Sortop Potatoes — optical sorter for potatoes

Sortop is an optical sorting machine for potatoes, designed and built by Visar Sorting in Switzerland. A centrifugal accelerator separates the tubers, which are then inspected one by one by cameras on a double belt. Visar's proprietary sorting software detects green spots and visible defects such as wireworm holes, and adapts automatically to natural skin colour variations. Precision air-jet nozzles developed in-house send each tuber to the right output, onto cushioned mats.

• Throughput: 4–5 t/h (small calibres) up to 12 t/h (large calibres)
• Up to 10 configurable output categories
• Soundproofed housing: noise level reduced by 50%
• Tight tolerances between categories for maximum yield per batch
• Swiss Made, with spare parts guaranteed for at least 15 years
• Around 350 Sortop machines installed worldwide

Date of market introduction in Belgium (if still in development: expected date of launch)
09/2026

Briefly describe what is NEW. This explanation will be submitted to the expert group and will be decisive in the evaluation and selection of the most newsworthy entries. (max. textarea: 600 characters)
Optical sorters are usually among the loudest machines in a packing hall. Visar Sorting has integrated acoustic insulation directly into the design of its Sortop optical potato sorter, instead of relying on external enclosures or hearing protection. The fully insulated housing halves the noise level and gives a duller, less tiring sound, while throughput (4-5 t/h on small calibres, up to 12 t/h on large calibres) and sorting accuracy remain unchanged.

Added value for the user (in commercial terms, user-friendliness ...)
A quieter, more comfortable workplace for operators, who can also communicate more easily around the sorting line. No hearing protection or extra enclosure is needed around the machine. Same footprint, same performance.

Added value for the further sustainability and professionalization of the potato sector.
Better working conditions help packers attract and retain staff, a growing challenge across the potato chain. A quieter packing hall also makes it easier to meet occupational health and safety requirements.