BERLIN — Fresh Del Monte showed retailers how an artificial intelligence-powered robot can inspire produce gift-giving this Valentine's Day at last week's Fruit Logistica 2026.
Its Servi robotic cart moved St. Valentine Special Edition mangoes, pineapples and Red Passion kiwifruit in and around its booth.
On display was a trio of St. Valentine Special Edition delights including Red Passion kiwifruit, a red-flesh fruit from Italy packed in “Zootopia 2” movie-themed packages; juicy and tender Fresh Del Monte Gold Baby Pineapples from Kenya by Air; and Mango by Air “Ready to Love” mangoes.
“The Kenyan baby pineapples are a bonsai, single-portion concept,” says Thierry Montagne, senior regional marketing director for Europe and Africa at Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., while the special edition Mango by Air makes a perfect gift for “your dear one.”
Fresh Del Monte has seen success with Servi boosting banana sales in the U.S. The concept was trialed at three Chicago-area Jewel-Osco stores in October. The robotic cart outfitted with bananas on its trays approached shoppers in the produce aisle to pitch banana purchase and consumption.
“Sales of bananas increased at the Jewel stores as a result,” says Danny Dumas, senior vice president for Florida-based Fresh Del Monte. “It helped boost banana sales because it's something new.”
Dumas says Fresh Del Monte may expand the robot trial to a few stores in Texas and New York as well.
The robot can play fun and informational videos and has sensors to stop when approached.
Store managers can program and change Servi's route and offerings every day if they want, Montagne says.
Fresh Del Monte is also promoting exotic fruit on Facebook for Valentine's Day.
“Still gifting the same Valentine's favorites? Switch it up this year. Surprise them with something bold, unexpected, and unforgettable — Pinkglow,” says the company's Facebook page touting the pink pineapple and offering creative usage and presentation ideas for the holiday and beyond.
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