SE-76-04-4 -- Fresh Fruit Handling in the Pacific Northwest

The introduction of pallet bins* revolutionized the handling of fresh fruit in the Pacific Northwest. Use of pallet bins changed (1) methods of handling fruit in the orchards'; (2) methods of handling fruit at the packing and storage facilities; and (3) types of shipping containers used for fruit.

Because of pallet-bin size, growers were forced to mechanized to handle them in the orchard. With such mechanization the number of workers previously required for handling the small orchard boxes was reduced. In addition, the efficiency of both pickers and handlers was increased, and bruising of fruit and maintenance costs of containers were reduced.

For accommodation of the new pallet bins, handling facilities at the storages and packinghouses had to be modernized. By the use of forklifts, bins can be stacked over 20 ft. (6.1 m) high, thereby permitting fuller utilization of storage space. With the large quantities of fruit that could be stored, more efficient refrigeration equipment and improved air circulation became essential. Large quantities of fruit require more precise control of environmental condition. This requirement is one of the reasons for development of contrOlled atmosphere (CA) storages.

All of these improvements, together with scald and decay inhibitors, increase the storage life of fruit by several months. The increased storage life has enhanced the bargaining position of growers at the markets.

In the Pacific Northwest we are directing some of the research toward the development of more efficient packaging, handling, transport, and improvement of refrigeration methods for fresh fruit to reduce losses and maintairr quality. This paper will cover briefly the following subjects: Sorting and sizing apples at the packing and storage facilities before they are stored as a new handling concept in the Pacific Northwest; a new film-overwrapped tray pack for both apples and pears; and temperature maintenance in refrigerated transport vehicles for fresh cherries and pears.