Freshness in long-distance, bulk blueberry delivery for Chinese market: StePac launches Xtend

19 Dec 2018 --- Fresh produce packaging supplier StePac has developed proprietary, polyamide-based packaging technology for ensuring long-lasting freshness in long-distance bulk deliveries of blueberries. The new multi-layered packaging, coined Xtend, is the result of several years of R&D and ensures that the high value fruit arrives in wholesome condition, with its natural protective bloom intact – the natural powdery white wax on the surface of the fruit which innately protects the fruit and reduces evaporation. Earlier this year, the manufacturer also launched Xflow, a flowpack solution for blueberries as a cost-saving alternative to traditional preformed bulk packaging.

The Xtend packaging solution enhances the consumer experience and safeguards retailers against waste, notes the company. This resolves the common challenge faced by growers and exporters (mainly from Chile and Peru) who conduct long-haul shipments to faraway countries, such as China. The reported result is that blueberries shipped in Xtend packaging arrive at their destination, with the full freshness reaped upon harvesting, even after 35 days.

Last November, during an arrival evaluation, Elizabeth Paredes Cruz of Fiamma Inc., StePac’s Peruvian distributor, interacted with various Chinese importers to understand what the locals consider to be the pertinent quality criteria for blueberries. Highest on their priority list was the appearance of the “bloom.” Second was the taste and the third most important criterion was firmness of the fruit.

StePac's breathable, multilayered polyamide-based Xtend packaging is designed to not only regulate headspace gas composition, but also relative humidity. This significantly reduces the risk of condensation build-up and ensures that any condensation that might form within the packaging is diffused.

According to Gary Ward, Ph.D., Technical Development Manager for StePac, blueberries are often packed in polyethylene-based modified atmosphere packaging which minimizes weight loss due to its very low water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). 

“This is important, but the advantage of reduced weight loss is outweighed by the disadvantage that condensation will inevitably form and become trapped in the packaging. This free moisture is an enemy of the natural bloom and is highly likely to be washed from the surface of the blueberries making it less appealing to the eye and in fact increases the risk of decay.”

“The preservation of natural bloom is a far more important parameter than slightly lower weight loss,” notes Ward. “It is the outward indicator of freshness and translates into higher prices for blueberries in the Chinese market.” 

StePac uses a wide range of polymers with varying WVTR values, including polyethylene, for the delivery of fresh produce in different packaging formats. “Custom-designed packaging that provides optimal modified atmosphere and moisture control and ensures that the produce arrives in prime condition requires a thorough understanding of the interaction between the physiology and pathology of fresh produce and its packaging environment,” adds Ward. “Polyethylene-based packaging solutions are suitable for certain produce items and applications, but are an inferior solution for bulk shipment of blueberries.”

This summer, StePac created a “responsible” and comprehensive supply chain solution for the delivery of fresh cherries from farm-to-fork. Partnering with Israel-based Tadbik, the companies produced a “next generation” modified atmosphere resealable lidding film capable of extending shelf-life in cherries.