OVE × Flory: Bringing the World’s Leading Nut Harvesting Technology to Europe and Asia
January 13, 2026
This article explores the partnership between OVE and Flory Industries, highlighting nearly 90 years of innovation in nut harvesting. It traces Flory’s evolution from a family operation to a global technology leader and explains how OVE brings this proven harvesting expertise to growers across Europe and Asia.
A Proven Global Leader in Nut Harvesting
Flory’s leadership in the nut industry is backed by decades of real-world data. Across its primary markets, Flory holds well over 60% market share in on-ground harvesters. The total tree nut acreage in these markets is estimated at 3.1 million acres (1.3 million hectares), of which nearly 2 million acres (830,000 hectares) are harvested annually using Flory equipment. Looking at the long term, between 2000 and 2025, roughly 50 million acres (20 million hectares) of nut crops were harvested in Flory’s core markets. Given Flory’s sustained market share, this means about 32 million acres (13 million hectares) were harvested using Flory machinery during this period. From a production standpoint, Flory and COE Orchard Equipment manufactured nearly 17,000 machines from 2000 to 2025, with approximately 13,700 units produced under the Flory on-ground harvesting brand. These numbers reflect not only scale, but long-standing trust from growers worldwide. OVE’s role is to extend this proven performance into Europe and Asia, ensuring growers in both established and emerging nut regions have direct access to Flory’s technology, expertise, and long-term support.
From a Family Operation to an Industry Standard
Flory’s story begins in 1936, when O.F. Flory & Sons formed a partnership, purchased their first John Deere grain harvester, and launched a custom harvesting operation in California. That same year, they built their first shop—laying the foundation for what would become decades of continuous innovation. In 1947, Flory built its second bean harvester, refining earlier designs and responding to growing demand. Although modest at the time, this period marked the early transition from building machines for internal use to serving a broader grower community. A major milestone followed in 1961 with the introduction of the Flory 110 almond pick-up machine. This tractor-mounted unit significantly reduced labor and increased harvest speed at a time when almonds were still largely harvested by hand. While small by modern standards, it marked the beginning of widespread mechanization in the nut industry. In 1968, Flory introduced the Model 410, the first self-propelled almond harvester. With improved speed, maneuverability, and operator convenience, it represented a fundamental shift in orchard harvesting and positioned Flory as a technology leader.
Innovations That Shaped Modern Harvesting
Over the following decades, Flory continued to introduce equipment that redefined orchard operations: • 1972 – Launch of the 660 self-propelled sweeper, introducing the five-bar sweeper reel that remains the industry standard today. • 1990 – Introduction of the 480 Nut Harvester, a durable PTO pull-behind machine whose legacy continues in the current 490 model. • 1993 – Debut of enclosed, air-conditioned sweeper cabs (70 Series), significantly improving operator comfort and safety. • 1999 – Introduction of the LD80 and 850 Low Dust Harvesters, pioneering dust-reduction technologies that continue to influence modern designs. These developments addressed real-world challenges such as labor efficiency, operator safety, and environmental impact—long before they became industry-wide priorities.
Engineering for Sustainability and Efficiency
Flory’s focus on dust reduction and environmental responsibility has been consistent since the early 1990s. This commitment reached a new level in 2021 with the launch of the VX240 Ultra Low Dust Harvester, featuring a patented vortex/cyclone separation system that operates without water while maintaining high throughput and cleanliness. This innovation earned Flory another AE50 Award from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE). In 2023, Flory acquired COE Orchard Equipment, becoming the first manufacturer to offer a complete harvesting lineup—including shakers, sweepers, harvesters, shuttles, and elevators—for virtually every tree nut and stone fruit crop. This acquisition also strengthened Flory’s position in off-ground harvesting systems, particularly for pistachios. Recent innovations such as the Synergy Blower (2024), the first hydraulically driven berm blower integrated into a side mount shaker and the VS25 Velocity Shuttle (2025) demonstrate how the combined expertise of Flory and COE continues to reduce passes, dust, labor requirements, and total harvest costs.
OVE’s Role in Europe and Asia
As Flory’s premier dealer across Europe and Asia, OVE does more than distribute machinery and part—we deliver complete harvesting solutions. Our team works closely with growers to adapt Flory systems to regional orchard layouts, crop types, soil conditions, and labor structures. From equipment configuration and logistics to commissioning, training, and after-sales support, OVE ensures that Flory technology performs to the same high standard outside North America as it does in its home markets. This partnership reflects a shared vision: supporting growers with reliable, future-ready harvesting solutions that deliver long-term value.
Looking Ahead
With nearly nine decades of agricultural experience behind it and a growing global footprint ahead, Flory continues to define what modern nut harvesting looks like. Through our partnership, OVE is proud to bring that legacy to Europe and Asia—helping growers modernize operations, improve efficiency, and prepare for the future of orchard agriculture. You Grow — We Equip.