PROTOCOL FOR PACKING GRAPES IN SMARTBAGS

STEP 1. HARVEST - COOL IMMEDIATELY
STEP 2. CHILL FOR 24 HOURS AT 0oC
STEP 3. SORT & GRADE
STEP 4. COOL TO ZERO DEGREE CENTIGRADE (PULP TEMPERATURE)
STEP 5. REMOVE ALL SURFACE MOISTURE
STEP 6. PACK IN TO A SMARTBAG LINING A WELL-VENTED CARTON
STEP 7. ADD AN SO2 PAD AND SEAL SMARTBAG WITH A RUBBER BAND
STEP 8. STACK ON A PALLET - DO NOT SHRINKWRAP
STEP 9. STORE IN COOL ROOM AT ZERO DEGREES CENTIGRADE

NOTES & COMMENTS:
a) For STEPS 6 & 8, PLEASE FOLLOW the LLS packing protocol
b) Optimum Transit Conditions:
Pulp Temperature: 0°C
Relative Humidity: 95 to 98%
Freezing Injury Point: -2°C
c) Maximum Storage Life: - 2 to 8 weeks at 0°C. (This varies by variety) but must cool immediately after harvest to maintain quality and shelf life.
d) Deterioration Factors: - Botrytis; Rots & Moulds; Berry Shatter; Temperature abuse.
e) Harvesting & Storage:
Harvesting of grapes is labour intensive, as the fruit needs to be handled very carefully both in the vineyard and the packhouse. The preferred method of post harvest handling is to pick, cool, pack and re-cool the grapes, with the emphasis being on the time and temperature factors. For optimum shelf life grapes should be cooled to 0°C and kept at this temperature. Ensure produce is packed dry. To maintain the condition of the stems and fruit, humidity levels should be kept at a high level. Add SO2 pads prior to sealing the smartbag. To maximise produce outturn, ensure the grapes are packed in smartbags lining well-vented cartons. If possible, avoid packing in bunch grape bags when using smartbags.
f) Caution:
Grapes produce very little ethylene and are not very sensitive to ambient ethylene.
g) Note:
The characteristics of the smartbag, in some circumstances, have been known to reduce SO2 flavour tainting of grapes during transit.

Disclaimer:
As Long Life Solutions Ltd has no control over handling, storage or transportation of fresh produce packed in its product, the company or its nominated agents, make no express or implied guarantees and therefore all risks associated with the product are the responsibility of the user.