In the world of fruit ripening, ethylene plays a big role in optimizing the ripening process. "The advantage of ethylene in ripening is undeniable as it ensures uniform ripening, minimizing fruit stress, and enhancing overall quality," says Sidney Van der Maal of Trofi Pack. The Dutch based service provider specializes in cooling, ripening, and packaging of exotic fruits.
"Ripening fruit without ethylene is more difficult, and requires the use of higher temperatures," commented Van der Maal. This increases stress on the fruits, significantly reduces shelf life, and increases defects. "With ethylene, however, the fruits ripen more evenly, with uniform pressure and ripeness, resulting in less sorting on the packing line and happier customers," he explained. This underscores the ripple effect of quality consistency.
With ethylene, however, fruits ripen more evenly, with uniform pressure and ripeness, resulting in less sorting on the packing line.
From gas cylinders to generators
Having previously worked with ethylene and gas cylinders at a different company, Van der Maal was familiar with the benefits of ethylene in ripening. However, upon transitioning to a new company, he faced the challenge of adapting to a different setup. His new employer had not been using ethylene for ripening. Determined to optimize the ripening process, Van der Maal engaged in dialogue with management, eventually leading to the adoption of Catalytic Generators and Ethy-Gen® II Ripening Concentrate.
Despite initial skepticism regarding the generator's size and capacity, Van der Maal was pleasantly surprised by its performance, achieving consistent results across different ripening rooms. "I was used to working with large gas installations and cylinders, but the results of the generator were remarkable. They immediately showed that the performance of the smaller ethylene generator is the same compared to ripening with an entire cylinder installation."
Van der Maal's team also experimented with adjusting the generator's settings to match the needs of the ripening process. The generators could be seamlessly transitioned from one ripening room to another, continuing to deliver excellent results. The generators can also be integrated into ripening software, allowing them to be controlled from a control panel.
Cost savings
"With these generators, there is no need to invest in large infrastructure projects." Additionally, Catalytic Generators' (USA) distributor in Europe, Fresh Produce Instruments, has found out from their customers that Ethy-Gen® II Ripening Concentrate and generators are the most cost-effective ethylene system.
Fresh Produce Instruments will be exhibiting at Fruit Attraction in Madrid, Hall 6, Stand E16A. Contact FPI to schedule a meeting.
For more information:
Valentyna Vizir
Fresh Produce Instruments
Tel: +31 850 60 1835
[email protected]
www.freshproduceinstruments.com