Post storage grading of fruits

Once a store is opened fruit should be assessed against customer specification requirements and graded to deliver optimum return to the grower.

Planning

Customer specification

Pre-grading assessment

Temperature of fruit during packing

Time between harvest and packing

Equipment

Dry tip or water flotation

Optical sizing and colour selection

Quality selection by camera technology

Non-destructive (infra-red) texture selection

Gentle and efficient movement of fruit through the grading and packing system

Relationship between size and weight

Callibration of equipment

Accurate grading/assessment

Staff training

Motivation

On-line process controls