.it www.ghizzoni.com www.italferpack.com www.ilpra.com www.impiantia.it www.italdibipack.com www.minipack-torre.it www.ormad.com www.orved.it www.pibergroup.com www.reepack.com www.rgdmape.com www.tecmon.it www.padovan.com www.unimecsrl.com www.veripack.it www.yang.it www.colimatic.it www.zeronovanta.com www.gherrimt.it www.ghizzoni.com www.italferpack.com www.ilpra.com www.italdibipack.com www.lavezzini.it www.minipack-torre.it www.orved.it www.reepack.com www.yang.it www.ciasrl.it www.italpak.com www.cartograficagaleotti.com www.concetti.com

Coligroup SpA Comiz Packaging Srl Facchinetti Srl Farck SpA Gherri Meat Technology Srl Ghizzoni new co Srl IFP Packaging Srl ILPRA SpA Impiantia Srl Italdibipack SpA Minipack-Torre SpA Ormad Com Srl Orved SpA Piber Group Srl Reepack Srl RGD Packaging Srl Tecmon Srl TMCI Padovan SpA Unimec Srl Veripack - F.N.C. SpA Yang Srl Vacuum packaging machines Coligroup SpA Fimek Srl Gherri Meat Technology Srl Ghizzoni new co Srl IFP Packaging Srl ILPRA SpA Italdibipack SpA Lavezzini Srl Minipack-Torre SpA Orved SpA Reepack Srl Yang Srl Single-dose packing machine C.I.A. Conf. Italiane Automatiche Srl Italpak Srl Boxes Wrappers Cartografica Galeotti Concetti SpA

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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/ equipment Fillers machines

Companies Asepsystems Srl Ave Technologies Srl Bonicomm Srl Carlo Migliavacca Srl a s.u. Cavicchi Impianti Srl CFT SpA CTI Foodtech Srl Euroetik Srl Finpac Srl FMT Srl IFP Packaging Srl ILPRA SpA Ing. A. Rossi Imp. Industriali Srl Labs Srl Melegari Manghi Srl Off. Mecc. Pellacini Sergio & F. SAS STV snc di Giovanni Salati & C Tecnoceam Srl Tecnomec snc Telm Srl TMCI Padovan SpA Tropical Food Machinery Srl

Web www.asepsystems.com www.ave-technologies.com www.bonicomm.it www.carlomigliavacca.com www.cavicchiimpianti.com www.cftfoodtechnology.com www.ctifoodtechpeach.com www.euroetik.it www.finpac.it www.fmt.it www.italferpack.com www.ilpra.com www.ingarossi.com www.labs-srl.it www.melegarimanghi.com www.pellacini.com www.stvmachinery.it www.tecnoceam.com www.tecnomec.pr.it www.telm.it www.padovan.com www.tropicalfood.net www.ghidimetalli.it www.giordaninox.it www.legaitaly.com www.quartiitaly.com www.stale.it

Honey Fillers

Ghidi metalli Srl Giordan SAS di Giordan Sergio & C. Lega srl Quarti Italy Srl Stal Materiale Apistico

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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/ equipment Wrapping machines

Companies Facchinetti Srl Ulma Packaging Srl

Web www.facchinettinovara.it www.ulmapackaging.it

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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/ equipment Bag filling machines

Companies BL Bag Line Srl Cavicchi Impianti Srl Concetti SpA F.lli Sacchi snc Cost. Meccaniche Servipack Italia V.A.I. Srl Weitek Srl

Web www.bl-bagline.it www.cavicchiimpianti.com www.concetti.com www.cmsacchi.com cms.servipackitalia.com www.vai-packaging.it www.weitek.it

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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/ equipment Weighing machines

Companies Bilanciai Campogalliano Soc. Coop. Arl Co-El Srl Comek Srl Electradue Srl Pen - Tec Srl R.E.P.S. Srl Turatti Srl V.A.I. Srl

Web www.coopbilanciai.it www.metaldetectorcoel.it www.comek.it www.electradue.it www.pen-tec.it www.reps.it www.turatti.com www.vai-packaging.it

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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/ equipment Labelling machines (automatic, semiautomatic)

Companies Arca Etichette SpA Ave Technologies Srl Bilanciai Campogalliano Soc. Coop. Arl Coding Solutions Srl De Santis Srl Eidos SpA Electradue Srl Euroetik Srl MMS - Meteor Mobile Solutions Srl Newtec Labelling Srl Nimax SpA P.E. Labellers SpA Packlab Srl Primetec Srl Proget Sistem Italia Srl R.E.P.S. Srl World Jet Srl www.arca.it

Web

www.ave-technologies.com www.coopbilanciai.it www.codingsolutions.it www.de-santis.biz www.eidos.eu www.electradue.it www.euroetik.it www.meteormobile.it www.newteclabelling.it www.nimax.it www.pelabellers.it www.packlab.it www.prime-tec.eu www.progetsistem.com www.reps.it www.worldjet.it

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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/ equipment Pallettizers, depalletizers

Companies Ape Impianti Srl Ave Technologies Srl Bondani Srl Clevertech Srl De Santis Srl Fipal Srl FMT Srl GPM Project Srl Logicon Srl Mariani SAS Pinardi Costruzioni Meccaniche Sistal Tech Srl Tec.Al. Srl Temas Srl - Acitek Food Division

Web www.apeimpianti.it www.ave-technologies.com www.bondani.it www.clevertech.it www.de-santis.biz www.fipal.it www.fmt.it www.gpm-project.it www.logicon.it www.mariani-it.com www.pinardi.net www.sistaltech.it www.tecal.info www.temassrl.com

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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/ equipment Factory hygiene: equipment and materials Water depuration Martik Srl Austep SpA Depura Srl P.I.ECO Srl Reverse osmosis: plants Austep SpA Depura Srl P.I.ECO Srl

Companies

Web

www.martik.it www.austep.com www.depurasrl.com www.pieco.it www.austep.com www.depurasrl.com www.pieco.it

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Istituto Agronomico per lOltremare

Universit degli Studi di Firenze

Company Cards
AMC Srl Bertuzzi Food Processing Srl Cartografica Galeotti SpA Cefla Finishing Group De Lama SpA De Santis Srl Nardi International Srl Nav-System SpA Orved SpA R.E.P.S. Srl Roboqbo Srl Stalam SpA Standard Tech Impianti Srl Tecnofrutta Srl Termotend Sas di Claudio Menegatti & C. Tropical Food Machinery Srl Zenari Engineering snc

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

Products Thermosealing machines

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, total ly 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 shape of conveyors - Automatic mold changing system - High reliability in any conditions - 24 h/day work without stopping - Water/acid resistant - Intuitive and eased touch screen control panel - Very Safe & Easy to use - Multiple automathic integrated lid applicators - Any trays shape available - Fully stainless steel AISI 304/316 - Integrated weighters, Multihead weigheters available - Vacuum and modified-atmosphere packaging - Remote assistance - International experience - Totally projected, realized and assembled in Italy - CE marked - Best quality components used

Bertuzzi Food Processing Srl Corso Sempione 212 bis 21052 Busto Arsizio (VA) ITALIA Tel. +39-0331-356111 Fax +39-0331-356299 info@bertuzzi.it www.bertuzzi.it

Products Date Syrup Processing Line (soaking group, destoner, vacuum and plate filter, vacuum pan, semi-automatic doser and capping machine) Washing machines 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.

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Cartografica Galeotti SpA Via per Vorno 15/17 55060 Guamo (Capannori - LU) ITALIA Tel. +39-0583-403444 Fax +39-0583-947838 info@cartograficagaleotti.com www.cartograficagaleotti.com

Products Boxes for dates and food packaging

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 6corners, 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.

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Cefla Finishing Group Via Bicocca 14/C 40026 Imola (BO) ITALIA Tel. +39-0542-653441 Fax +39-0542-653444 cefla.finishing@cefla.it www.ceflafinishinggroup.com

Products Dryers (hot air and infrared rays)

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.

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

Products Cabinet dryers

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

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

Products Labelling and cartoning machines

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 Serial HSL-High speed

Labelling Machine Serial LB - Standard

Carton Filler Serial PN - PNM - High Speed

Carton Filler Serial UP900 - Non Shock

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

Products Drying kilns Drying chambers

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.

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

Products Cold rooms High thickness panels

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 Navsystem 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

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

Products Thermosealing machines Vacuum packaging machines

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.

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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 80 BD Moulay Slimane Ain Sebaa Casablanca - MOROCCO Tel. +212-0522355735 Fax +212-0522-355935 Cell. +212-661360603 info@repsmaroc.com www.repsmaroc.com

Products Labelling machines Weighting machines

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.

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Roboqbo Srl Via del Lavoro 7/15 40050 Argelato (BO) ITALIA Tel. +39-051-892483 Fax +39-051-893162 info@roboqbo.com www.roboqbo.com

Products Multifunctional industrial cutter Food processing system

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.

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Stalam SpA Via dell'Olmo 7 (Z.I.) 36055 Nove (VI) ITALIA Tel +39-042-4597400 Fax +39-042-4590722 stalam@stalam.com www.stalam.com

Products Microwave Vacuum Dryers Radio Frequency continuous disinfestation tunnels Microwave continuous disinfestation tunnels Radio Frequency sterilizers for pumpable products

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.

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Standard Tech Impianti Srl Via 11 Settembre 26 35010 Villafranca Padovana (PD) ITALIA Tel. +39-049-9070585 Fax +39-049-9070444 info@standard-tech.it www.standard-tech.it

Products Cold rooms Refrigerating panels and doors

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

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Tecnofrutta Srl Via B. Di Virgilio 2 - Zona PIP 71045 Orta Nova (FG) ITALIA Tel. +39-0885-787048 Fax +39-0885-787048 areacommerciale@tecnofrutta.it - carmelo.saldutto@tecnofrutta.it www.tecnofrutta.com - www.tecnofrutta.eu

Products Cabinet and continuous dryers Continuous cookers Cutters Rehydratation systems

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).

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Termotend Sas di Claudio Menegatti & C. Via Puccini 10 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

Products Solar dryers

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.

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Tropical Food Machinery Srl Via Stradivari 17 43011 Busseto (PR) ITALIA Tel. +39-0524-91311 Fax +39-0524-91808 info@tropicalfood.net www.tropicalfood.net

Products washing machine, brushing machine sorting machine, chopping cutting machine, extractor rotating beaters pre-heater, refiner press, decanter 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.

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

Products Destoners

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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