ISHS Acta Horticulturae 710: International Symposium on Greenhouses, Environmental Controls and In-house Mechanization for Crop Production in the Tropics and Sub-Tropics
POSTHARVEST HANDLING, PACKAGING, AND MARKETING OF HYDROPONICALLY-GROWN GREENHOUSE TOMATOES IN MAURITIUS |
| Authors: | J.L. Griffis, R. Brizmohun |
| Keywords: | hydroponics, tunnel, tropics, Lycopersicon |
| Abstract:
Brizcom International, Ltd. has been the pioneer in hydroponic vegetable production in Mauritius. Initial feasibility trials were begun in 1987 with a growing space of about 1000 m2. Production area has expanded gradually such that in 2004, Brizcom has 16 greenhouse tunnels yielding a range of hydroponic vegetables. Greenhouse and hydroponic technologies were adapted from techniques used by producers elsewhere. The initial products from the company were European-style greenhouse cucumbers, a produce item that was previously unknown in Mauritian markets. These were soon followed by tomatoes. Further diversification has taken place over the years, such that the range of products available to local consumers in 2004 includes tomatoes, cucumbers, capsicums, melons, aubergines, and green, leafy vegetables. Cut-rose production is currently in the development stages. Brizcom has built its reputation with grocers and customers around innovation, quality, service, and dependability. Of particular interest is the method that has been developed to deliver high quality, hydroponically-grown tomatoes to local consumers. Numerous tomato varieties have been trialed in the hydroponic tunnels. Certain varieties, such as ‘Daniella,’ which have responded well to the greenhouse environment have also yielded uniform, long-lasting fruits that are easily harvested. Fruits are generally harvested when they begin to show color, although some are riper than others. Tomatoes are taken to the packinghouse where they are spread out and allowed to ripen further. Following the concept that it is the package that communicates more to the consumer than the actual product at the point of purchase, the tomatoes are then packed three fruits side-by-side in a polystyrene tray and shrink-wrapped, resulting in a finished product weighing approximately 500 g. The novel part of this package is the selection and arrangement of the three tomatoes. The tomato at one end of the tray is nearly fully colored, almost ripe, and ready to be eaten, while the tomato at the other end is a “breaker” just showing a bit of red color and several days from being red. The center tomato is intermediate between the two in color and will ripen after the red one, but before the breaker. The result is that each fruit may be consumed when ripe and the “lifespan” of the package contents is spread over several days. This is contrary to the conventional tomato packaging in Europe and the USA where several matched tomatoes ripen together, such that the packaged contents are all ready to eat at the same time. Should the Mauritian consumer need more ripe tomatoes at one time, several of the packages may be purchased; a boost for sales. Topping it off, the entire package is then banded with an attractive Brizcom label, so that consumers will know what to look for the next time they shop. Mauritian consumers appreciate the quality of these tomatoes and they are purchased year-round, even when cheaper field grown tomatoes are available. Innovative packaging and strong brand name recognition are traits Brizcom hopes to transfer to all greenhouse hydroponic vegetables within the product range. | |
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