GIC vertical form fill seal machines can be configured to package a wide variety of fresh produce, including potatoes, carrots, onions, sweet potatoes, bean sprouts, prepared vegetables and other fresh produce products.

Different products require different approaches to feeding, weighing and handling. Robust root vegetables may be relatively straightforward to handle, while more delicate produce can require careful control as it travels through the packaging line to minimise bruising or damage.

For particularly delicate products such as sweet potatoes, GIC can provide an angled packaging machine solution designed to improve product handling.

For applications involving lighter and more delicate products, you can also explore GIC’s specialist fresh leaf salad and herb packaging machinery.

Speak to GIC about the type of fresh produce you need to package and the team can recommend an appropriate machine and line configuration.

Correct product handling is an important consideration when specifying a fresh produce packaging line. Produce needs to travel from the weighing system into the bag efficiently without unnecessary impacts that could cause bruising or other damage.

The appropriate solution will depend on the type, size, shape and fragility of the produce. The height of product drops, machine configuration and way the product is presented to the VFFS machine should therefore all be considered.

For delicate products such as sweet potatoes, GIC can provide an angled solution to help reduce the impact on the produce as it moves through the packaging process.
The VFFS packaging machine, feed system and weighing equipment (either linear weigher or multihead) should be considered together to create an efficient line that combines production speed with careful product handling.

Contact GIC to discuss the handling requirements of your fresh produce.

GIC fresh produce packaging machines can accommodate a wide range of pack sizes, depending on the selected machine and configuration.

Fresh produce pack weights can vary considerably, from small packs of around 50g through to much larger packs weighing up to 10kg. The size and weight of the produce itself also needs to be considered when selecting the correct bagging machine, forming set and associated tooling.

For example, the GIC2100 can accommodate pack widths from 30mm to 250mm, while the GIC4100 accommodates packs up to 400mm wide. For higher-output applications requiring wider packs, machines such as the GIC8000 and GIC8100 can accommodate pack widths up to 400mm.

Machine selection should therefore be based on both the smallest and largest packs you intend to produce, as well as the required bag style and production output.

Send GIC details of your required pack dimensions and weights for a suitable machine recommendation.

GIC fresh produce packaging machines can operate with a range of suitable packaging materials, depending on the machine specification and application.

Packaging requirements can vary significantly between different fresh produce products. GIC machines can work with suitable heat-sealable materials including laminates and polyethylene films, while machines such as the GIC2100 and GIC4100 can also be adapted for paper.

The fresh produce range includes applications using materials ranging from paper packaging through to thin mono plastic films. The correct material and sealing system should therefore be considered alongside the product, required pack format and production speed.

GIC’s continuous motion VFFS (Vertical Form Fill Seal) bagging machines offer the option of non-contact vertical sealing technology, allowing the use of thinner packaging films while maintaining consistent seal quality and pack integrity. Available on the GIC3000, GIC3100, GIC8000 and GIC8100, this optional feature can help reduce packaging material usage, lower film costs and support more sustainable packaging. Combining continuous motion technology with flexible machine configurations, GIC provides high-performance bagging machine solutions tailored to your product and production requirements.

If you already have a preferred packaging material, GIC can assess its suitability as part of the machine specification process.

Contact GIC to discuss whether your existing or proposed fresh produce packaging material is compatible with a GIC VFFS machine.

Fresh produce packaging speed depends on several factors, including the machine model, type and size of produce, bag dimensions, weighing system, packaging material and the way the product is presented to the machine.

GIC offers both intermittent and continuous-motion VFFS machines, allowing fresh produce packers to select equipment that matches their required production output.

The GIC2100 and GIC4100 offer speeds of up to 75 packs per minute depending on the application, while continuous-motion machines such as the GIC8000 can achieve up to 100 packs per minute and the GIC3100 and GIC8100 up to 150 packs per minute under suitable conditions.

However, maximum machine speed should not be considered in isolation. Consistent feeding, accurate weighing, reliable sealing and gentle handling of the produce are all important to overall line performance.

Contact GIC with your required packs-per-minute output and details of the produce being packed for a tailored machine recommendation.

An intermittent-motion VFFS machine temporarily stops the packaging film while the horizontal seal is created and the completed bag is cut. This provides a reliable solution for many fresh produce packaging applications.

GIC’s intermittent-motion options for fresh produce include machines such as the GIC200, GIC400, GIC2100 and GIC4100.

A continuous-motion VFFS machine keeps the film moving during the sealing process and is generally better suited to higher-output production environments. GIC continuous-motion options include the GIC3000, GIC3100, GIC8000 and GIC8100.

The way fresh produce is fed into the machine is particularly important when deciding between the two systems. A consistent product feed can help a packaging line achieve higher production speeds, while variations in product flow may influence the most appropriate machine configuration.

Not sure which type is right for your fresh produce operation? Speak to GIC for expert guidance.

Yes. GIC VFFS machines can be integrated with suitable feeding and weighing equipment as part of a complete fresh produce packaging line.

The correct system depends on the type of produce, required pack weight and production output. A consistent feed of product is important for efficient packaging, while suitable weighing equipment helps deliver accurate and repeatable pack weights.

Machines such as the GIC2100 and GIC3000 can form part of integrated packaging lines using appropriate upstream feeding and weighing equipment (linear weigher or multihead).

The VFFS machine may also need to integrate with downstream systems such as checkweighers, metal detectors, labelling equipment, conveyors and case-packing machinery.

GIC has extensive experience delivering complete packaging solutions and can bring the individual elements of a fresh produce packaging line together.

Contact GIC to discuss a new fresh produce packaging line or the integration of a VFFS machine with your existing equipment.

Yes. Depending on the selected machine and configuration, a GIC VFFS machine can be used to produce different bag lengths and pack sizes.

This is particularly useful for fresh produce suppliers packing several product weights or SKUs on the same production line. Moving between different bag widths may require a forming set change, while other adjustments will depend on the required pack dimensions and format.

For example, the GIC2100 is suitable for pack widths from 30mm to 250mm, while the GIC4100, GIC8000 and GIC8100 provide options for applications requiring pack widths of up to 400mm.

Fast and straightforward changeovers are particularly important in high-volume packhouses where reducing production downtime between SKUs can have a significant impact on overall efficiency.

Send GIC details of your smallest and largest required pack sizes for advice on the most appropriate machine configuration.

GIC has been designing, manufacturing, installing and servicing vertical form fill seal packaging machines for four decades, with its machines used by some of the UK’s largest fresh produce suppliers.

GIC machines are designed and manufactured in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, and the fresh produce range includes the GIC200, GIC400, GIC2100, GIC3000, GIC3100, GIC4100, GIC8000 and GIC8100, providing options for different pack sizes, formats and production speeds.

Machines can be customised around individual product handling, pack size, production speed and packaging material requirements. GIC can also support fresh produce producers with machine specification, line integration, operator training, servicing, maintenance and ongoing technical assistance.

This provides one point of contact throughout the specification, installation and working life of the packaging equipment.

Looking for a UK-manufactured fresh produce packaging machine? Contact GIC or call +44 (0) 1427 611885 to discuss your requirements.