Practical post-harvest reviews and advice for fruit, vegetable, and flower growers—based on over 40 years of worldwide experience.

When it comes to fruits, vegetables, and flowers, what happens after harvest is just as critical as all your hard work in the field. Effective post-harvest management ensures your produce reaches customers in top condition, minimises waste, and boosts your bottom line.

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The Importance of Proper Post-Harvest Management

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Reducing Losses and Preventing Waste

Fresh produce is highly perishable—deterioration starts almost immediately after harvest, thanks to high moisture content and ongoing metabolic activity. Without proper post-harvest handling, up to 30–40% of fruits and vegetables can be lost before ever reaching the market. These losses translate to reduced farmer income, wasted resources, and higher consumer prices.

Maintaining Top Quality and Food Safety

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Good post-harvest practices help :

• Preserve quality: By maintaining appearance, texture, flavour, nutritional value, and overall freshness

• Ensure safety: By reducing the risk of contamination from harmful pathogens, thereby preventing foodborne illnesses.

 

Extending Shelf Life for Greater Access

Simple yet critical measures—such as rapid cooling, proper packaging, and carefully controlled storage—can dramatically slow spoilage. A longer shelf life allows produce to reach wider markets, including export destinations, and supports year-round availability.

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Preserving Essential Nutritional Value

Correct post-harvest handling protects the vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in your crops. This ensures that your customers receive all the health benefits your produce has to offer.

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Enhancing Grower Income and Market Opportunities

Produce that looks and tastes its best commands higher prices. Consistent quality and careful post-harvest handling also open the door to value-added processes such as grading, packaging, and producing juices or dried products, further increasing income opportunities and market diversity.

 

Reducing Environmental Impact

Every fruit or vegetable lost after harvest means wasted land, water, energy, and effort. By minimising post-harvest losses, you help create a more sustainable and efficient food supply chain, lowering agriculture’s overall environmental footprint.

Ready to Improve Your Post-Harvest Success?

With more than four decades of hands-on, international post-harvest expertise, we offer:

• Customised advice for fruit, vegetable, and flower growers

• Practical solutions tailored to your unique challenges

• Support with cold chain management, packaging, storage, and more

 

Contact us today to boost your produce quality, profitability, and sustainability—all while reducing waste and losses. Let our experience help you get the most from your harvest.

Looking for more information or a consultation? 

Ian@wellingtonandwhite.com