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Refrigerated transport and our most relevant expertise and facilities
Research report
The quality evolution of agricultural products during transport depends strongly on climate conditions and mechanical impacts. We are experienced in measuring, mathematical modelling and experimental simulation of transport conditions. The combination of our integral multidisciplinary approach with our top-quality facilities enables us to answer your specific research questions effectively. More...
Science in search of the top banana
Miami Herald, 11 April 2008
What has been done in recent years to transport perishable products such as bananas, other fruits and vegetables from developing countries with poor infrastructure to other parts of the world? "It's not easy to keep a banana yellow. To get it to the market ripe but unblemished by brown sugar sports takes careful timing, a slight fiddling with nature's rhythms and a delivery system that is increasingly computer-driven and technical." Our research scientist Henry Boerrigter has more...to say in this article.
Intelligent cargo cooling saves energy
Wageningen Update, April 2006
A clever measuring and regulatory system developed by Wageningen UR enables energy savings in sea container transport of fresh fruit and vegetables. More...
'Transport under controlled temperature brims with chances'
Transportvisie August 2005, no. 4, pp. 26-27
According to Dr. Marco Duineveld of the Wageningen University & Research Centre, chances are brimming for the logistics specialist in various market segments for transport under controlled temperature. However, transport companies have to be prepared to look beyond their own boundaries and even towards exploring international possibilities. In this article, he talks about technological innovations and services which take off from the wheel but may end much further up the chain. Article is available in Dutch.
Fresh Quality Chain Model helps to analyse shelflife of minimally processed products
Inside Fresh Cuts, May 2005
Refrigeration is good; but nothing beats having the optimum temperature
Reilen & Veilen, magazine of ZON-Organisatie, no.. 1, March 2005: pp.. 24-25
People in the horticulture sector who have something to contribute to refrigeration and its effect on product-life often bark up the wrong path. The wildest stories circulate about the best cooling methods. One thing which everyone is unanimous over is that refrigeration is necessary and good for product quality. But according to our researchers Henry Boerrigter and Gérard van den Boogaard, the question still remains if too much emphasis is given to refrigeration alone. Article is available in Dutch.
Increasing the speed of cooling does not prolong product life
unless...
Groenten & Fruit, Week 9, 26 February
2004 : pp.
10-11
Refrigeration plays an important role for growers and succesive links in enabling better quality vegetables and fruits to arrive at the retailers. However, our researchers have discovered that the speed of cooling only contributes to prolonging shelf-life if the products are refrigerated within 48 hours after harvesting. Article is available in Dutch.
Quality of chicory determines length of product life
Groenten & Fruit, Week 8, 219 February
2004 : page 43
The quality of harvested will determine the length of the product life, although factors like cooling speed, storage temperature and temperature changes do also play their roles. Our researcher Harmannus Harkema tells more in this Dutch article.
Project QUEST: QUality and Energy efficiency in Storage and Transport of agro-materials
World-wide large volumes of fresh agro-products are transported. The total value of export of agro-food products was 58.5 billion euros in 1998 and 27.7 million tons of agro-food products were transported in sea containers in 1999. Energy used for climate conditioning of sea containers is often higher than needed. The project aims at further development of a new agro-container concept aiming at reduction of energy use and optimisation of product quality. More information on project website...