Falstaff Pear wins main prize at Macfrut 2012 international exhibition

Falstaff Pear, a new variety of red pear, has won the main prize at Macfrut 2012, an international exhibition of the fruit and vegetable sector, held in Cesena, Italy, from 26 to 28 September.

This variety is similar in shape to the Abate Fetel but has a spicier taste, with vanilla and cinnamon flavour.

The award was given to Walther Faedi, from the Unità di ricerca per la frutticoltura (fruit research unit) of the CRA (agricultural research and investigation centre) of Forlì, Italy.

At the awarding ceremony, Macfrut Oscars were given to innovative products manufactured within the fruit and vegetable sector and already on the market.

The prize commission, which featured authority representatives, experts and professionals, evaluated the proposals submitted by the exhibitors.

The commission awarded prizes in four technical categories – machinery and technology for selection and packaging; packaging and materials; seeds and fresh fruit and vegetable products; and logistics and service.

The winner for the ‘machinery and technology for selection and packaging’ category was WD4-125 – a high-precision weighing system manufactured by the Sorma Group, which is suitable for citrus fruits and is capable of weighing up to 100 1kg packages in one minute.

In the ‘packaging and materials’ category the winner was Agita & Gusta (Shake & Taste) – a new package by Bonduelle, which features an octagonal packaging for fresh-cut vegetables, cereals and pinzimonio to ensure low environmental impact and easier use.

The winner for the ‘seeds and fresh fruit and vegetable products’ category was Green Line’s "Dimmi di sì" shake, which combines the quality of raw materials with the benefits of milk.

In the ‘logistics and service’ category the winner was Tipper Cm165 Flap Fpr manufactured by Cm Srl, whose adaptability to different formats allows easy emptying of containers of various sizes.

The Macfrut international exhibition is aimed at facilitating the exchange of ideas between fruit and vegetable professionals, from people who work in production and trade to those who work in logistics, packaging, and in the machinery and retail sectors.

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Image: The main prize at Macfrut 2012 was awarded to Falstaff Pear, a new variety of red pear, which is similar in shape to the Abate Fetel but has a spicier taste, with vanilla and cinnamon flavour. Photo courtesy of Macfrut.