Pineapples

Leading purification and protection technology group Purfresh has this week highlighted the fact that global pineapple shippers are increasingly turning to its Purfresh Transport system to reach new markets for the fruit, while still ensuring that quality standards are met.

According to the group, companies such as Calle Real Products are turning to Purfresh to help transport pineapples overseas to markets previously unattainable via ocean transit, shipping from Central and South America to Eastern Europe, Turkey, Georgia, Russia, Greece, the Middle East and North Africa ranging from 21- to 36-day voyages.

Pineapples, which are highly susceptible to mould, decay-causing pathogens and colour change during long-distance ocean transport, benefit from Purfresh's ozone-based intelligent cargo protection technology, which is more efficient than traditional controlled atmosphere technologies.

'With Purfresh Transport, we're able to reach new, non-traditional markets such as Turkey, and provide additional protection for our high quality pineapple shipments,' said Roberto Rojas Vargas, general manager of Calle Real Products. 'Our pineapples have arrived in superior condition without problems of mould of bacteria after being in ocean transit for more than 30 days.

'Purfresh Transport is a reliable, cost-effective solution for reaching new and long distance markets while maintaining fruit quality, including firmness and favourable crown presentation, along with critical shelf life extension,' he added. 'Purfresh has allowed us to grow our business, by providing access to alternate destination markets that, in some cases, allow for higher trading value of our pineapples.'

David Bouchard, general manager of post-harvest and transport solutions for Purfresh, said that the shortcomings of traditional alternatives have accelerated the popularity of Purfresh Transport.

'With Purfresh Transport, everyone – from the exporter to consumer – benefits from safer, higher-quality produce, reduced losses, and a more sustainable global food supply chain,' he said.