Trial Report -29th September 2000 - Dwarf French Beans Mack Multiples

Whilst out in Morocco W/C 11/9, I set up some Dwarf French Bean trials with various types of Modified atmosphere packaging (liners and retail bags). These have now arrived and had some time to deteriorate and although this was only a small trial the preliminary results look quite promising:

Liners (30 X 40 cardboard each containing 4kg of beans.)

• No Liner - Very severely dehydrated
• JS light green PE liner - Severely dehydrated
• Danisco P Plus liner - Moderate dehydration & moderate condensation.
• Long Life MIP Liner - Very little dehydration & slight condensation

Hopefully the last option will enable us to load road freight loose DFB from Morocco & still offer good Quality with the possibility of prolonged storage life (prior to display).

Retail Bags

• 250g Standard P30 bag - Severely dehydrated.
• 100g P Plus high clarity bag - Moderate dehydration & moderate condensation.
• 250g P Plus moderate clarity bag - Slight dehydration & slight condensation.
• 250g moderate clarity Long Life MIP bag - No dehydration & very slight condensation.

The last two options could enable us to offer DFB with better shelf life for both stores and consumers, the P+ bags were home made and may not be viable commercially although they have slightly better clarity, the Long Life bags have slightly less clarity but better results (so far).

We have not had the same success with airfreight product, which suggests that the cold chain is of paramount importance.

I will take some digital photos of the samples - but I don't think they will clearly demonstrate the results. If either or both of you are in this area next week (other than Wednesday), you would be welcome to call in and have a look at them.
Yours,
Alex Hucklesby