Air transportation of fruits and vegetables: an update

 

 

William Pelletier, Maria Cecilia do Nascimento Nunes and Jean-Pierre Émond^*

Center for Food Distribution and Retailing, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, IFAS, Gainesville, Florida, USA.

 

 

Abstract

Purpose of review: This literature review was realized in order to provide an update of the latest studies published in the field of air transportation of fruits and vegetables.

Findings: A limited number of papers have been published on this subject during the past few years.  Most of these papers highlighted the detrimental environmental conditions associated with this mode of transportation.  Temperature distribution in cargo compartments, heat transfer in aircraft containers or pallets and effects of air transportation on the quality of perishables were the main topics investigated by researchers.

Directions for future research: Application of Radio Frequency Identification technology at different levels of the airfreight industry will be a key topic for future research.

 

Stewart Postharvest Review 2005, 1:5

Published online 01 June 2005

doi: 10.2212/spr.2005.1.5