Postharvest Quality
The world's population is growing, cities are increasing in size and, as a result of climate change, production areas are disappearing in one place, while new ones are emerging elsewhere. Guaranteeing food security requires a smart (re)design of production chains. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research develops the knowledge, insights and technological applications that make this possible.
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Smart (re)design of production chains
It is becoming increasingly difficult to provide everyone with food in a sustainable way. The demand for food is continuous, and consumers like to eat fresh fruits and vegetables all year round. However, the range of produce varies depending on location and season. As a result, significant differences in time and place need to be bridged in distribution. For example, apples and pears often go into cold storage for months after harvesting before they continue their journey to the consumer. In addition, many products are eaten far from where they are produced, such as bananas or grapes. The challenge is to maintain the quality of fruits and vegetables after harvesting as much as possible, preferably with low CO2emissions and at the lowest possible cost. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research offers the knowledge and insights needed to efficiently organize existing production chains and to develop new, shorter production chains, or production chains to places where high-quality produce is currently unavailable.
Focusing on and measuring quality
We have unique in-house knowledge and expertise in the field of measuring quality after harvesting, and know like no other which technology to maintain the quality of fresh produce during storage and transport. We advise technology companies and carriers concerning quality-driven logistics and support investors in making strategic decisions on food systems design: setting up and structuring sustainable food chains and systems. In addition, we help companies collect, analyse and interpret data on quality and shelf life.
Working on solutions
Wageningen Food & Biobased Research is working on various solutions within this research programme:
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Postharvest Quality Measurement
From ripening systems to hyperspectral cameras and taste profiling: there are plenty of opportunities for fast, objective quality measurement for perishable products. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research offers technology companies R&D capacity and facilities to increase the added value of and market opportunities for new measurement techniques, These allow such companies to make informed decisions about the innovations in which they invest time, money and energy.
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Quality Control during Storage and Transport
The development of the new generation of conditioning and storage systems is focussed on achieving optimum conditions for storage and transport in combination with low energy consumption. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research provides technology companies with insight into the opportunities that existing and new technologies can offer for the storage and transport of perishable products. This enables these companies to make informed decisions during the innovation process.
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Quality-Driven Logistics
Ready-to-eat or longer shelf life? Focussing on quality enables targeting of fresh produce to specific customer needs. This leads to more-sustainable chains, more satisfied consumers and considerable cost savings. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research gives technology and logistics companies the knowledge, insights and resources to develop smart logistics solutions.
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Data Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Agrifood
From harvest times to in-transport temperatures, the supply chain offers a wealth of data that can be used to increase yields and optimise product quality. Together with Wageningen University & Research, IT companies and machine builders can develop and improve data management tools, software and machines that ensure agrifood companies always make the best possible decisions about markets, storage times and transport conditions.
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Postharvest Quality Management for Improved Welfare
Postharvest management of fresh produce contributes significantly to achieving food and nutrition security and improving the livelihood of farmers. Wageningen Food & Biobased Research supports governments and financial institutions to develop and enable national policy and to implement supply chains for fresh produce. They do so locally, regionally and for the export market. In this way, postharvest management contributes to a fairer and more sustainable world.