Packaging of Grapes

1. Packaging of Grapes

2. Introduction Packaging of Grapes • India is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world. • Such a high production has no significance if fruits and vegetables don’t reach the consumer in fresh and palatable condition. • Due to heavy post harvest losses, a considerable gap between production and availability of fruits and vegetables to consumers. • Post-harvest losses are occurring in the period between harvesting and consumption • Hence, there is an urgent need to adopt proper post harvest management practices by adopting improved packaging, handling and efficient transportation methods

3. Packaging of Grapes Introduction contd…… • Packaging is required to keep fruits, vegetables and root crops in good condition until it is soled and consumed • Packaging serves as an efficient handling unit to carry produce from field to consumer • The package should protect the produce from rotting • Packages must also protect the produce from damage

4. Packaging of Grapes Definition of Food Packaging Food packaging is defined as a mean or system by which a fresh produce or processed product will reach from the production centre to the ultimate consumer in safe and sound condition at an affordable price

5. Packaging of Grapes Functions of Packaging Material • Two main functions of packaging are: • To assemble the produce into convenient units for handling. • To protect the produce during distribution, storage and marketing.

6. Packaging of Grapes Packaging materials used to serve the following purposes • As an efficient handling unit • Protects the produce from mechanical damage • Protects the produce from moisture loss • Provides clean and sanitary storage • Prevents pilferage • Provides sales and service motivation • Reduces cost of transport and marketing

7. Packaging of Grapes Packaging Materials for Fresh Produce 1. Basket made of woven strips of leaves, bamboo, plastic etc. 2. Sacks: flexible, made of plastic or jute. i) Bags: small size sacks ii) Nets: sacks made of open mesh 3. Wooden crates 4. Fibreboard boxes i) Solid fibreboard boxes ii) Corrugated fibreboard boxes 5. Plastic crates 6. Biodegradable plastics 7. New innovations in packaging of fruits, vegetables and root crops 8. Pallet boxes and shipping containers

8. Packaging of Grapes Packaging Materials for Process Products Packaging of processed products can be of the following types: 1. Glass containers 2. Metal cans 3. Aluminium foil 4. Plastic materials 5. Collapsible containers 6. Composite containers

9. Packaging of Grapes Cushioning Materials and Wrap • Dry grass, paddy straw, leaves, saw dust, paper shreds etc. can be used as cushioning material for packaging fruits and vegetables. • It should dissipate the heat of respiration of the produce. • It should be free from infection and should be physiologically inactive. • Moulded pulp tray, honeycomb portion, cell pack are used replacing the cushioning material. • Cassia leaves are most effective in reducing physiological loss in weight (PLW), spoilage, retaining fruit colour and chemicalquality.

10. Packaging of Grapes Cushioning Materials and Wrap • Now-a-days, shrink-wrapping of individual produce items is gaining popularity • Shrink-wrapping with an engineered plastic wrap can reduce • shrinkage, • protect the produce from disease, • reduce mechanical damage and • provide a good surface for stick-on labels

11. Packaging of Grapes Precautions during packing • Containers should not be filled either too loosely or too tightly • Loose products may vibrate against each other and cause bruising • While over-packing results in compression bruising • Proper filling along with cushioning can minimize bruising damage

12. Packaging of Grapes Packaging of Grapes • The 3 ply corrugated fibreboard boxes, which can hold 2 to 4 kg of grapes are generally used for domestic purpose • The boxes are perforated and lined with newspapers • The fruits can be protected against decay by placing sulphur treated paper such as ‘Grape guard’ • Plastic crates are also used for local markets

13. Packaging of Grapes Packaging of Grape • For export purposes • the grapes are placed in polyethylene pouches with vents • Pouches are then arranged in trays • The trays are made into a pallet, cooled and kept in cool storage till export

14. Packaging of Grapes Packaging of Grapes (Retail & fashionable) Source:http://www.oppyproduce.com/grapes_packaging.cfm

15. Packaging of Grapes Packaging of Grapse (Retail & fashionable) Grape blister packaging

16. Packaging of Grapes Packaging of Grapes (Retail & fashionable)

17. Packaging of Grapes Let Us Sum Up • Food packaging is a system by which the fresh or processed produce will reach the consumer from the production centre in a safe and sound condition at an affordable cost • It serves two basic objectives, i.e., marketing and logistics • Adopting improved packaging, handling and transportation methods during distribution and marketing can successfully reduce huge post harvest losses • However, the product requirements, the marketing system and the personnel preference will determine the type of packaging to be used for a particular fruit.