Russo Produce Sets the Foundations for Future Growth

In horticulture, growth rarely happens by accident. It’s usually the result of deliberate decisions made well before volume, labour pressure, or market demand force change.

That forward-thinking mindset was immediately evident during a recent visit to Russo Produce.

Currently processing around 30-40 tonnes of cherries per year, Russo Produce sits below the volume where many growers would typically consider investing in automated grading. For most, that decision doesn’t come until production approaches 100 tonnes or more. Rather than waiting for constraints to appear, owner Simon has chosen to invest early – building a packhouse setup designed for where the business is heading, not just where it is today.

GP Graders works with growers at all stages of scale – not just those already operating at peak volumes.

A key factor in the decision was usability. Simon is open about not being particularly computer-literate, which made simplicity, reliability, and strong support essential requirements. The gpVision™ system has delivered on all three, providing an intuitive platform that integrates smoothly into daily operations without adding unnecessary complexity.

Ease of use is a core design principle across GP Graders systems, ensuring operators can focus on fruit quality, not software.

More importantly, the grader has become a catalyst for broader operational improvement.

Simon is constantly reviewing how workflow can be refined, taking practical steps to adjust processes as the seasons progress. Small details – such as improving access to empty cartons so packers can work more efficiently – are being considered alongside larger system changes. It’s a mindset focused on steady improvement rather than standing still.

The new cherry grader itself reflects this same philosophy. Russo Produce has installed a two-lane cherry grader mounted on a four-lane frame, allowing them to operate comfortably within current volumes while leaving clear room for future growth. While the system isn’t being run at full capacity yet, it’s ready to scale as requirements change.

With ten exit lanes, the grader provides flexibility in how fruit is packed and presented, helping maintain consistency and quality across runs. On strong processing days, the system enables cherries to be packed with minimal staff – a valuable advantage in an industry where labour availability is increasingly unpredictable.

Multiple exit lanes reduce bottlenecks and allow pack-out configurations to adapt to daily requirements.

Beyond cherries, Russo Produce operates a diverse growing business, producing cucumbers and pumpkins alongside their cherry crop. This diversity reflects a thoughtful approach to risk, seasonality, and long-term stability – one that pairs naturally with scalable infrastructure.

With improved control over grading accuracy and consistency now in place, Simon feels confident exploring export markets – an option that simply wasn’t viable without tighter quality assurance.

Consistent grading is a critical foundation for meeting domestic and export market expectations.

This is exactly the kind of scenario GP Graders is built for.

Automation isn’t just about chasing higher volumes; it’s about giving growers confidence, control, and options. By investing ahead of the curve, Russo Produce has positioned itself to grow at its own pace, respond to market opportunities, and continue refining operations without being constrained by outdated processes.

We’re proud to support growers like Russo Produce – businesses that understand the value of planning ahead and backing that vision with practical, scalable grading technology.

Because the future of successful produce operations belongs to those who build for it early.