Better data, happier consumers
Galen George from Felix Instruments shows how information collected through near-infrared measurements is shaping the future of quality control, thereby saving millions in costs.
Galen George, Director of Applied Science at Felix Instruments, is an expert in NIR measuring devices and data analysis.
Higher yields, better quality, more demanding consumers – the pressure on the fruit trade industry is high. Traditional quality measurement methods in the fruit and vegetable trade are reaching their limits. Galen George, Director of Applied Science at Felix Instruments, has a solution, which he presented on Thursday morning on the Farming Forward Stage at FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026: big data.
Under the title "Half a million fruit quality scans: What the data says about the future of fresh produce", the expert spoke about real-time gas analysis with NIR (near-infrared) devices, which gently and extensively test the fruit to be measured for relevant ripeness parameters such as dry matter, Brix, titratable acidity and internal colour. Ideal for mangoes, avocados or kiwis, for example.
Insufficient sample sizes
Felix Instruments has collected masses of data using this method, which is applied throughout the entire value added chain, from cultivation to packaging and logistics to retail. "These highly diverse, broad-based data sets from all over the world highlight the major problem with quality control to date," explained George. Due to the small sample sizes, it is mainly the parameters in the middle range that are measured. The extremes fall through the cracks. "These are the ones that cause problems because they ripen early or remain unripe," said the expert.
With large, representative data sets from a wide variety of regions and stakeholders, measured over several harvest cycles, variability and thus errors and losses are significantly reduced. AI and machine learning also enable continuous cross-checking and predictive modelling.
Millions in losses prevented
This not only saves unnecessary amounts of waste, but also has real economic implications, said Galen George. "Several large retailers have told us directly that individual goods can cause annual losses of several million to tens of millions of dollars." Big data enables better decisions to be made. "More data means better harvests, more consistency along the value added chain – and ultimately more trust among consumers."