Since its inception in 2016, Hectre has been leading the way in transforming the global fruit industry with its innovative AI technology. Their expertise in orchard management and fruit sizing solutions is changing the game and inspiring others to embrace new possibilities.
Recognizing the challenges that growers, packers, and marketers faced in accurately determining fruit sizes and colors, Hectre set out to provide a technological solution that would streamline these processes and improve operational efficiencies across the board.
Their flagship product, the Spectre app, utilizes cutting-edge computer vision and machine learning AI to provide instant and accurate fruit sizing data directly from a standard mobile phone or specialized overhead equipment.
This technology has drastically reduced the uncertainties traditionally associated with fruit production, such as inconsistent product sizes and color grading issues, which often led to inefficiencies and economic losses.
The Spectre app’s introduction to the market marked a significant shift in how data could be leveraged for better decision-making in the fruit industry. By providing real-time, reliable data, Spectre enables better planning and resource allocation, significantly reducing guesswork and enhancing the overall efficiency of the production and distribution chains. Its impact has been profound and far-reaching, with adopters across continents reporting substantial improvements in their operational workflows.
For example, in Argentina and Canada, fruit growers have optimized their apple and pear operations using both hand-held and top-down sizing options provided by Spectre. These tools have allowed for early interventions in the growing process, enhancing the quality and marketability of the produce.
In Europe and the United States, companies like Clementi in Italy and Sage Fruit in Washington have utilized Spectre to not only size their fruits but also manage color specifications, a critical factor in market pricing and consumer preference.
The technology’s benefits extend beyond just sizing and color grading. Spectre has also been instrumental in reducing packhouse downtime.
For instance, River Valley Fruit in Washington experienced a significant reduction in packing interruptions, cutting downtime from 5 to 10 minutes per hour to virtually zero, thanks to the efficiencies brought by the Spectre app. This reduction translates into substantial cost savings and increased productivity, crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the global market.
Moreover, the app contributes to sustainability in the agricultural sector. By providing precise data, Spectre helps in reducing overproduction and minimizing waste, aligning with global sustainability goals. This feature is particularly important as the agricultural industry seeks to reduce its environmental footprint while still meeting the increasing demands of a growing global population.
As Hectre continues to expand its technological offerings, the company is committed to developing more models for different crop types and addressing broader needs within the agricultural industry.
Future enhancements and expansions of Spectre are expected to refine the capabilities of the app further, adding new features that could predict crop yields, detect plant diseases early, and even automate certain aspects of the farming process.
Looking ahead, Hectre is set to showcase its latest advancements at the CPMA 2024 trade show, where they will be featured in the innovation zone, highlighting its continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology in agriculture.
Hectre has come a long way from being a small startup to becoming a leader in agtech innovation, proving the transformative power of technology in traditional industries. They have sized over 68 million pieces of fruit and have a growing international presence.
They are committed to delivering solutions that not only improve the efficiency of fruit growers and packers but also contribute significantly to the broader goals of sustainable agriculture.
