Pioneering new pomegranate markets with Xtend®

Pomegranates have been enjoying a renaissance; the last few years have seen a tremendous increase in trading of pomegranate fruits. In the USA alone, consumption of pomegranates and their related products have increased dramatically, reaching annual levels of in excess of 120,000 tons. Perhaps what has contributed most to the increased demand for pomegranates is its reputed health promoting effects.

The huge market growth has necessitated means of overcoming the problems associated with long storage of pomegranates and increasing storability. The major factors limiting storability of pomegranates are weight loss and shrivelling (Fig. 1), crown and fruit rot (Fig. 2), development of blemishes related to chilling injuries (Fig, 3) and impaired quality and taste.

In 2003, StePac foresaw growth in pomegranate consumption and decided to embark upon the development of a modified atmosphere packaging solution that prolonged storability of pomegranates and thereby supported this market growth. At the time, the storability of wonderful pomegranates was limited to ~ 2 months in regular atmosphere. It was known that this could be extended to up to 5 months in a controlled atmosphere environment of 5% O2 and 15% CO2.

StePac as so often in the past, was a pioneer in the development of a customized modified atmosphere packaging solution for pomegranates that addressed all of the aforementioned problems associated with prolonged storage: Not only did the packaging reduce dehydration and weight loss, but it allowed development of optimal levels of O2 and CO2 which slowed respiration rate and ageing processes and suppressed the growth of fungi.

One of the main characteristics of Xtend® packaging is that in addition to providing an optimal modified atmosphere, the films developed by StePac polymer engineers are characterized by a relatively high water vapour transmission rate (WVTR), which means that if condensation forms within the packaging it is eliminated by diffusion (Fig 4). This property further reduces the risk of postharvest decay (Fig.5)

Although the initial development in 2003 focused on carton liners for export packaging of pomegranates, extensive research and development over the years, aligned with market needs, has led to a range of Xtend® modified atmosphere packaging for pomegranates including the following:

* Carton liners for shipments (mainly 5kg)

* Long storage packaging:20 kg, 75 kg and bin liners

* Lidding film for arils

Combined with the appropriate post-harvest protocols, by using Xtend®, pomegranate growers, exporters and trading companies can expect freshness and quality of ‘wonderful’ pomegranates to be preserved for as long as 4 months. The extended produce freshness facilitates market expansion and bridging of seasonal gaps. Combined with the appropriate post-harvest protocols, by using Xtend®, pomegranate growers, exporters and trading companies can expect freshness and quality of ‘wonderful’ pomegranates to be preserved for as long as 4 months. The extended produce freshness facilitates market expansion and bridging of seasonal gaps.

Furthermore, Xtend® is simple to use, cost-effective and offers flexibility in storage allowing fruit removal upon demand without compromising the whole storage room as in the case of CA storage. Furthermore, the effect achieved with Xtend® MAP packaging can be maintained throughout the entire supply chain.

For more information:
Deborah Meidan
StePac
Tel: +972 (0)4 6123514
Fax: +972 (0)4 9872946
Email: Deborah@stepac.com
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