Packaging Agricultural Commodities For Export.
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”? That rule holds somewhat true, but when it comes to marketing, packaging is something that consumers are extremely concerned about. Packaging has the power to make or break a product. In addition to assisting in handling and final presentation, packaging’s main function is to contain, safeguard and preserve a product. In agriculture, the way commodities are packaged for exports affects the shelf life, delivery condition and consumer appeal of your product. That being said, it makes it urgent for farmers to properly package their agricultural products and make sure that the packaging will help the products stay fresh until it reaches the consumer. This article will guide you on the things to consider when packaging commodities for exports as well as the right packages for varying Produce for export purposes.
THE ESSENCE OF PACKAGING IN AGRICULTURE
Imagine your customer opening your nicely packaged Carton of tomatoes that have been freshly delivered to them from you (a trusted source), only for them to find out the tomatoes are somehow disfigured, some squashed and a part of it near rot. Not only is this a taint on your image as a farmer but also has an effect on your subsequent sales. Packaging prevents unnecessary waste post-harvest and during the processes of production, storage and transportation. It ensures short and long-term stability between the farmers and consumers. If you want your agricultural products to reach different horizons across the world, you should consider the features, importance and benefits of packaging.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN PACKAGING
Before we delve into the things to consider when packaging, it’s vital to understand that each country has their own preference. Occasionally, these specifications may even differ among buyers in the same country. What remains is to follow the broad criteria and tailor each product package to the tastes of the country of export. Consider the following;
1. THE NATURE OF PACKAGE
As we have seen in earlier paragraphs, the nature or design of the package is critical. Don’t just buy any package because it looks great. The correct package will assist in the prevention of rot rather than aiding or acting as a catalyst for rot. Farmers should thus examine the characteristics of their products, such as moisture absorption capacity and the temperatures at which the product interacts. These will inform the packages you select and the design you ultimately choose to meet the requirements. Furthermore, each country has different packing requirements. As a result, it is your responsibility as a farmer to determine which required package for export works best for you, taking into account its compatibility with your commodity. For instance, for potatoes, some international packages include; Net bags, jute bags, film bags, woven bags, paper bags, and trays. If you’re shipping delicate fruits or vegetables, you need packaging that offers more protection from bumps and bruises before moving your produce.
2. LABELLING
Like the packaging, labelling should also be done with extra care. Farmers must get familiar with the various types of symbols used worldwide for export while adhering to international standards in labelling crop packages for export. Labelling should be in English and words denoting the country of origin should be as large and visible as any other English writing on the package or label. Labels for consideration include;
- Shipper’s mark
- Port of entry
- Labels for hazardous materials
- Weight marking
- Number of packages and size of cases
- Handling marks
- Cautionary markings
- Country of origin
3. ORGANIZATION
It is also necessary to think of how you will organise your commodities in the package. The produce should fit inside the container comfortably, with little wasted space. Packages take up more room when they are not compatible with pallets. Small produce items that are spherical or oblong (such as potatoes, onions and apples) may be packaged efficiently utilizing a variety of different package shapes and sizes.
4. HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS
To prevent improper handling and the deformation of the commodities, it will be quite beneficial for you to include a manual on how the package should be handled. The information you give them will play a significant role in how the carrier, individual, and cargo manage the packages of commodities. The information on the boxes aids in stacking by the transporters. In the absence of a handling manual, packages may be placed or handled incorrectly, damaging the produce.
5. SECURITY
Most exporters struggle with the possibility of theft and people hiding illegal goods in packages at ports. Packaging has the potential to lower the security risk connected to shipments. Customized seals serve to lessen the possibility that people may use your packages as means of transportation to carry illegal goods to your export location. Include anti-theft measures, such as dye packs, RFID tags, or electronic surveillance tags, to track products and prevent them from being taken.
GENERALLY RECOMMENDED PACKAGING FOR PRODUCE
- For Grains and pulses – Woven Sacks, Gunny Bags.
- Fresh Vegetable – Crates, Pouches, MAP, Stretch films.
- Tubers – Pallets, Plastic Crates.
- Potatoes – Mesh bags, Breathable boxes, Cartons.
- Chilli – Carton, Jute or Polypropylene bags.
The correct packaging may boost sales and improve your consumers’ perceptions of value while safeguarding your shipments. Agricultural packaging enables producers and farmers to supply food in the most practical manner without suffering any loss.