Japanese Supermarket Giant Yaoko Boosts Cut-Fruit Sales to 110% YoY by Automating Prep with KA-700H Electric Peeler

Deployments across 90 retail locations reduce peeling labor time to one-third, enabling store network expansion and overcoming labor shortages.

SAITAMA, JAPAN – October 2026 – Yaoko Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese supermarket chain operating over 200 stores across the Kanto region, has successfully transformed its in-store fresh produce operations by deploying the KA-700H electric peeler. Currently operating in 90 stores—nearly half of Yaoko's entire retail network—the automation technology has enabled the supermarket to address labor shortages, cut fruit preparation times by two-thirds, and achieve a 110% year-over-year sales increase in its cut-fruit department.

■ Overcoming Operational Bottlenecks in Fresh Produce

Driven by rising consumer demand for convenient, ready-to-eat healthy products and portion-controlled zero-waste fruits, Yaoko prioritized expanding its cut-fruit department. However, traditional manual peeling using kitchen knives presented severe operational bottlenecks. Processing was labor-intensive, time-consuming, and heavily reliant on individual staff skill levels, resulting in inconsistent product yields and appearance.

Following benchmark visits to automated processing facilities, Yaoko selected and implemented the KA-700H electric peeler. The machine standardizes peeling speed and quality, enabling store staff of any skill level to deliver uniform, high-quality results efficiently.

■ Key Highlights & Operational Impact

- 66% Time Savings: Prep time reduced from 45 min to 15 min per 30-pack batch
- +110% YoY Growth: In cut-fruit department revenue post-adoption
- 90 Stores: Active deployments operating nationwide

■ Executive Q&A: Key Interview Highlights

Q: Which produce varieties are currently processed using the KA-700H?
A: We utilize the KA-700H to peel a wide range of fruit varieties, including oranges, kiwifruit, apples, pears, and peaches. It serves as a versatile tool for preparing single-variety cut fruit packs tailored to seasonal promotions.

Q: What measurable operational improvements have you experienced?
A: The reduction in processing time has been remarkable. Preparing a standard batch of 30 single-portion sliced orange packs used to require approximately 45 minutes of manual labor. With the KA-700H, the process takes just 15 minutes—cutting labor time to one-third.

Q: How has the saved labor time impacted your product offerings?
A: Staff can now reallocate saved hours toward crafting premium seasonal fruit SKUs. For example, this summer we launched pre-cut fresh pear packs across all locations. While whole unpeeled pears appeal primarily to older demographics, convenience-oriented pre-cut packs performed exceptionally well among younger consumers, expanding our customer base across demographics.

Q: What do you consider the greatest benefit of introducing the KA-700H?
A: The most significant benefit is a shift in workplace mindset—moving from 'we lack the staff to expand' to 'let's leverage technology and try new initiatives.' Automation standardizes quality across all stores, enabling consistent, high-quality execution network-wide.

■ Live Demonstration at Upcoming Global Tradeshows

To experience the speed, yield optimization, and operational efficiency of the KA-700H firsthand, industry professionals and retail buyers are invited to visit live demonstrations of the KA-700H at our upcoming international exhibition booths:

1. IFPA Global Show
- Dates: Oct 14-16
- Location: Orlando, USA
- Booth: Booth 2800

2. Pack Expo
- Dates: Oct 18-21
- Location: Chicago, USA
- Booth: Booth LL-9922

3. Cibus Tec
- Dates: Oct 27-30
- Location: Parma, Italy
- Booth: Booth I 064