New Kiwifruit Meter Tested Maturity Without Waste
A portable device allows growers to measure fruit quality instantly using light, eliminating the need to cut and destroy produce.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Organic Food
Live Poll
Do you trust non-destructive technology to accurately assess the quality of the produce you buy?
A new portable quality meter, the F-751, uses spectroscopy to determine the ripeness and internal quality of kiwifruit varieties. This technology offers a non-destructive alternative to traditional testing methods that require slicing fruit.
Why it matters
By providing instant data on dry matter and Brix levels, the device helps growers optimize harvest timing and reduce food waste. These quality metrics are essential for ensuring produce reaches store shelves at the ideal state of maturity.
The F-751 Kiwifruit Quality Meter employs near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to calculate dry matter and Brix in Hayward, Gold 3, and Red 19 varieties. This portable instrument provides results in seconds, compared to the time-consuming process of destructive sampling.
The players
Felix Instruments
A developer of precision analytical tools and the manufacturer of the F-751 quality meter.
Fresh Produce Instruments
A provider of agricultural quality control technologies, including firmness testers and refractometers.
The details
The device works by emitting specific light frequencies that interact with the fruit's internal tissues, allowing the meter to estimate dry matter content and Brix (sugar levels). Because the process is non-destructive, the same kiwifruit can be analyzed throughout its growth cycle or for quality control without being sacrificed. This approach shifts testing from the laboratory to the field or packing facility.
Timeline
September 30, 2026
Health Landscape
The introduction of the F-751 signals a shift toward rapid, field-based precision testing in the produce industry. This technology aligns with broader efforts to improve quality control and consistency in the fresh fruit supply chain.
Technologies that reduce waste and improve harvest accuracy contribute to a more stable, high-quality food supply. When selecting kiwifruit at the market, look for produce that meets your preferred firmness, as growers increasingly rely on precise metrics to time their harvests.
The takeaway
The move toward non-destructive testing helps producers ensure that fruits like kiwifruit are harvested at their peak nutritional and physical quality. Consumers can track these advancements by paying attention to the consistency of fruit quality available throughout the year.
Further reading
For more information on the standards and testing of produce, visit Organic Food.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Freshplaza.
Live Poll
Do you trust non-destructive technology to accurately assess the quality of the produce you buy?
