After two difficult years as a result of the Russian export ban, the prospects for this year point to a slight growth, due mainly to the opening of new interesting markets, such as Asia, which require wooden packaging because of its resistance and the perfect image it offers on arrival at destination.
This market sets a clear trend towards sales units and small formats. 38% of the containers manufactured were the so-called Pitufo® containers; that is, packages with a capacity below 2.5 kilos. Despite this, the opening of new markets, such as Asia, may have also given a boost to larger formats, due to the need to transport large volumes.
Alberto Palmí, director of FEDEMCO, affirms that his associates "are adapting the designs to the needs of their clients. This year, at Fruit Logistica, we saw 15x20 sized, 500 gram containers for berries, variations in the height of traditional packaging formats to improve the products' presentation, containers with lids or innovative gripping systems, new gloss finishes, improvements in the quality of the impression, and even tests with new assembly and stacking systems."
An environmentally-friendly container
According to Alberto Palmí, the demand for wooden packaging is also rising because of its lower environmental impact compared to other materials, since wood is a sustainable and easily recyclable material. Also, "wooden packaging guarantees that fruits and vegetables will arrive at their destination in perfect condition, because their resistance prevents breakage and deformation on the pallet. This reduces the risk of claims at destination and helps exporters save money. The studied design of bottoms and laterals allow for good ventilation and humidity regulation, which helps improve the fruit's shelf life," he said.
Traditionally, the citrus and strawberry sectors have been the ones that have used the most wooden containers. The reason for this, according to Alberto Palmí, is the advantages offered by these containers; "namely, resistance and presentation. Wooden packaging guarantees the product's protection in long distance shipments, offering a quality presentation and a natural appearance, which is all highly appreciated by importers. These same reasons motivate their use in gourmet markets, as they convey a higher quality image."
For more information:
Roberto García (Marketing and Communication)
FEDEMCO
Prof. Beltrán Baguena, 4. Valencia, Spain
Tel.: +34 96 349 57 13
rgarcia@fedemco.com
www.fedemco.com