At Betko, water is far more than just a resource – it is a critical lifeline at every stage of our operation. From the moment fruit crosses our gates, through sorting, packing and cooling, water plays a central role. But because apples and pears are food, we cannot compromise: the water must always be clean, safe, and rigorously managed.
Here’s how we think about water stewardship – what we do, why it matters, and how we benchmark ourselves against industry best practice.
Water is indispensable in a fruit packing facility. Some cultivars require drenching or washing to remove dust and ensure quality before storage, while others may skip this depending on the variety or timing. During pre-sorting and packing, water is used in flumes to handle fruit gently and maintain hygiene. It also plays a role after harvest when certain apple and pear cultivars are drenched either before or after storage to help maintain firmness and freshness. Inside the packhouse, water keeps the flumes running smoothly and helps regulate humidity levels within storage facilities, while the temperature in our CA rooms is controlled entirely by advanced refrigeration systems. Above all, water must meet strict food safety standards, ensuring it never becomes a risk to the fruit or to consumers. At the same time, efficient management is essential to minimise waste, reduce discharge, and comply with environmental regulations.
Over time, we have implemented water treatment systems to maintain quality and reduce waste. Our incoming supply, whether municipal, borehole or surface water, passes through two ultrafiltration systems that remove particulates and pathogens. Together, these produce more than 400 m³ of potable-standard water each day. Inside the packhouse, circulating water is also treated. A media filtration plant, capable of filtering around 1,300 m³ daily, removes solids and contaminants so water can be reused safely. By combining these systems, we reduce dependence on raw water sources and keep our internal water clean for multiple uses.
We continuously monitor water quality, testing for microbial counts, sanitiser levels, turbidity, and pH, while audits and inspections confirm that our systems remain effective and compliant with international standards.
According to NuWater, our integrated water treatment system includes ultrafiltration units capable of producing around 400 m³ of potable-quality water per day, along with media filtration that processes approximately 1,300 m³ daily for reuse within the packhouse. The system, designed and commissioned in 2022, has helped reduce reliance on fresh water intake and lower effluent discharge compared to older facilities – strengthening overall efficiency and sustainability.
Clean, safe water is non-negotiable when supplying fruit to global markets. By treating and recycling water, we not only secure food safety but also safeguard resources in a region where water is increasingly scarce. This commitment strengthens our resilience and underlines our responsibility to the environment.
At Betko, water stewardship is not an afterthought – it’s part of our daily work and long-term vision. Through ongoing commitment to careful treatment, reuse, and responsible water management, we protect our fruit, our customers, and the natural resources we all depend on. Clean water means safe fruit, and safe fruit means trust in every apple and pear we pack and export.