The Netherlands – Vicini, a prominent Dutch hydrangea grower, has successfully integrated the IRISS hydrangea sorting machine from 4More Technology (4MT) into its operations, marking a significant shift from manual sorting. This transition comes after a year of collaboration with 4MT and promises to enhance efficiency in Vicini’s production processes.
Prior to adopting the IRISS sorting machine, Vicini relied on manual sorting due to the absence of a suitable machine capable of handling their production volume. The introduction of 4MT’s technology marked a transformative moment for the company.
While sorting machines have been prevalent in the cut flower industry for years, the hydrangea sector faced a unique challenge. Hydrangeas could not be easily sorted using existing machines, and innovation in this area was lacking. Johan Zwinkels, who started growing hydrangeas in 2004, observed that the crop was relatively less innovative compared to other floral sectors, and automation was minimal.
Over the years, the hydrangea market has seen significant growth in the Netherlands, with approximately 200 hectares dedicated to the crop and 120 suppliers participating in auctions. This surge in competition underscored the need for automation to meet high-quality standards.
4MT, a leader in vision technology with a strong presence in the rose sector, recognized the demand for innovation in hydrangea sorting. The challenge lay in how to present the flowers to the sorting camera, as the traditional vertical or horizontal orientations were not feasible. The solution came in the form of a V-shaped belt set at a slight incline. When the belt stops, the hydrangea head hangs freely in the air, allowing for a photo to be taken. Subsequently, the flower descends onto a horizontal belt positioned just below, where its stem is trimmed to the appropriate length and directed to the correct sorting exit based on parameters such as color, length, and head size.
The implementation of this system proved highly effective and impressed Johan when he first encountered a prototype at 4More Technology’s facility in Moerkapelle. He promptly decided to adopt the technology, despite it being mid-season and a challenging time due to high flower processing volumes.
The advantages of the sorting machine are evident, including labor savings, uniformity, and a streamlined process. The structured workflow minimizes chaos, allowing for clear task allocation. Importantly, it reduces the need for constant oversight, enabling growers to allocate their time to other tasks.
Jack, Johan’s son and the current owner of Vicini, expressed enthusiasm about the machine’s capacity, which aligns with the nursery’s size and production volumes. With the addition of the IRISS sorting machine, Vicini is now well-prepared for future expansion, including a new 3.5-hectare nursery in De Lier, where both father and son will relocate in the coming months.