This presentation was of the university ’ s latest research focused on the table grape industry — a sector that epitomises the challenges and opportunities in cold chain logistics . Table grapes , known for their sensitivity , require precise temperature management to maintain their quality over long distances and through varying environmental conditions . This research explores the findings and highlights innovative strategies for improving efficiency and product integrity in cold chain logistics . “ Our research , conducted for the table grape industry , underscores the critical importance of maintaining the correct temperature . Table grapes , originating from production areas with peak temperatures ranging from 32 ° C to 39 ° C , are highly susceptible to quality degradation if not kept within strict temperature limits . Previous studies have indicated insufficient airflow in reefer containers , leads to suboptimal cooling and increased claims from overseas importers regarding the quality of grapes upon arrival ,” says Gerber .
“ In response to these challenges , we were approached by a major South African
|
table grape exporter to evaluate new airflow technologies designed to enhance the cooling efficiency within reefer containers . For our trials , we used six refrigerated containers , each transporting 20 pallets of table grapes from South Africa to the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands . Specifically , we tested two innovative solutions : the Airflo floor covering and the Reefer Airflow Technology ( RAFT ) kit . The Airflo covering is placed at the base of the container to improve airflow , while the RAFT kit alters airflow direction from vertical to horizontal .”
Gerber notes : “ Our study involved temperature trials in which we placed temperature monitoring devices inside six reefer containers — three shipments with two containers each fitted with either Airflo or RAFT technology , and one control container per shipment . We installed temperature sensors to measure both ambient and pulp temperatures inside the containers . These containers were tracked from South Africa to the Netherlands , monitoring temperature profiles throughout the journey . We aimed to determine whether these airflow technologies effectively maintained the temperature within the desired range and
|
consequently improved the quality of the grapes upon arrival .” She lists the key findings :
• Temperature profiles : The data revealed that containers equipped with either Airflo or RAFT technology maintained more consistent temperature profiles compared to the control containers . This consistency is crucial in preventing quality degradation .
• Temperature breaks : “ Our analysis showed that temperature breaks — instances where the temperature deviated from the ideal range — were less frequent and shorter in containers using the new airflow technologies . Containers with more frequent and prolonged temperature breaks correlated with poorer quality grapes .”
• Impact on quality : Both Airflo and RAFT technologies demonstrated improvements in maintaining grape quality . However , the RAFT kit , with its horizontal airflow mechanism , showed a slightly better performance in ensuring uniform cooling across the entire container .
|
© Cold Link Africa
Professor Leila Gerber , cold chain specialist at the department of logistics , University of Stellenbosch .
BEST PRACTICES FOR COLD CHAIN MANAGEMENT
“ Our research highlights several best practices essential for optimising cold chain logistics for sensitive fruits like table grapes :
“ It is imperative to pre-cool products to the correct temperature before loading them
|