To help local winemakers better understand how digital solutions can optimise their operations and support top-quality wine production, ifm will be exhibiting its remote monitoring solutions at the upcoming 2025 Wine Tech Exhibition, which takes place from 21-23 July at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
According to ifm, as the local wine sector grapples with the challenges posed by fluctuating market and environmental conditions, coupled with workforce shortages, the need for an innovative approach has never been greater.
“New technology could help solve these problems, enabling a more efficient, sustainable and resilient production without compromising on the quality or craftsmanship associated with traditional winemaking,” said Darryl Blackeby, regional sales manager (SA/WA) at ifm efector.
“While some of these automated solutions are perceived to be expensive or complex, we offer a range of products that are cost effective and easy to set up, making them ideal even for small to medium wineries.
“Wine Tech is the ideal platform to connect with the industry and to showcase a range of easily implemented automation solutions tailored. The products on show are proof that we listen and design products suited to the needs of local winemakers.”
One of ifm’s popular innovations for industry, the SM Foodmag hygienic flow meter – specially developed for the food and beverage sector – will be on display at the upcoming Wine Tech Exhibition.
This sensor detects and transmits information, such as temperature, to the control system remotely, providing winemakers with a clear overview of process conditions and performance.
“ifm tools ensure that flow rates remain consistent and that the conditions for filtration, fermentation and mixing are optimised to control the quality and consistency of the wine,” Blackeby explained.
“With the SM Foodmag, there’s no need for time – and labour-intensive – manual monitoring.”
Interestingly, the SM Foodmag device can display up to 20 events at any one time, while up to 200 events can be stored, viewed and downloaded.
“Having access to this data for analysis is valuable, as trending data helps winemakers work towards better process performance and, ultimately, better product quality,” Blackeby added.
The SM Foodmag is easy to install, programme and use, with an intuitive app-based menu structure, while its customisable configuration also makes it easy to integrate into existing plant systems. It also features a fully welded, stainless-steel housing with temperature resistance up to 150°C.
“In addition, it’s ideal for confined spaces due to its compact nature and can work reliably even in wet environments,” said Blackeby.
ifm will also be showcasing its temperature monitoring solutions, including temperature sensors that can be monitored remotely or via a screen.
“Being able to control the temperature means having greater control of the biological processes involved in fermentation and processing. This is a critical and helpful tool in ensuring the wine quality meets brand requirements,” explained Blackeby.
“With market conditions as they are, coupled with the agricultural workforce shortage and more extreme environmental factors affecting grape yields, winemakers have to become more efficient in order to survive.
“Having smart monitoring capabilities is key to the improved efficiency, driving a more productive and profitable business operation and ensuring the best quality of wine.
“With a five-year warranty on all of our products, which have been purposefully designed to optimise the winemaking process, ifm is a trusted partner for the wine industry. We look forward to continue being part of the future of the wine industry and engaging with Australian winemakers at the Wine Tech Exhibition.”
ifm will be at stand 1318 at the Wine Tech Exhibition.
