In the heart of the Aconcagua Valley, Baika's fresh fruit processing plant in San Felipe has become a benchmark for technology and automation in Chile. With a vision focused on efficiency, quality, and innovation, the company has implemented a state-of-the-art packing system that optimizes every stage of the process, from fruit selection to final palletizing.

The production process at the San Felipe plant has been transformed with the incorporation of high-tech graders that use artificial intelligence and vision systems to evaluate fruit quality. These tools allow for precise automatic selection, determining weight, color, diameter, and defects, ensuring that each piece meets the standards required by international markets.

According to Hugo Olivares, manager of the San Felipe plant, “ one of the great advances in the automation of Baika's packing is the use of automatic production plants and packing facilities and online weight checking, allowing for a homogeneous distribution of the fruit and reducing the margin of human error.”

Thanks to this, the company has managed to increase its operational efficiency by 33% in recent years, improving the turning and processing capacity of the fruit at the plant.

Processes optimized for greater efficiency

From the moment the fruit enters the plant, the automated system regulates the emptying of the bins at an adaptable speed, allowing the processing of up to 80 bins per hour depending on production needs. The fruit then passes through a brushing and treatment system before reaching the grader, where it is automatically sorted according to its characteristics.

In the packaging area, Baika has implemented a combination of automated bulk packaging machines, packing tables, and bingo machines, allowing for greater flexibility in preparing boxes according to market demand. The bulk packaging machines have a capacity of up to 2.5 ten-kilo boxes per minute, a speed that optimizes the production line and ensures a constant, uninterrupted flow.

Automated palletizing: A key step towards modernization

According to the plant manager, one of the biggest challenges in traditional packing facilities has been the palletizing process, which, when done manually, limits production speed. With the installation of automated palletizing systems at the San Felipe plant, Baika has significantly reduced operating times, allowing between 40% and 60% of production to be palletized automatically.

The system not only organizes and arranges the boxes on the pallets, but also places corner protectors, wraps and delivers the finished pallet, ensuring efficient packaging and reducing material waste.

Benefits for customers and sustainability

Automation has not only allowed Baika to improve its production times, but also to guarantee a high-quality, consistent product. Automatic sorting ensures a consistent standard in every box, resulting in a better customer experience.

“One of the main benefits for the customer is that a consistent, high-quality product is delivered throughout the day, as the machines don't get tired. The selection and calibration of the fruit remain uniform, ensuring that each box has the exact number of fruits and the precise weight,” Olivares explained.

From an environmental perspective, optimized processes have reduced material usage and minimized waste. Efficient use of boxes and packaging materials contributes to a more sustainable operation, aligned with the demands of the global market.

Projections: Baika's future in automation

Looking to the future, Baika plans to continue its growth in automation by incorporating more artificial intelligence technology into its processes. Currently, the San Felipe plant is operating at full capacity, but expansion plans include new calibration lines and increased capacity in bulk handling and automated palletizing.

The evolution of the fruit and vegetable industry demands adaptability and efficiency, and Baika remains at the forefront with cutting-edge technology to offer the highest quality fresh fruit. With a firm commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence, the San Felipe plant continues to lead the way for the future of packing in Chile.