Italian company marks 100 years of ingenuity


In 1924, the first sorting equipment made by Dalle Vacche came into Massa Lombarda. It was within this legendary business that UNITEC was founded in promoting the integration of new entrepreneurial expertise, and whose primary focus was the research and development of non-destructive methods to assessment of the quality of fruits. Therefore, the primary purpose of the business is clearly stated with the motto ‘We strive to improve your performance’ is a clear indication of the closeness that the firm has to the requirements of its clients, utilizing all knowledge available and identifying areas of knowledge that could be improved to help market.

UNI Smart PLAT ROBOT (robotic cell designed for high-efficiency automatic palletizing) This system can boost the productivity and efficiency of the back-end process. With the help of anthropomorphic robots it is able to palletize a variety of types of formats in a single step, without mechanical rules. It’s able to make multiple kinds of mosaics and even various patterns on one pallet, which improves the stability of the pallet.


It is the culmination of an adventure that started in the 1920s, with Dalle Vacche. An analysis-based journey as well as research and experimentation, all motivated by a passion to see tangible results as well as striving for perfection which is why the outcomes for our customers is the final objective. A century of continual improvement in the process of selecting and sorting the internal and external fruit and vegetables. We also have a hand throughout the various stages in the processing of fruits and vegetables and vegetables, continuously developing the latest technologies for creating Unitec unique systems.

UNICAL 22 Berry, also on display in the UNITEC booth will be the latest technology used for blueberry qualitative selection. The system is fitted by Blueberry Vision 3 along with UNIQ Blueberry. They can analyze every blueberry to provide an even more accurate, precise and reliable internal and external quality assessment, in order to improve the flavor and organoleptic qualities of this fruit while protecting its integrity.


It’s a major event that provides a basis for the Group’s presence at this year’s Berlin Fair, but it will only be the beginning of a moment that can take the company to the future in accordance with its mandate for ingenuity and innovation, as illustrated through the possibilities provided to the industry through robotics, right from the field until at the point of purchase and even central systems for fruits and other vegetables. Unitec has successfully tried its system on over fifty varieties of fruits and vegetables, and is ready to tackle new challenges.

UNICAL 200 Cherry Cherry Vision 3.5 Ai Cherry Vision 3.5 Ai is UNITEC revolutionary technological solution which, through the application of cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence models and to the tight connections to UNITEC with the world market for cherries, makes it possible to quickly detect the latest cuts and cracks that have occurred on cherry. Cherry Vision 3.5 Ai is an entirely-developed solution by the UNITEC Research and Development Department that can aid in packing Houses especially during the dry season.


“One hundred years might seem like old age, however this isn’t the case for Unitec,” says Angelo Benedetti the President of Unitec. “The mean age of the Unitec staff is around 35 years old, and the energy and inspiration that we get from our clients around the world are the key to a long-lasting existence; we create collaborations that have tangible advantages as well as one of the greatest sources of motivation that allows us to anticipate the coming 100 years.. We wish to acknowledge everyone of you for continuing to rely on us throughout these 100 years. ”

UNICAL 22 HAZELNUT UNITEC is also developing solutions to sort hazelnuts: Hazelnut Vision system provides great advantages in handling and quality assessment of hazelnuts (with shells, or without or roast) and detecting any defects apart from their shape, size and hue.


In the press conference during the event, Angelo Benedetti mentioned how the Group’s UniRobotics and UniSorting divisions are now making the possibility of developing robot solutions, and to provide solutions to specific products like avocados, apples, pears and even dates.


“The objective is to become an advocate on behalf of our customers helping them through the process, and also in this manner, offer answers for their customers. There’s plenty of value to add to the industry currently in advertising fruit varieties which are more appealing to the consumer. Although research over the years has been focused on quantifiable factors like shelf life, yield colors, shelf life, and yield but has frequently overlooked one of the primary aspects of fruits, which is its taste. What has resulted from the lack of focus is a feeling of discontent among consumers. Technology could bring a new dimension to the food and vegetable supply, by removing fruits that are not healthy enough for the marketplace .”

Unitec is dedicated to educating and training “We chose to create mechatronics courses at a university in our corporate headquarters to help fill gaps in technological education in Italy. ”


Unitec provides direct support for all customers and without the need to rely on third party vendors or distribution partners. “A person who purchased the machine from us more than 30 years ago is still in a position to utilize it today,” concludes Benedetti. “This is because the core mechanisms have remained more like the same, and it could be only needed to change the software. The older and new versions may coexist. Our lines are remote connected to our main office. This gives us quick access as well as assist in the event of an issue that could be resolved via remote. As a result, we are not a believer in selling just for to sell for the purpose of selling. We think that businesses will only be successful if you build a relationships of trust with your clients. This is because of loyalty and honesty that comes from doing what you love to are doing that enabled us to mark 100 years of tradition in the present. ”

UNIQ solutions to internal quality control system that focuses on each fruit. There are many innovations regarding internal quality control system, created entirely by UNIQ’s R&D department, devoted specifically to the specific fruits in the UNIQ collection (UNIQ Kiwi UNIQ Apples, UNIQ Peach, UNIQ Plum, UNIQ Blueberry, UNIQ Cherry, UNIQ Apricot, UNIQ Melon, UNIQ Pomegranate, UNIQ Cherry Tomato, UNIQ Pears, UNIQ Avocados, UNIQ Onions, UNIQ Dates and more. ).

In Fruit Logistica 2024, UNITEC Group has showcased various of its products on three stands specifically dedicated to the various areas of specialization. In addition to the products mentioned above as well as these:

  • UNIQ solutions for internal quality selection that is dedicated to each fruit. There are many innovations regarding internal quality control system, created entirely by UNIQ’s R&D department, devoted to specific fruits of the UNIQ collection (UNIQ Kiwi UNIQ Apples, UNIQ Peach, UNIQ Plum, UNIQ Blueberry, UNIQ Cherry, UNIQ Apricot, UNIQ Melon, UNIQ Pomegranate, UNIQ Cherry Tomato, UNIQ Pears, UNIQ Avocados, UNIQ Onions, UNIQ Dates (e.g. ).
  • UNI FLOW GENTLE PACKER Patented method developed created by UNISORTING to maximize productivity and packing capacity of apples with a constant and smooth transfer of the fruit into tray. This is all while protecting the freshness of every single fruit through the extremely soft suction cups, each one specifically dedicated to every apple. UNI ROBOTICS – Hall 4.1 (B-10).
  • UNI smart Tray Filler Automated filler, which lets you pack various varieties of fruit like nectarines, peaches and apples either in trays, or within crates. Fruit collection and placement on trays is made easier by the innovative robot, which has the ability to pick and place which can alter the exact location for gathering/placing, depending on the dimensions and shape of the container to be handled.

More info: https://www.unitec-group.com/

Source: The Plantations International Agroforestry Group of Companies