CONTRIBUTORS
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
results would be different will not result
in any progress. Unfortunately, often
due to a lack of professional people
explaining natural laws and processes
in a simple way, people tend to keep
chasing symptoms rather than looking
at the root causes of the problem.
One of those issues is free water
in the packing bags, which can be
avoided. It is a matter of changing the
approach and mindset of the farmer.
Once they understand what it is that
causes the problems, they start listening.
The quality of harvested table grapes in Egypt.
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www.coldlinkafrica.co.za
As a bonus I was able to take pictures
of early Egyptian produce in South
Africa and by analysing producer
codes, I could trace the origin of the
grapes. Technical results were then
relayed to the respective farmers so
that they could see the improvements
that could be made.
I greatly appreciated the interaction
and we were able to combine theory
and practice in a very detailed way.
This was again a very rewarding trip
and although South Africa won against
Detailed discussions with staff members on the lack of general proper
airflow in the existing fruit cartons. Once the problems are visualised,
everybody simply understands better what’s at stake.
Egypt in the African Cup of nations
the night before my arrival, both the
professional and friendship ties are,
once again, closer.
The Egyptian table-grape industry in
general is open to change on how to
treat its produce after harvest as they
realise that what was said and proven
helps them make inroads in the
competitive world of fruit marketing.
Several farmers also keep contact on
a regular basis to discuss technical
items. CLA
The same harvested table grapes already show stem stress after
the initial produce cooling before packing.
COLD LINK AFRICA •
OCTOBER 2019