Chilean modified atmosphere (MA) packaging manufacturer PacLife has been checking and monitoring the quality of Chilean cherries and blueberries on arrival in China recently, with a technical team providing post-sales services and technical assistance in Jiangnang in the city of Guangzhou, as well as in Shanghai.

"As we have been confirming for years, the storage and logistics conditions in Chinese markets are still weak and varied. The majority of containers that enter China via Hong Kong are open for inspection, and this leads to interruption of the cold chain," explains PacLife CEO Mauricio Riquelme.

"These conditions expose the fruit shipments to risky situations that could seriously affect their quality, and therefore their sales prices."

Superharvest purchasing and QC manager David Wang, a receiver of fruit from Chilean exporter Frusan.

As PacLife and its R&D department are conscious of this and other problems that affect fresh fruit shipments in distant markets, the company took up the challenge and five years ago launched an innovative technology of packaging with mineral nanoparticles.

"Our Active Modified Atmosphere packages are the first and only to incorporate polymeric technology and inorganic additives, and managed to achieve a change in the industry's paradigms and concepts," Riquelme said.

"Receivers and clients in China realize this and note important advantages, highlighting quality attributes and the good condition of fruit on arrival with our technology."

PacLife's technological proposal has allowed the export industry to have a tool that delivers greater security and efficiency, and a higher level of range and control in the shipping process to far-away markets.

Results

•    Blueberries in MA bags arrived with less dehydration and soft fruit than blueberries that arrive without bags in air conditioned containers.

•    Dynamic Clear PacLife bags arrived in perfect condition with firm, crispy fruit with good bloom, without bad smells or flavors produced due to breaks in the cold chain that alter the gases.

•    According to in situ measurements, we saw a reaction of gases in the order of 8-10% in O2 and 8-2% in CO2, showing pulp temperatures of up to 5°C and 8°C. Measurements were conducted in boxes that were left at room temperature for more than 24hrs with sealed bags.

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