TRANSPORT OF VEGETABLES; STATE OF THE ART AND DEVELOPMENTS

Developments in storage, transport and distribution of all horticultural products, and in particular of vegetables, are matters of great importance in the Netherlands. Quality management and improved efficiency are necessary in order to consolidate a strong position in a market with a limited growth.

Improved storage methods have been introduced in for example the storage of Brussels sprouts. Precooling is now applied on a large scale at the auctions making staggered delivery times by growers possible. Transport vehicles are being made larger for efficiency reasons and are provided with a refrigeration unit and an insulated body. Various aspects with relation to refrigerated vehicles such as temperature control, humidity management, air distribution and temperature distribution have been investigated in the past. In recent years the realization of Controlled Atmosphere in vehicles has been a matter of great interest. A few prototypes have been tested and the main technical requirements are known.

Research programmes and practical developments are aiming at a total control of the product quality in the transport chain. Modelling of quality development under influence of the relevant variables allows simulation of the transport chain. Further optimalization between technical treatment and quality maintenance can thus be achieved.