Some of the latest international news that may be of interest: Feel free to explore from the links below or via our links page to discover more industry news and information.

• International
  
  Governor supplies aid to ailing farmers (California)
  
  Aussie fear Chinese takeover
  
  Redbridge hails benefits of merger (UK)
  
  Fruit and veg growers left in limbo (Europe)
  
  
• Kiwifruit
  
  European trade gives green light to red kiwifruit
  
  
• Citrus
  
  Cold snap destroys most Calif. citrus
   
  
• Avocados
  
  Thieves prey on avocado growers
  
  Like a tornado, freeze slammed avocado groves, left others untouched
  
  
• Health
  
  Today's teens slacking on fruit, veggie intake
  
  
• What?
  
  Did you really expect real fruit from life savers?

Fruit Logistica
8 - 10 February 2007
Berlin
GERMANY

Fresh Produce India
22 - 24 February 2007
Hyderabad
INDIA

• Smile your'e on Compac Camera
  Compac blemish sorting technology
  Food Technology(NZ) - August 2006
  
  
• Pre-grading efficiency makes for extra profit
  Compac pregrading
  The Grower (NZ) - September 2006

• Smile - your'e on Compac Camera
  
  
• Compac's New SCION economical electronic
  
  
• Compac on track for record year
  

For last quarter's Compac Innovations click here.

For past Compac Innovations click here.

Potato Technology:
As the international potato market matures, we are noticing an increased demand for more flexible packing solutions that standard expanding roll type sizing cannot deliver.  Packing potatoes into multiple grades, sizes and packaging types is now not unusual.  A Compac solution can handle all of these tasks with ease, as well as sort by internal and external quality with one pass and with higher accuracy than previously seen in the industry.  This all leads to a better product for the consumer and the benefits flow back to the grower and packer. New installations in USA and Europe have proven the benefits to be gained from the new developing technologies such as Taste Technologies NIR internal defect sorting. An installation in Texas is now sorting process potatoes to separating an internal problem called Zebra Chip as well as other problem potatoes not wanted by the processor.  This is providing great benefits by delivering the correct product to the factory gate.

Avocado Machine to California:
With proven sites in NZ, Australia and Chile, plus the success of automatic blemish grading for avocados, the decision for Eco-farms in Temecula, California to install a Compac solution was certainly low risk.  The Compac service office in California is looking forward to helping them get to know their new machine.

Compac DVD :
The Compac promotional DVD has been expanded again with professional voice overs now in four languages: English, Spanish, French and Italian. The DVD demonstrates the technology available for different fruit types with machines running around the world.  Get your free copy by contacting your local representative or e-mail info@compacsort.com.

Website Customer Area:
Apply now for a password to view the customer members area of www.compacsort.com and have on-line access to:
- the Compac parts catalogue
- upgrade information
- service information
- new features available

NEW FEATURE:
Push Button Sampling 
Using the sampling features of Compac software is now easier with an optional support for requesting samples by pushing a button at source rather then using the software screen.  This simplifies the quality controller's job and saves time and shoe leather in the process.

NEW TECHNOLOGY:
Internal Defect Grading
NIR has gone to a new level with Taste Technologies' newly developed T1 NIR system which has improved the performance of internal defect grading of produce. Apples and potatoes have been the first to benefit from this new technology. For more information, contact Taste Technologies.

InVision Blemish Update:
Apples - Infra Red cameras have now been well proven for apple blemish sorting at existing sites in USA, Australia and New Zealand and have now been released as standard for all apple blemish grading sites.  Advanced software has been developed to maximise the benefits of detecting cuts and punctures of the skin using IR technology.

Frost Sorting:
In light of the recent frosts in California, it is possible that the most accurate frost sorting system on the market for citrus will be back in use and hopefully saving some crops.  Any Compac sizer with InVision 5000 or 9000 installed is capable of sorting oranges by internal density accurately enough to remove the fruit unaffected by frost, providing a reliable product for consumers. If this technology will help you then contact your local technical service person to set this up for you.

Contact Us for further information on any of the new products mentioned above.

Chris Sprigings:
Christmas 2006 was a tragic one for the Compac Team.  Following a head on car accident on Dec 22, Chris Sprigings lost his 12 year old daughter Amy due to severe injuries from the accident.  Chris sustained broken bones and was recovering well after an operation before he also passed away suddenly of heart failure on January 4 2007, believed to be caused by a blood clot. Chris is survived by his wife Roselea and his 15 year old son Matthew.

Chris was a pillar of the Service Team and was highly respected by colleagues and customers alike.  After 8 years with Compac, his knowledge, patience, experience, humour and good nature will be missed by us all. Chris was genuinely a nice guy and we are pleased we had the opportunity to know and work with him.

Compac has set up a trust fund for Chris' family where staff and customers can assist to help to relieve some of the financial pressure for his family following their loss.  If you wish to contribute please e-mail info@compacsort.com for more details.

Training Seminars:
Planning is currently underway for training seminars in the following locations. We will be in contact with all customers in the areas with more details. If you would like to get your booking in early or to enquire about training in your area, please e-mail service@compacsort.com.

- NZ - Bay of Plenty : 19 ~ 22 March
- NZ - Auckland : mid April (Dates to be confirmed)

New Staff:
Welcome to James Payne, Shane Simcock and Clint Evenbly who have all recently joined the Compac service team. They are all mechatronics engineering graduates and are currently in training for electronic and mechanical servicing.

Australian Free Phone Number:
All Australian customers can now call our service line toll free on 1800 682 857.

Parts List On-line:
The Compac spare parts catalogue is now available online. Apply now for a password to access this via our customer information area.

For any questions or suggestions relating to service, e-mail service@compacsort.com.