Summer is fast approaching, and consumers are already grabbing up fresh ripe strawberries for picnics, barbecues and other popular summertime activities. Strawberries peak in popularity in the summer months, but it is also when strawberries are most vulnerable. The weather that produces such great berries also challenges retailers and producers to keep those berries as fresh as possible. Produce managers need to always have the “cold chain” in mind, to maintain high quality berries and create high profit margins.
Why is the cold chain so important for strawberries? Strawberries are picked at the peak of ripeness, from that moment forward it is vital to get them cooled, shipped, and delivered to retail stores. Berries need to be chilled at an optimum 33°F to be at their best quality and longest shelf life. The cold chain must not be broken in the various stages of delivery - from harvest to consumer purchase. Thanks to modern methods and technology, protecting this delicate fruit has become easier and more efficient.
What are the basic steps of the cold chain? Strawberries are typically packed directly into plastic clamshells right in the field, then held in flats. Pallets of the flats are then trucked minutes after being picked and cooled to the optimum 33°F temperature in a state-of-the-art cooling facility near the fields. That is when the cold chain officially begins, with the goal to keep the berries at this temperature all the way to the store shelves. In a matter of hours, the strawberries go into refrigerated trucks and head for their destinations, fresh from the field and ready to enjoy.
Well•Pict routinely runs temperature tests and monitors shipments at numerous checkpoints along the berries’ journey to be completely sure that there are no gaps in the cold chain. To protect the cold chain until the very last minute, retailers must do their part, beginning with unloading shipments the moment they arrive and placing them in refrigerated storage with no delay. Retailers can maintain the cold chain by keeping the berries at 33° for as long as possible – until they are on display shelves.
High quality berries need high quality handling, which is why Well•Pict Berries continues to educate about the cold chain with the Well•Pict Berry Academy. To be confident that you are providing the freshest, best-tasting berries to your customers, be sure to watch the Well-Pict Cold Chain Video. Please visit wellpict.com today to learn about our proprietary varieties, and the various ways you can make this your most profitable year ever.
