Pakistan: Ned-Pak introduces use of MAP bags
The MAP bags are breathable by allowing a certain, controlled gas exchange ratio.The MAP system allows the exporter to control carbon dioxide gas levels, prevents anaerobic conditions (lack of oxygen) to occur by allowing ambient oxygen to diffuse inside the bag and prevents excessive odour accumulation. The exposure of some produce types to ethylene accelerates produce ripening then senescence, deterioration and susceptibility to microbial disease. Ned-Pak’s MAP bags absorb ethylene gas released from the atmosphere and consequently slow the ripening process and prolong the life and freshness of the produce. MAP bags control the level of moisture around the produce by either water vapour absorption or with the help of its excellent anti fogging properties.
In terms of domestic use, it will allow the Pakistani population to enjoy the seasonal fruit of short life span to a longer span, and on top of it with 10% lower prices. For example, the mango season for the SUFAID CHAUNSA variety that lasts from July to September will have a better stretch of supplies in domestic and international market. This variety has a delicate skin and is highly perishable but the use of MAP bags prevented early decay by extending its shelf life.
Successful results on Kinnow in 2012 have proven a Shelf Life extension for two months in ambient temperature (Dec/Feb), so the packaging in MAP bags can bring a saving in 2013/14 electricity bill of over US $20 million. This will make Kinnow more competitive in the International markets
Consumers in the domestic market will also benefit with 20% lower prices. The traditional key export markets for Pakistani oranges are Central Asia, Russia, Malaysia, Dubai, Saudi Arabia and some countries of the Middle East. The European Union, Japan, Korea and China are the some of the targeted markets, where Pakistani Kinnow tried to make an impact without any success. The challenges include poor packaging and presentation as well as the fact all consumers prefers seedless oranges.
The Kinnow season in Pakistan begins in December and lasts till March, which can substitute the Spanish and Moroccan supplies at the European market, as their season ends in February. Most competitor countries such as Spain and Morocco, however, offer seedless oranges. In light of this, the Pakistani exporters can focus their produce towards the fresh juice industries. The worldwide fresh orange juice vending machines and their retailer chains take into account the price per liter of juice obtained from the fruit. Equally there is enormous scope in the restaurants, hotels as well as fresh juice parlors franchises in Europe. If the prices of the oranges are lower than others, Ned-Pak can develop a significant niche market in the fresh juice extraction sector.
By using cartons and MAP bags, the growers can enjoy a significantly higher rate of return, that too by not altering the prices, but by reducing their spoilage, which is estimated at almost 40% in every variety.
Fresh produce when packed with MAP has the following advantages:
1. Reduces weight loss, decay, incidence of jelly seed, lenticels spots and chilling injury.
2. Reduces waste in supply chain.
3. Preserves firmness and smoothness.
4. Prolongs storage life.
5. Slows breakdown.
6. It slows down ripening.
As per the prerequisites provided by EU importers, MAP bags are a suitable substitute for CA containers. Successful results on Kinnow have proven shelf life extension for two months in ambient temperature. It will make Kinnow more competitive in the international markets and common people in domestic markets will also find 20% decline in prices. Pakistani growers and pack houses have been using corrugated cartons traditionally, as they had no other option till 2013.
For more information:
Azizur Shaik
Ned-Pak
Tel:+(92) 021 34 55 55 74
Mobile:+(92)0321 823 7004, 0323 200 8691
Email: info@ned-pak.com
Skype: aziz.shaik74
www.post-harvest.net