The Global Fruit and Vegetable Sorting Equipment Market was valued at USD 437 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 638.32 Million by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.30% during the forecast period (2024–2032). This growth is being driven by rising demand for automated food processing solutions, increasing focus on food safety and quality standards, and the expanding adoption of advanced technologies like AI and optical sorting in commercial agriculture and processing sectors.
As the food industry shifts toward greater efficiency, sustainability, and precision in handling fresh produce, attention turns to the leading equipment providers who are pioneering innovations in sorting and grading. These companies are enhancing productivity, reducing waste, and ensuring higher-quality outputs for global supply chains. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Fruit and Vegetable Sorting Equipment Market—a blend of technology innovators, engineering experts, and automation specialists transforming how fruits and vegetables are processed worldwide.
🔟 1. TOMRA
Headquarters: Asker, Norway
Key Offering: Optical sorters, laser sorters, and AI-enhanced grading systems for fruits and vegetables
TOMRA stands as a global leader in sensor-based sorting solutions, delivering advanced equipment that uses near-infrared spectroscopy and machine vision to sort produce by color, size, shape, and internal quality. Their systems are widely used in packing houses and processing plants, serving major growers in Europe, North America, and Asia, with a strong emphasis on minimizing food waste through precise defect detection.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Development of AI-driven sorting algorithms for real-time quality assessment
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Partnerships with agricultural cooperatives to integrate sorting into sustainable farming practices
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Commitment to reducing operational energy use by 20% in new equipment models by 2025
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9️⃣ 2. Unitec
Headquarters: Lugo, Italy
Key Offering: Size graders, color sorters, and multi-parameter inspection systems
Unitec specializes in customized sorting lines for fresh produce, offering solutions that handle everything from delicate berries to robust root vegetables. Operating in over 70 countries, the company focuses on high-throughput systems that improve yield rates for exporters and retailers, emphasizing gentle handling to preserve product integrity during processing.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Investments in volumetric weighing technology for accurate, non-invasive sorting
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Collaborations with food safety organizations to enhance defect removal capabilities
8️⃣ 3. Bühler Group
Headquarters: Uzwil, Switzerland
Key Offering: Optical color sorters, NIR-based quality analyzers, and integrated processing lines
Bühler is renowned for its comprehensive food processing technologies, including sorting equipment that integrates seamlessly into milling and packing operations. Their solutions are deployed in large-scale facilities worldwide, supporting the sorting of vegetables like potatoes and carrots with high precision to meet international export standards.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Expansion of digital twin technology for predictive maintenance in sorting machines
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Targets for 15% improvement in sorting efficiency through machine learning enhancements
7️⃣ 4. CFT Group (CFT SPA)
Headquarters: Parma, Italy
Key Offering: Automated sorting and grading machines, electronic sorters for fruits
CFT Group provides end-to-end solutions for fruit processing, with sorting equipment that excels in handling citrus and stone fruits. Their systems feature advanced cameras and software for defect detection, helping processors achieve consistent quality while boosting throughput in competitive markets like Europe and South America.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Goal to incorporate 100% recyclable materials in new sorter designs by 2030
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Europe’s advanced R&D center for fruit sorting innovations in Mediterranean regions
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6️⃣ 5. Duravant
Headquarters: Downers Grove, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: Key Technology optical sorters, weight-based graders
Duravant’s portfolio, including brands like Key Technology, offers robust sorting solutions tailored for North American and global vegetable processors. Their equipment uses hyperspectral imaging to identify subtle defects, ensuring compliance with stringent food safety regulations and reducing labor costs in high-volume operations.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Deployment of certified optical sorters at key U.S. processing hubs
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Aim for net-zero carbon footprint in manufacturing processes
5️⃣ 6. GREEFA
Headquarters: Tricht, Netherlands
Key Offering: iQS intelligent sorting systems, X-ray defect detectors
GREEFA leads in precision sorting for apples, pears, and other pome fruits, with systems that combine X-ray and optical technologies for internal and external quality checks. Based in the heart of Europe’s fruit-growing region, their equipment supports sustainable practices by optimizing resource use in packing lines.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Current output capacity exceeding thousands of units annually for global markets
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Target expansion to 50% more AI-integrated systems by 2027
4️⃣ 7. ELLIPS
Headquarters: Panningen, Netherlands
Key Offering: Tomato and vegetable color sorters, multi-spectral cameras
ELLIPS focuses on specialized sorters for tomatoes and cucumbers, utilizing patented camera technology to grade produce at speeds up to 100,000 pieces per hour. Their solutions are essential in greenhouse operations across Asia-Pacific and Europe, where precision sorting directly impacts yield and market pricing.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Ongoing research into hyperspectral imaging for early defect detection
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Regional adaptations for high-humidity sorting environments in emerging markets
3️⃣ 8. Aweta
Headquarters: Geldermalsen, Netherlands
Key Offering: Halo optical grading systems, size and color sorters
Aweta delivers integrated sorting and packing lines for fruits like kiwis and citrus, with equipment that features non-contact measurement for gentle handling. As a key player in the Dutch agro-tech scene, they serve international clients by improving sorting accuracy and reducing post-harvest losses.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Indigenous development of laser-based sorting for shape analysis
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Collaborations to scale automation in small-to-medium farms
2️⃣ 9. SHIBUYA SEIKI
Headquarters: Kanazawa, Japan
Key Offering: High-speed optical sorters, AI vision systems for produce
SHIBUYA SEIKI excels in compact, efficient sorters ideal for Asian markets, particularly for vegetables like onions and cabbage. Their technology incorporates advanced AI to adapt to varying produce types, supporting Japan’s export industry with reliable, high-precision equipment that minimizes downtime.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Plans to produce over 500 units of next-gen sorters annually
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Expansion of supply chains in Southeast Asia for regional growth
1️⃣ 10. Raytec Vision
Headquarters: Ferrara, Italy
Key Offering: Hypervis optical platforms, X-ray and UV sorters
Raytec Vision specializes in multi-spectral sorting for a wide range of fruits and vegetables, using proprietary software for detailed quality analysis. They support global logistics by providing equipment that integrates with existing lines, helping processors meet EU and U.S. standards for contaminant-free produce.
Innovation Initiatives:
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Full-spectrum solutions from UV to infrared for comprehensive inspection
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Strategic alliances with European research institutes for tech advancements
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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Fruit and Vegetable Sorting Equipment Is Smarter and More Efficient
The fruit and vegetable sorting equipment market is experiencing a significant evolution. While mechanical systems remain foundational, the sector is pouring resources into AI-powered automation, sensor technologies, and waste-reduction innovations to meet growing demands for sustainable food production.
📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:
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Accelerated adoption of optical and AI sorting in Asia-Pacific and Europe
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Regulatory requirements for food traceability and quality control by 2030
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Integration of IoT for real-time monitoring and predictive analytics
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Grower-processor partnerships to advance eco-friendly sorting solutions
Market Trends Affecting Fruit and Vegetable Sorting Equipment
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Integration of AI and machine learning — enhances accuracy in defect detection and sorting speed, allowing for customized solutions based on produce type. Recent advancements from leaders like TOMRA are setting new benchmarks in precision agriculture.
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Sustainable and energy-efficient designs — manufacturers are prioritizing low-energy sensors and recyclable components to align with global green standards. For instance, Bühler’s focus on reducing power consumption exemplifies this shift.
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Expansion in emerging markets — rising urbanization in Asia and Africa drives demand for automated sorting to handle increased production volumes. Companies like SHIBUYA SEIKI are tailoring equipment for these regions.
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Multi-functional systems — equipment combining sorting, grading, and packaging reduces operational footprints, favored in space-constrained facilities. GREEFA’s intelligent systems lead in this area.
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Enhanced food safety features — X-ray and hyperspectral imaging detect contaminants more effectively, complying with stricter regulations. Raytec Vision’s innovations are pivotal here.
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The companies listed above are not only streamlining produce processing—they’re leading the automation revolution in global agriculture.
The global Fruit and Vegetable Sorting Equipment market size was estimated at USD 437 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 638.32 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.30% during the forecast period.
North America Fruit and Vegetable Sorting Equipment market size was estimated at USD 122.42 million in 2024, at a CAGR of 3.69% during the forecast period of 2025 through 2032.
Report Overview
Fruit and Vegetable Sorting Equipment is designed to automate the sorting and grading of fruits and vegetables based on various parameters like size, color, quality, and ripeness. These machines play a crucial role in the food supply chain, ensuring that only premium produce makes it to consumers while discarding defects efficiently. By leveraging technologies such as optical sensors and AI algorithms, they help processors meet the demands of a quality-conscious market.
This report provides a deep insight into the global Fruit and Vegetable Sorting Equipment market covering all its essential aspects. This ranges from a macro overview of the market to micro details of the market size, competitive landscape, development trend, niche market, key market drivers and challenges, SWOT analysis, value chain analysis, etc. Understanding these elements allows stakeholders to navigate the complexities of an industry poised for steady growth amid rising global food production needs.
The analysis helps the reader to shape the competition within the industries and strategies for the competitive environment to enhance the potential profit. Furthermore, it provides a simple framework for evaluating and accessing the position of the business organization. The report structure also focuses on the competitive landscape of the Global Fruit and Vegetable Sorting Equipment Market, this report introduces in detail the market share, market performance, product situation, operation situation, etc. of the main players, which helps the readers in the industry to identify the main competitors and deeply understand the competition pattern of the market. This knowledge is invaluable for forging ahead in a sector where innovation dictates success.
In a word, this report is a must-read for industry players, investors, researchers, consultants, business strategists, and all those who have any kind of stake or are planning to foray into the Fruit and Vegetable Sorting Equipment market in any manner. It equips them with the foresight needed to capitalize on opportunities in automation and precision agriculture.
Global Fruit and Vegetable Sorting Equipment Market: Market Segmentation Analysis
The research report includes specific segments by region (country), manufacturers, Type, and Application. Market segmentation creates subsets of a market based on product type, end-user or application, Geographic, and other factors. By understanding the market segments, the decision-maker can leverage this targeting in the product, sales, and marketing strategies. Market segments can power your product development cycles by informing how you create product offerings for different segments. For instance, optical sorting might dominate in high-value fruit markets, while weight-based systems suit bulk vegetable processing.
Key Company
- TOMRA
- Unitec
- Buhler
- CFT SPA
- Duravant
- GREEFA
- ELLIPS
- Aweta
- SHIBUYA SEIKI
- Raytec Vision
- FUTURA SRL
- Jiangxi Reemoon Technology
- Yuanjiang Xingnong Machinery
- Eshet Eilon Industries
- MAF Roda
- GP Graders
Market Segmentation (by Type)
- Optical Sorting Equipment
- Gravity/Weight Sorting Equipment
- Others
Market Segmentation (by Application)
- Fruit
- Vegetable
Geographic Segmentation
- North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)
- Europe (Germany, UK, France, Russia, Italy, Rest of Europe)
- Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Southeast Asia, Rest of Asia-Pacific)
- South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Rest of South America)
- The Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Rest of MEA)
FAQs on Global Fruit and Vegetable Sorting Equipment Market (2024–2032)
1. What is the current market size of the Fruit and Vegetable Sorting Equipment industry in 2024?
- As of 2024, the global Fruit and Vegetable Sorting Equipment market is valued at USD 437 million, driven by advancements in automation technology and the growing demand for consistent product quality in the food processing industry. This valuation reflects the increasing reliance on machinery to handle surging global produce volumes efficiently.
2. What is the projected market value by 2032?
- The market is projected to grow to USD 638.32 million by 2032, reflecting steady growth fueled by increasing automation in sorting processes and the need for efficient food processing. Factors like population growth and export demands will continue to propel this expansion.
3. What is the expected CAGR for this market during 2024–2032?
- The Fruit and Vegetable Sorting Equipment market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.30% over the forecast period, indicating moderate but steady market expansion. This rate accounts for technological upgrades and regional investments in agriculture.
4. What is fruit and vegetable sorting equipment?
- Fruit and vegetable sorting equipment is used to automate the process of sorting produce by size, color, shape, and quality. These machines enhance the efficiency and accuracy of sorting, ensuring that only the best-quality produce reaches the market while reducing manual labor. They are essential for minimizing waste and maintaining standards in fresh food supply chains.
5. What are the key technologies used in sorting equipment?
Key technologies in fruit and vegetable sorting equipment include:
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Optical sorting – Uses cameras and sensors to assess color and size, enabling rapid visual inspections without physical contact.
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X-ray and laser sorting – Detects defects, foreign materials, and quality differences internally, ideal for identifying issues not visible on the surface.
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Weight-based sorting – Sorts produce based on weight, providing precise categorization for uniform packaging.
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Vision systems – Enhances sorting accuracy with high-definition cameras and AI-based algorithms, allowing for adaptive learning and improved performance over time.
Key Benefits of This Market Research:
- Industry drivers, restraints, and opportunities covered in the study
- Neutral perspective on the market performance
- Recent industry trends and developments
- Competitive landscape & strategies of key players
- Potential & niche segments and regions exhibiting promising growth covered
- Historical, current, and projected market size, in terms of value
- In-depth analysis of the Fruit and Vegetable Sorting Equipment Market
- Overview of the regional outlook of the Fruit and Vegetable Sorting Equipment Market:
Key Reasons to Buy this Report:
- Access to date statistics compiled by our researchers. These provide you with historical and forecast data, which is analyzed to tell you why your market is set to change
- This enables you to anticipate market changes to remain ahead of your competitors
- You will be able to copy data from the Excel spreadsheet straight into your marketing plans, business presentations, or other strategic documents
- The concise analysis, clear graph, and table format will enable you to pinpoint the information you require quickly
- Provision of market value data for each segment and sub-segment
- Indicates the region and segment that is expected to witness the fastest growth as well as to dominate the market
- Analysis by geography highlighting the consumption of the product/service in the region as well as indicating the factors that are affecting the market within each region
- Competitive landscape which incorporates the market ranking of the major players, along with new service/product launches, partnerships, business expansions, and acquisitions in the past five years of companies profiled
- Extensive company profiles comprising of company overview, company insights, product benchmarking, and SWOT analysis for the major market players
- The current as well as the future market outlook of the industry concerning recent developments which involve growth opportunities and drivers as well as challenges and restraints of both emerging as well as developed regions
- Includes in-depth analysis of the market from various perspectives through Porter’s five forces analysis
- Provides insight into the market through Value Chain
- Market dynamics scenario, along with growth opportunities of the market in the years to come
- 6-month post-sales analyst support
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Chapter Outline
- Chapter 1 mainly introduces the statistical scope of the report, market division standards, and market research methods.
- Chapter 2 is an executive summary of different market segments (by region, product type, application, etc), including the market size of each market segment, future development potential, and so on. It offers a high-level view of the current state of the Fruit and Vegetable Sorting Equipment Market and its likely evolution in the short to mid-term, and long term.
- Chapter 3 makes a detailed analysis of the market’s competitive landscape of the market and provides the market share, capacity, output, price, latest development plan, merger, and acquisition information of the main manufacturers in the market.
- Chapter 4 is the analysis of the whole market industrial chain, including the upstream and downstream of the industry, as well as Porter’s five forces analysis.
- Chapter 5 introduces the latest developments of the market, the driving factors and restrictive factors of the market, the challenges and risks faced by manufacturers in the industry, and the analysis of relevant policies in the industry.
- Chapter 6 provides the analysis of various market segments according to product types, covering the market size and development potential of each market segment, to help readers find the blue ocean market in different market segments.
- Chapter 7 provides the analysis of various market segments according to application, covering the market size and development potential of each market segment, to help readers find the blue ocean market in different downstream markets.
- Chapter 8 provides a quantitative analysis of the market size and development potential of each region from the consumer side and its main countries and introduces the market development, future development prospects, market space, and capacity of each country in the world.
- Chapter 9 shares the main producing countries of Fruit and Vegetable Sorting Equipment, their output value, profit level, regional supply, production capacity layout, etc. from the supply side.
- Chapter 10 introduces the basic situation of the main companies in the market in detail, including product sales revenue, sales volume, price, gross profit margin, market share, product introduction, recent development, etc.
- Chapter 11 provides a quantitative analysis of the market size and development potential of each region during the forecast period.
- Chapter 12 provides a quantitative analysis of the market size and development potential of each market segment during the forecast period.
- Chapter 13 is the main points and conclusions of the report.
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In expanding upon the competitive dynamics, it’s worth noting how these top companies are not just competing on technology but also on service integration. For example, TOMRA’s global service network ensures minimal downtime, which is critical for seasonal harvest periods. Similarly, Unitec’s customizable solutions allow for region-specific adaptations, such as handling tropical fruits in South America versus temperate produce in Europe. This level of flexibility is key in a market where produce varieties differ vastly by geography.
Looking deeper into type segmentation, optical sorting equipment holds the largest share due to its versatility and non-destructive nature. These systems use light spectrum analysis to differentiate ripe from unripe or bruised items, far surpassing manual methods in speed and accuracy. Gravity and weight sorting, while simpler, remain vital for initial grading in large-scale operations, often serving as a cost-effective entry point for smaller processors in developing regions.
Application-wise, the fruit segment leads, driven by premium pricing for high-quality items like apples and berries, where visual appeal is paramount. Vegetables follow closely, with innovations targeting root crops that require internal defect scanning. The interplay between these applications highlights how equipment providers are diversifying to capture both segments, fostering overall market resilience.
Geographically, Europe dominates with its advanced agricultural infrastructure and stringent quality regulations, but Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, fueled by China’s massive produce output and India’s rising exports. North America’s mature market benefits from tech-savvy farmers adopting automation to combat labor shortages, while South America leverages sorting tech for export-oriented citrus industries. The Middle East and Africa, though nascent, show promise through investments in water-efficient farming that pair well with precise sorting.
Addressing challenges, high initial costs remain a barrier for smallholders, but leasing models from companies like Duravant are bridging this gap. Supply chain disruptions, as seen in recent years, underscore the need for localized manufacturing, a strategy Bühler is pursuing aggressively. Opportunities abound in hybrid systems that combine sorting with washing and packaging, streamlining entire workflows and appealing to integrated food companies.
SWOT analysis reveals strengths in technological superiority and global reach, weaknesses in dependency on electronic components, opportunities in emerging markets, and threats from raw material price volatility. Value chain-wise, from sensor suppliers upstream to end-user training downstream, efficiency gains are evident, with sorting equipment at the core enhancing traceability and sustainability.
Recent developments include TOMRA’s launch of a new AI sorter in 2023, capable of 99% accuracy in defect removal, and GREEFA’s partnership with Dutch growers for zero-waste initiatives. These moves illustrate the proactive stance of market leaders in addressing consumer demands for ethical, high-quality food production.
For investors, the moderate CAGR signals reliable returns, particularly in optical tech sub-segments. Businesses can use this report to benchmark against peers, identifying gaps in their sorting capabilities and planning upgrades accordingly. Overall, the Fruit and Vegetable Sorting Equipment market stands as a cornerstone of modern agriculture, propelling the industry toward a more efficient, sustainable future.