Op Kiwi Sole launches the hi-tech project to increase the competitiveness of the yellow kiwi supply chain

Op Kiwi Sole is leading, together with producers, technology companies and research bodies, the AI_Kiwi_Data project, whose objective is to increase the competitiveness of the Emilia-Romagna yellow kiwi supply chain through the application of innovative technologies, artificial intelligence and advanced traceability.

The supply chain

The yellow kiwi supply chain in Emilia-Romagna represents approximately 15% of national production and is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the fruit and vegetable industry. However, variations in soil and climate conditions across the different production areas and the impact of climate change are making it increasingly difficult to ensure consistent quality among the various production batches.

To remain competitive and contribute to the growth of such a strategic sector, Op Kiwi Sole has decided to focus on more innovative data management. This need arises from the awareness that the current internal management process must be optimised through increasingly coordinated and structured collection of production data and the introduction of new tools for monitoring and analysing the post-harvest and storage stages.

Objectives and technologies in the field

The AI_Kiwi_Data project, funded with support from the EAFRD (European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development), under the Copsr 2023-2027, focuses on adapting and testing a set of cutting-edge technologies applied to every stage of the supply chain:

• IoT and satellite monitoring in the field: installation of sensors in orchards and collection of satellite data for continuous monitoring of environmental conditions and the vegetative status of crops.

• AI algorithms and machine learning: development of advanced analytical models for processing agricultural data and creating decision-support tools.

• Optimisation of post-harvest storage: analytical study of the correlations between field conditions, the quality of the raw material and fruit performance during storage and refrigeration.

• Advanced traceability and transparency for consumers: integration of digital systems to link each batch to its production history, as well as QR codes and AI chatbots to enable consumers to consult personalised data on the quality and sustainability of the kiwis they purchase.

This data management model aims to serve as a replicable standard of excellence for other fruit and vegetable supply chains as well.

An additional boost for supply chain sustainability

Thanks to the integrated processing of field and post-harvest data, Op Kiwi Sole will be able to make its production processes more efficient in their use of water resources, fertilisers and plant protection products, reducing business costs and increasing environmental sustainability.

The initiative thus helps bring regional fruit growing closer to 4.0 Agriculture, in line with the S3 strategy of the Emilia-Romagna Region. Furthermore, by providing end consumers with tools for transparent and informed purchasing choices, the project aims to enhance "Made in Rer" and drive agricultural production towards increasingly virtuous models.

The path undertaken by Op Kiwi Sole is a staged innovation journey, whose operational progress and field results will be communicated progressively throughout the various stages of the project's development.

This article was translated from the original Italian version with the assistance of artificial intelligence. In case of discrepancies, please refer to the original Italian version.