Cold Link Africa March / April 2021 | Page 34

We ’ ve always done it this way … By Jan Lievens Do you know this is possibly the most dangerous phrase in any language ?
CONTRIBUTORS
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN

We ’ ve always done it this way … By Jan Lievens Do you know this is possibly the most dangerous phrase in any language ?

Sure , sometimes certain ways are rather ‘ left alone ’ and traditions do of course also count . This rings very true . However , a donkey never steps twice on the same stone . When it comes to preserving quality after harvest , this is also true – as an African proverb states : far too often the small jackals usually destroy the vineyard .

There are a couple of things you can be sure of in life . One of those things in particular is that change will happen , whether you like it or not . One thing however that never ever changes , no matter how hard man tries , is that nature never ever breaks her own laws . And that is a given that you can rely on . Even bank on that – better than you can bank with whomever you bank with !
Resistance to change is one of the reasons that one could call on , but unfortunately , that does not wash in our industry . As stated , many times before , quality is the name of the game . And that
orchards , on tree , bush , or vine . The trick is to transfer that quality at the farm to the overseas markets .
Your Production Unit Code ( PUC ) is the most valuable number you have on your farm .
The success is to get buyers overseas to start asking for your specific and unique
PUC when they buy . If you can get it right that they order your products before the next season starts , you are indeed a quality
is not just about growing top quality in your
The quality of our South African produce just before harvest is among the best in the world .
All images : Creative Commons
Jan Lievens , born in Belgium , is a graduate civil engineering ( B ) and international senior consultant for engineered applied postharvest technology at UTE South Africa . With over 20 years of experience in this field , he is widely regarded as a specialist in the fruit- , vegetable- and flower industry with regards to humidity , airborne bacteria and ethylene removal , both locally and internationally . Furthermore , he also designed airflow-friendly packaging systems for the industry with proven results .

34 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za COLD LINK AFRICA • March / April 2022