Your main goal as a farmer is to transport your fruits and vegetables from the farm to the customer. However, in order to do this, you need the correct packaging, so you don’t damage your crops.
In addition, fruits and vegetables are perishable, which means you need to be extra cautious when transporting them. With that in mind, here is a guide on how to choose the right packaging for fruits and vegetables.
Know the Difference Between Primary and Secondary Packaging
There are two main types of packaging for transporting your fruits and vegetables. First, you have primary packaging, which has direct contact with the fruits or vegetables. You typically offer this to the customer at a farmer’s market for their own convenience.
Then, there is a secondary package, which holds all the primary packages when you transport them. A combination of primary and secondary packaging is what you will need to successfully transport your goods to a market.
Consider the Function of Each Packaging Type
Various types of fruit and vegetable packaging will possess different functions for the product they are supposed to handle. For instance, you can put stronger crops such as pumpkins, potatoes, or melons in a cardboard or wooden box, and they will be just fine.
However, if you are transporting something that needs greater air circulation, you might want to be on the lookout for
mesh sacks for sale. There are even packages with modified atmospheres that remove the air and replace it with a mix of gases or a single gas.
This creates ideal conditions for extending the shelf life of the crop and preserving its quality. Of course, if you want a simple solution, bags are one of the most reliable options, but you should know that there are more effective packaging types available.
Choose the Best Packaging for Your Needs
You need to look at a few considerations if you want to find the best packaging for your crops. First, see what the requirements are for you to safely transport your crops. For example, berries are more sensitive than apples, which is why they don’t have the same packaging.
Then, think of how you will transport this type of packaging and whether you will store it for a certain period or deliver it directly to the market. Finally, consider the message it sends to your customers and the overall cost of the packaging.
In short, choosing the correct packaging can make or break your performance at the farmer’s market, so choose carefully, so you don’t damage your crops. Now that you know how to choose the right packaging for fruits and vegetables, there should be no problems going forward.
