Challenges in Postharvest Handling

Much has changed in postharvest handling in the two decades since the first edition of this book was published, and even in the few years since the second edition appeared. Important trends for the next decade in postharvest handling of fruits and vegetables include the growing recognition of the beneficial nutritional properties of fresh fruits and vegetables, greater attention to marketing and consumer desires by produce businesses, increasing incomes and information flows, more sophistication of international distribution chains, greater attention to prevention of food-borne outbreaks and recognition of the need for more sustainable practices throughout production and handling. With all of these opportunities, the future looks bright for handlers of fresh produce, and a systems approach is becoming even more critical to meet the new challenges during postharvest handling.