An Analysis of the Impact of Logistics Processes on the Temperature Profile of the Beginning Stages of a Blueberry Supply Chain

Blueberries are highly perishable and temperature sensitive. The main purpose of the study was to determine whether logistics processes in the beginning stages of the blueberry supply chain have an influence on the temperature profiles and quality of the fruit further downstream. Temperature trials...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Horticulturae 2022-12, Vol.8 (12), p.1191
Main Authors: Steynberg, Petré, Goedhals-Gerber, Leila L., van Dyk, Esbeth
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ambient temperature
Berries
Blueberries
blueberry supply chain
chilling injury break
chilling injury spike
cold chain management
Cold storage
Cold stores
Cooling
Environmental aspects
Exports
Farms
Food
Food quality
Food waste
Fruits
Harvesting
Heat
Impact analysis
Logistics
Moisture effects
Pathogens
Physiological aspects
Production processes
South African fruit industry
Statistical analysis
Supply chains
Temperature
temperature break
Temperature profiles
Underweight
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Summary:Blueberries are highly perishable and temperature sensitive. The main purpose of the study was to determine whether logistics processes in the beginning stages of the blueberry supply chain have an influence on the temperature profiles and quality of the fruit further downstream. Temperature trials were conducted on three farms in the Gauteng and three in the Western Cape provinces of South Africa. Observations were made, and iButton® temperature monitoring devices were used to record ambient temperatures experienced by blueberries from harvesting until after forced cooling in the cold store. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the temperature data. The results showed poor adherence to protocols and a large number of temperature and chilling injury spikes and breaks. Many trials did not reach pre-cooling and forced cooling protocol temperatures within the required time. Quality reports indicated that pallets were downgraded owing to cartons being underweight, probably as a result of moisture loss, and other quality defects such as collapsed berries and mould. By minimizing the breach of protocols and improving the beginning stages of the blueberry supply chain, a better-quality product will be ensured, thus reducing costs, food loss and food waste.
ISSN:2311-7524
2311-7524
DOI:10.3390/horticulturae8121191