Built on Tradition, Backed by Technology

For Anthony from Costa Family Farms, fruit isn’t just a product. It’s a legacy.

As a fourth-generation grower, Anthony is continuing a journey that began in the early 1950s, when his great-grandfather first planted grapes and tomatoes. Over time, that small family operation expanded into stone fruit, and today, the farm produces an impressive mix of apricots, plums, peaches, and nectarines, with around 35 varieties in total. More recently, they’ve taken another step forward, developing land for citrus including mandarins and oranges.

But while growing great fruit is one part of the equation, getting it to market efficiently and consistently is another challenge altogether.

From Manual Processes to Modern Packing

Like many long-standing farms, Costa Family Farms has evolved its packing processes over time. Early on, they relied on a GP grader, a system that served them well for years.

As production expanded and crop variety increased, it became clear that a more advanced solution was needed.

In recent years, the business has invested in a brand new packing facility designed to handle both stone fruit and citrus. At the centre of that upgrade is a new GP grading system.

“We spoke with the team about what we needed, and they really understood our requirements,” Anthony says. “We wanted to make sure we could present the best possible product to market, and the GP machine made sense.”

For Anthony, the decision was not just about technology. It was also about trust.

“It’s Australian made, the service and support are strong, and we already had a great relationship there. That gave us confidence.”

The Real Impact: Speed, Simplicity, and Scale

The biggest change since installing the new system has been operational efficiency.

“The biggest impact is being able to put through volume in a timely manner,” Anthony explains. “We’re no longer working long hours, and we can run with minimal staff.”

Previously, different fruit grades often had to be packed separately, adding time, labour, and complexity to the process. Now, everything can be handled in a single pass.

“We can pack all our grades at once. That’s been a huge shift.”

Automation has played a key role here, streamlining much of the packing line and reducing manual handling. The result is a faster, more consistent operation that’s easier to manage day to day.

Precision That Pays Off

When it comes to fruit grading, small differences matter. Very small.

With the system handling most of the heavy lifting, Anthony simply monitors sizing and grading, stepping in only when small adjustments are needed.

“With the system we’re using, we can grade fruit very precisely,” he says. “That consistency is critical for meeting customer expectations and delivering quality outcomes in the market.”

The GP601 software has also made a noticeable difference, giving the team clear visibility over the entire process.

“It’s very user friendly. You can make adjustments quickly, sometimes with just one or two buttons, and see exactly where your fruit is going. If something needs changing, it’s simple.”

That kind of control not only improves quality but also reduces guesswork, helping the team stay proactive rather than reactive.

Support That Goes Beyond Installation

For Anthony, the experience has not stopped at installation.

“The service and support have been fantastic,” he says. “From the build phase through to day to day packing, we’ve had great backup.”

Reliable parts, responsive support, and ongoing assistance have all contributed to a smoother transition and peace of mind during busy periods.

Looking Ahead: The Next Step in Automation

Even with a largely automated system already in place, Anthony sees more opportunity ahead.

“With labour costs increasing, the next step for us is full automation,” he explains. “Reducing labour further in the shed would make a big difference to the business.”

It is a common challenge across the industry, balancing rising costs with the need to maintain quality and output. For Costa Family Farms, continued investment in technology looks like the path forward.

A System That Grows With the Business

Perhaps the most important outcome of the upgrade is flexibility.

Being able to run both stone fruit and citrus through the same line has simplified operations and opened the door for continued growth.

“It’s helped us a lot,” Anthony says. “We can handle different fruits like plums, apricots, nectarines, peaches, mandarins, and oranges all through the same system.”

That adaptability means the business can keep evolving, season after season, without being held back by its infrastructure.

Built on Tradition, Driven by Progress

From its beginnings in the 1950s to today’s modern packing facility, Costa Family Farms is a clear example of how tradition and innovation can work hand in hand.

For Anthony, it all comes back to delivering the best possible product and building a business that is ready for the future.

“I’d definitely recommend it,” he says. “From start to finish, the whole process has exceeded our expectations.”