Title: Realising added value of investing in cold chain management in cut flower supply chains: an overview

Authors: Lesley Macheka; Michèl Kockelkoren

Addresses: Department of Food Science and Post-Harvest Technology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Private Bag 7724, Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe. ' Verdict Systems BV, P.O. Box 83, 7120 AB Aalten, The Netherlands

Abstract: Cold chain management in cut flower supply chains is now of major importance due to markets which are far apart. This paper provides an overview of possible ways to realise the added value of investing in cut flower cold supply chains. The paper suggests that in addition to the external quality parameters currently being used in the grading system at flower auctions, internal quality attributes such as vase life should be considered. It is assumed that considering internal quality attributes such as vase life will result in the realisation of the value of investing in cold chain management. Flowers from a well-managed cold chain are likely to have a longer vase life and also likely to attract higher prices. The paper suggests the use of predictive modelling to predict vase life and three predictive models that have been put forward in literature are discussed.

Keywords: cold chain management; CCM; added value; predictive models; vase life; cut flower supply chains; cut flowers; supply chain management; SCM; auction floor; flower grading; time-temperature indicators; temperature hours; postharvest technology; modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPTI.2012.050981

International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation, 2012 Vol.2 No.4, pp.345 - 354

Received: 15 Aug 2011
Accepted: 25 Oct 2011

Published online: 29 Oct 2014 *

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