long life solutions 2004
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Experiment: Humber Growers Cherry Tomatoes
To extend the storage life of cherry tomatoes using Long Life punnets.

Cherry Tomatoes - Extended shelf life of cherry tomatoes using lidded Long Life punnets. (Note. Humber Growers understood these punnets to be prototypes). A direct comparison with normal flow-wrapped product was made using our standard shelf-life procedure. Tomatoes used were 25 - 30 Favorita, colour stage HG4, pack weight 250g.

Week 1 Flow Wrap LLP
Visual Quality Good Good
Weight >250g >250g
Breakdown None None
Week 1 Flow Wrap LLP
Visual Quality 2 shrivel 1 rot Good
Weight >250g >250g
Breakdown 1 Rot None
Week 1 Flow Wrap LLP
Visual Quality - 1 shrivel
Weight - >250g
Breakdown All breakdown None

2 Long Life punnets were then left until destruction. 1 punnet survived until mid way through week 5, although it should be noted that flavour was not good.

Overall Conclusions
The Long Life Solutions' Packaging does appear to give extra life to produce. These experiments were crude and would need repeating several times under more rigorous control.

However, our confidence in the product is reflected in the commercial, large- scale trials we are conducting, particularly with naked cucumbers for a major retailer and for processors. The small-scale commercial trial done with RAF tomatoes also encourages us to look further.

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