Quality

Production

We continuously track and help our producers from as early the selection and planting of seedlings. Whenever necessary, we provide them with technological assistance and professional advice.

Before harvesting begins, samples are taken from produce grown both by Univer and our producers. The samples are used during tests for measuring heavy metals content, the presence of pesticides and any spraying agent residue. Only feedstock that complies with test parameters and has an accurately kept spraying log may enter tomato processing plant premises. The combine used for harvesting the crop is equipped with a state-of-the-art automatic on site colour sorter to guarantee that the quality of feedstock entering the plant is excellent.

Manufacturing

Our company’s tomato grower suppliers deliver their produce from the roughly 90 kilometre range of the processing plant, which goes to prevent damage from lengthy shipping times. Upon delivery to the plant, the produce is scaled, then sampled. Two samples, each approximately 12kg, are taken at the Maselli qualification station from every shipment, from the front and rear sections of each consignment. After precise weighing, the sample is washed, and its weight is measured again. The sample is then sorted by hand to separate any extraneous materials, green and decaying fruit. The remaining sample is ground and fed into an automated metering instrument for measuring refraction and pH-value. The average of the two samples is entered in the ERP system, which allows the subsequent tracking of the finished product. Only compliant batches can go on to processing. Our producers are subject to a deduction from their acceptance price for the ratio of extraneous, green and decaying fruit, and receive a bonus for high refraction.

Then, a water jet is used to wash tomatoes in tarpaulin lined gondolas loaded to a maximum height of 120cm. After multiple rounds of washing, tomatoes are transferred to an automatic colour sorter, which sorts the fruit based on pre-defined values. Before forwarding to the aseptic production line, the tomatoes undergo final, now manual sorting.

During production, samples are taken from the semi-finished product using sampling taps. The samples are tested using instruments in our lab. We measure refraction, pH, Bostwick for the 28/30 Cold Break product, and this is complemented with the blotter test for the 28/30 Hot Break product.

Samples are collected from every batch in aseptic sample bags and retained until the product’s expiry date, when they are tested again. Samples in the sampling bags are re-tested 24 hours after production (for refraction, pH, Bostwick), and final product specifications are drafted based on of these tests. The sampling bags also serve as commercial samples. 

Quality

UNIVER Product Plc. engages in continuous improvement in the interest of achieving its quality targets. This improvement activity encompasses investment, technical, product and packaging development operations related to condiment manufacturing. Improvement is planned at the company and implemented using means regulated in procedures. Qualified and responsible workers are employed and external services of appropriate performance are used for and during planning and development work.

To expedite our profitable operation, we operate a continuously audited and perfected, documented IFS standard compliant quality management system, with which we have integrated the HACCP system and an ISO 14001:2004 standard compliant environmental management system in the interest of food safety and protecting the environment.

Our employees are regularly informed and trained so that they can engage with the company’s quality targets and facilitate its achievement through continuously perfecting their work.