The upcoming stone fruit season will not be without its challenges, says Yagmur Ozbutun, Export Area Executive at Ser Pak Packaging: "The year 2025 has started with a globally challenging season for stone fruits such as apricots, peaches, and plums. Spring frosts have caused significant crop losses in major producing countries like Turkey, Spain, Italy, Greece, and France. This situation, which affects the entire agricultural sector, is leading to supply chain bottlenecks, price fluctuations, and quality concerns."
Other than simply a lower harvest, another worry for the stone fruits that are being harvested is the quality of the fruits themselves, Ozbutun explains. "Frost damage during critical periods like flowering and fruit set has significantly reduced fruit quantities in many regions. In some producing countries, especially for apricots and peaches, yields have decreased by up to 50%. The remaining crops are showing surface damage, color disorders, and internal quality problems caused by the frost. This inherently limits both the shelf life and export value of the fruits."
According to Ozbutun, the packaging that Ser Pak offers can help keep the quality in the best state for as long as possible: "In such an uncertain environment, effective management of post-harvest processes is becoming more critical than ever. In a period when high-quality fruit is scarce and more valuable, the need for packaging technologies has increased. At this point, MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) stands out as one of the most suitable solutions. MAP technology slows the fruit's respiration rate by optimizing the oxygen, carbon dioxide, and humidity levels inside the package. In this way, the natural ripening process of the fruit slows down, and its shelf life is extended."
"For soft and delicate-textured fruits, this technology not only delays spoilage but is also effective in preserving freshness, aroma, and nutritional value. In a year when global production is low and high-quality products are more valuable than ever, MAP solutions carry strategic value for both domestic and export markets. Packaging is no longer limited to protecting products during transportation; it also directly affects brand reliability and shelf performance. Therefore, packaging should not be seen only as a protective tool but as one of the key elements that determine market success."
Ozbutun emphasizes that the use of MAP will make it easier to be compliant in high-demand markets: "In markets with high quality expectations, such as Europe and the Middle East, not only the physical characteristics of the products but also sustainability, food safety, and freshness criteria are gaining importance. Modified atmosphere packaging solutions meet these expectations and offer significant competitive advantages to producers and exporters."
"The 2025 season represents a global test for stone fruit production. In this period, where yields have decreased, weather conditions have become unpredictable, and maintaining quality has become more difficult, it is possible to reduce product losses and preserve commercial value through proper packaging technology. Modified Atmosphere Packaging continues to be one of the most effective tools in this process and a strong ally for producers and exporters," Ozbutun concludes.
For more information:
Yagmur Ozbutun
Ser Pak Packaging
Tel: +90 533 073 70 98
[email protected]
https://www.serpak.com.tr/en