Top Fruit Exports and How to Avoid Claims: Kiwi

The estimated market size for Kiwi Fruit is USD 1.80 billion in 2023, and it is projected to achieve USD 2.30 billion by 2028, with a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.02% anticipated over the forecast period spanning from 2023 to 2028.

Kiwi known for its unique taste and vibrant green color. But what goes on behind the scenes, from harvest to your local store, is quite a journey. It’s not just about picking the fruit; there are critical steps involved in ensuring that the kiwi you enjoy arrives at your table in the best condition.

Step 1: Harvesting at the Right Time

Kiwi is harvested at a very particular stage, known as the pre-climacteric stage. To determine when it’s time to harvest, growers look at the fruit’s color, size, and something called the “brix value,” which measures the sugar-to-acid ratio of the juice. When these factors align, it’s time to pick the fruit.

Late-harvested kiwi tend to stay firm longer and have higher sugar content when ripe. Why does this matter? Well, the firmness of the fruit plays a crucial role in determining how long it can be stored and its shelf life for both wholesale and retail.

Step 2: Stages of Firmness

Kiwi firmness matters—a lot. Think of it this way: the firmer the kiwi, the longer it can be stored and transported. Here are the stages:

– Optimally Firm: The kiwi is hard and doesn’t yield even under pressure. This is how you want it when it arrives in Europe.

– Firm: It’s still hard, but there’s a bit of give when you press it. Perfect for transport.

– Hard Ripe: The fruit is starting to yield to pressure, but it’s still good for retail.

– Ripe: It’s kneadable but not soft, ideal for eating.

– Overripe: The fruit is soft, watery, and, sadly, not suitable for commercial purposes.

Well, remember that kiwi is still ripening even after it’s harvested. The rate of ripening depends on factors like temperature and post-harvest treatments. If the temperature of the fruit rises too much, it accelerates the ripening process, making the kiwi soft and sweet.

But here’s the kicker – the presence of ethylene gas, which is produced by other fruits like apples and bananas, can speed up the ripening process even at low temperatures. In other words, if you mix kiwifruit with ethylene-emitting fruits, you’ve got a recipe for softening and cargo damage.

Maintaining Kiwi Quality and Temperature Control

Kiwi fruit can also face challenges like post-harvest diseases, sunburn, and physical damage, which make them more susceptible to issues. Maintaining firmness by rapid cooling and using controlled atmospheres can help reduce these problems.

The recommended temperature range for transporting kiwi fruit is between -0.5°C and +0.5°C. The fruit’s freezing point reaches a maximum of -1.5°C. When loading kiwi into containers, the acceptable product temperature should not exceed a maximum of 2°C above the specified carrying temperature.

Ethylene Management

The presence of ethylene gas is a big concern for kiwi storage. If the fruit softens prematurely without ripening, it can result in significant losses. Various techniques, such as catalytic converters and filters, are used to manage ethylene in storage. These methods need to be carefully evaluated based on the specific situation.

Storage Disorders and Transportation Requirements

Kiwi can also encounter storage disorders like blue mold, chilling injury, and rot. It’s essential to keep the fruit at the right temperature and humidity levels of 90-95% to prevent these issues. Kiwis are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and maintaining the right conditions during transit is critical. If possible, invest in monitoring systems to keep the fruit at the optimal temperature throughout the journey. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the risk of cargo claims related to quality and freshness.

Additionally, proper documentation is essential. Ensure that all shipping documents, including bills of lading, are accurate and complete. Any discrepancies in documentation can lead to cargo claims. It’s vital to gather evidence pre-shipment and post-shipment. This means documenting the condition of your kiwis before they leave the warehouse and upon arrival at their destination. If any issues arise, such as damage or temperature fluctuations, having this evidence will be essential when dealing with cargo claims.

In the event that you need to submit a claim to the carrier, it’s essential to act promptly. Delays can complicate the claims process and may even lead to the denial of your claim. Having the right knowledge and guidance can make all the difference in protecting your business interests and your kiwi export.

Recoupex is a hub of transport lawyers – experts in cargo claims. We assess your case quickly. We have successfully recovered claims from Maersk, Sealand, Hapag-Lloyd, Mediterranean Shipping Company – MSC, CMA CGM, and other carriers.

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