Files
Abstract
A total of 38 major Western European receivers participated in the study by providing trade and market preferences for packaging, handling, and product presentation features for 20 selected fresh fruits and vegetables. Specific preferences are described for type of shipping container, style, construction materials, size of container, and type of closure. Acceptable physical parameters for unitized handling features were determined. Generally, corrugated-fiberboard shipping containers were preferred. New weight per box preferred for most fruits was 5 kg, except for strawberries which was 3 kg per box. The preferred net weight per box for eggplant, green beans, green peppers, and tomatoes was 6 kg, whereas 10 to 15 kg was preferred for celery, Chinese cabbage, cauliflower, and iceberg lettuce.