Solution to the shrinkage in the export of blueberries: Berries Quality
The export of Peruvian and Chilean blueberries has increased progressively in recent years. The sensitivity, permeability and high oxidation capacity of this fruit make the logistic process very difficult. Given that in most cases there is a long transit period, the conservation needs of the fruit have been expanded, requiring the investigation of new technologies and processes.
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a component that has been used successfully for a long time in the export process of table grapes. Its main property is to inhibit the development of botrytis (rot) and, in turn, regulate the level of sulfite residue in fruits. This component has been approved for four years by the European Union, which opens up many possibilities for the fruit export markets.
"With the increasing export to China and Europe, the necessary preservation time has been extended very much, from the harvest to the moment of consumption there is usually, at least, 60 days. To conserve this fruit effectively for so long, the concentration levels of SO2 have to be low and controlled. ", says Juan Carlos Lavanderos, technical manager of SurAgra Chile.
From this experience, SurAgra developed a product suitable to the specific needs of blueberries: Berries Quality. "Conventional refrigeration is not enough, fruits soften and decay occurs. Considering the special requirements of blueberries, we created small pads that are incorporated into the box together with microperforated plastic bags, which allow to improve the useful life and the condition of the arrival of blueberries to their destination "says Lavanderos.
Although in the two years that this product has been commercialized, it has managed to earn 20% of the Chilean market, the 70% of Chilean blueberry exports have the United States as the target market, a country that has not yet approved the use of this component for contact with food "The potential market is very large, but it is still a new technology in the process of adaptation. If we take into account that Chile exports 30 millions of boxes of blueberries per year, of which 20 goes to the United States, the approval of the FDA is decisive to gain more market ", the representative finishes.
Source: Freshplaza.es
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