Postharvest Supply Chain
We’ve seen first hand the impact of poor cultural practices and harvesting and handling techniques on the quality and condition of produce on arrival at the destination market and the consequences in terms of high losses, loss of customer confidence and potentially loss of business.
CASE STUDY – Stone fruit producer in France
This grower was tasked by a major UK retailer to resolve the issue of a high level of rots that were developing when the product was in store which was leading to both high wastage and large numbers of customer complaints. Following an initial brief from our client we carried out a structured review of their operations that included onsite assessments and interviews with key personnel. It quickly became apparent that sub-standard pruning and poor field hygiene were major causes of their problem. Our simple, cost effective recommendations were followed and we supported the implementation that resolved their problem and allowed the grower to secure the business.
CASE STUDY – Mango producer in India
Many of the larger mango producers in India are looking to export their produce by sea freight to long distance markets. Whilst they often have a good understanding of the requirements of the destination markets, they often do not understand what’s required to deliver a uniform product at the right stage of ripeness in the right condition. This often leads to whole shipments being rejected on the grounds of cost of re-sorting the fruit and yield of good quality fruit. It is easy to forget that at harvest, the fruit is firm as an apple, but actually is as delicate as a fully ripened peach. We’ve provided advice and training to growers and field workers on the optimum harvest maturity stage (in some cases defining harvest maturity indices for new varieties); harvesting technique; and subsequent field handling. As a result, the mango producer has been able to successfully enter the European markets and replace costly air shipments with sea freight.
Using our knowledge of preharvest factors we can provide practical recommendations and training where required putting in place the foundations that ensure the delivery of a crop that meets market requirements and maximizes your profits.
The services we offer are: