The 2024 FPC Fresh Awards put a spotlight on the technological and sustainable innovations driving the future of the fresh produce industry. Widely regarded as the Oscars of the fresh produce world, the event honoured trailblazers in agritech and sustainability, showcasing how innovation is transforming the sector.
This year’s Technology Champion of the Year was awarded to Hall Hunter Partnership for their forward-thinking integration of AI and renewable energy.
Their investment in cutting-edge picking and packing machinery, alongside solar energy solutions, has set a new standard for efficiency and sustainability in farming operations. Their commitment to using technology to improve farming practices underscores the importance of innovation in tackling industry challenges.
The Agritech Excellence Award went to HarvestEye for their groundbreaking data insight technology. Their portable handheld device allows farmers to track real-time data on crop size, count, and weight, enabling better yield management and reducing waste. HarvestEye’s tool is disrupting traditional crop profiling methods, making it easier for growers to meet market demands and optimise production.
The Innovation Excellence Award was presented to PES Technologies for their revolutionary smell-based test, which offers instant insights into soil health. This game-changing product provides real-time biological data to farmers, allowing them to make more informed and sustainable decisions on the ground. PES Technologies’ innovation fills a crucial gap in the market for accessible and affordable soil analysis, helping farmers improve both profitability and sustainability.
On the sustainability front, the Sustainability Excellence Awards honoured leaders across key areas. BerryWorld Group won the Ethical Award for supporting women’s health in South Africa, while Albert Bartlett claimed the Supply Chain Award for their ambitious sustainability strategy aimed at reducing emissions and waste. SoilPoint Humic took home the Climate Award for their innovative Soil Booster, which regenerates depleted soils while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The 2024 FPC Fresh Awards demonstrated how agritech and sustainability are reshaping the fresh produce sector, with this year’s winners proving that innovation is the key to a greener, more efficient future.
