We are pleased to share the publication of a new study in Food Control titled “Identifying Cooling Heterogeneity During Precooling and Refrigerated Trailer Transport for the Citrus Supply Chain by Extensive Temperature Monitoring Within Full-Scale Experiments.” This collaborative research sheds light on challenges and opportunities for improving temperature management during citrus transport.
What the Study Explored
The research, conducted by experts from Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology), Wageningen University, Sensitech Inc., and ANYFION, investigated cooling inconsistencies in citrus supply chains. Using advanced monitoring techniques, the team examined shipments of citrus fruits from Greece to Switzerland, identifying patterns and issues that affect fruit quality during transport.
The main objectives were to:
- Measure temperature variations within shipments and across multiple transports.
- Identify areas where fruits are not adequately cooled (“hotspots”).
- Suggest ways to improve cooling processes and reduce fruit losses.
Key Findings
- Temperature Variations During Transport
The study found uneven cooling within trailers, with significant temperature differences between fruit in different parts of the cargo. Fruits in the middle of the trailer were often less effectively cooled. - Precooling Limitations
Current precooling methods did not always achieve the desired fruit temperatures (4–6°C) before transport, leaving some fruits vulnerable to re-heating during shipment. - Proposed Solutions
- Use forced-air precooling to cool fruits more uniformly and efficiently.
- Improve packaging and pallet loading designs to allow better airflow during transport.
- Enhance monitoring of air and fruit temperatures to better manage cooling.
ANYFION’s Role
Due to the high costs of conducting large-scale experimental research, industry collaboration is essential for academic research. ANYFION has played a key role in this study by providing its supply chain as a foundation for the experiments. Additionally, we have been crucial for data acquisition and documentation.
Our involvement highlights our commitment to research and innovation as a tool to improving and optimizing agricultural supply chains.
Why It Matters
Ensuring consistent cooling during transport is essential for maintaining fruit quality and reducing waste. Studies like this help pinpoint areas for improvement, offering actionable solutions to strengthen supply chain efficiency and minimize postharvest losses.
Access the Full Article
The study is available as an open-access publication and can be read in full here.
We are excited to continue applying these findings to refine our practices and contribute to the advancement of agricultural logistics. Let us know if you have questions or want to learn more about this project!