Revolutionizing Banana Ripening: The Future of AI and Automation in Agriculture

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    <img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-225159 size-large" src="https://theshelbyreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ATE-Thermal-Tech-logos-648x88.jpg" alt="" width="648" height="88" />
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    In the mid-1990s, Thermal Tech introduced the TarpLess ripening room system, transforming how bananas are managed at retail distribution centers (DCs). This innovation enabled the uniform ripening of palletized fruit, drastically improving ripening efficiency and profitability across the industry. Today, thousands of ripening rooms process millions of pounds of fruit weekly.
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    Traditionally, the ripening process has relied on quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) personnel. Their roles encompass hands-on tasks, such as receiving, inspecting, and monitoring bananas, which can be labor-intensive and prone to human error. However, a game-changing technology from Strella Biotech, led by CEO and co-founder Katherine Sizov, is set to revolutionize this process.
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<h2>Introducing Fully Automated, AI-Assisted Ripening</h2>

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    Strella's predictive, AI-assisted technology automates the traditionally human-dependent aspects of banana ripening. Since its establishment in 2018, Strella has focused on reducing waste in the produce sector through technological advancements. Starting with apples, their platform has already saved millions through improved operational efficiencies.
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    When targeting bananas—a fruit category that contributes significantly to shrink and waste—Strella developed data models and sensors to optimize the ripening process. This AI interface can make real-time adjustments based on collected data, integrating seamlessly with Thermal Tech's TarpLess ripening room control systems.
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<h2>Comparison with Current Practices</h2>

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    Currently, the DC ripening process remains hands-on. Personnel inspect arriving bananas, evaluate quality, and manually adjust conditions as needed. This process is not only time-consuming but also potentially error-ridden. Strella's system, on the other hand, automates these tasks. Once bananas are received and placed in the ripening room, the system monitors and adjusts conditions automatically throughout the ripening cycle.
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<figure class="wp-caption alignright">
    <img decoding="async" class="wp-image-255328" src="https://theshelbyreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/TarpLess-SX-Shelby-Report-4-25-1-648x530.jpg" alt="TarpLess Ripening System" width="500" height="409" />
    <figcaption>Strella's automated ripening technology integrates with Thermal Tech's TarpLess control system.</figcaption>
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<h2>Seamless Integration with Existing Systems</h2>

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    Instead of functioning merely as an add-on, Strella's technology operates as a fully integrated overlay on existing ripening rooms. Partnering with Thermal Tech, which has extensive experience in designing advanced ripening operations, has facilitated rapid deployment in North America. This collaboration allows retailers to make the transition to automated systems efficiently.
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<h2>Data-Driven Insights Enhance Efficiency</h2>

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    Strella's predictive technology utilizes a mixture of existing data and novel insights derived from proprietary sensors monitoring conditions such as temperature, humidity, and gas composition. This shift not only streamlines daily inspections but also enhances overall labor efficiency.
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<h2>Return on Investment (ROI) from Automation</h2>

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    Early metrics indicate a significant ROI through reductions in shrink and operational costs, enhanced sales, and improved labor efficiency. By minimizing the time required for training new employees, the system also addresses challenges related to high turnover rates in the industry.
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<figure class="wp-caption alignleft">
    <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-255310" src="https://theshelbyreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Katherine-Sizov-Shelby-Report-9-25.jpg" alt="Katherine Sizov, CEO of Strella Biotech" width="300" height="339" />
    <figcaption>Katherine Sizov, CEO of Strella Biotech</figcaption>
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<h2>Looking Ahead: The Future of Automated Ripening</h2>

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    Strella is expanding its reach, recently launching in the U.S., Canada, and soon in the U.K. and Australia, while also exploring ripening solutions for avocados and mangoes. The enthusiasm from Thermal Tech's clients who have embraced this technology has been overwhelmingly positive.
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    Future developments may include enhancements in supply planning and demand forecasting. For those interested in learning more about fully automated banana ripening, Katherine Sizov invites you to visit their demonstration booth No. 3339 at the upcoming IFPA Global Produce and Floral Show in Anaheim.
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    For more information, contact Katherine Sizov at <a href="mailto:contact@strellabiotech.com">contact@strellabiotech.com</a> or visit <a href="https://www.strellabiotech.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">strellabiotech.com</a>.
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