April 21 2006, 12:28

Corrugated board boxes for peach packing fully justifies the expenses

A couple of years ago the farmers discussed the idea of the modern packing practices application, and it was far from the implementation, as a rule. Even peach producers, having a rather expensive crop, were afraid that the market was not ready for such challenge. Dmitrij Chernyak, the Market Information Specialist of Odesa office, Agricultural Marketing Project (AMP) informed about this fact "Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" journal.

In 2005 the Agricultural Marketing Project purchased a shipment of the special corrugated board boxes for FAVORIT service cooperative in the framework of AMP grant program. The production cost for this box included the plastic trays and printed-on logo; it significantly exceeded the cost of the imported produce boxes used before. But the effect was above all expectations. "Our produce was highly demanded, it became well-recognized. The wholesalers tried to find out our plans and were waiting for our product shipments on market. The boxes let us reduce transportation losses and get the maximum price", - Sergey Pukhkan, the Leader of FAVORIT cooperative, told the story on the Orchard day held on the fields of the cooperative.

The peach production forecasts sound pessimistic this year, but they guarantee high prices for those orchardists who will be able to save the harvest at least partially. However, the producers' interest to the modern specialized packing materials and desire to use this practice do not decline. To the contrary, the more expensive the produce is, with greater effect the packing practice will be applied. In addition to the better marketable look, the boxes enhance the product safety.

"This year peach producers purchase boxes at their own expense, it stands on its own" - Victoria Chebotaryova believes, the Marketing Specialist of Odesa AMP office. "The packing market does not stand still. A box with plastic tray will cost $0.79/kg this year; it is practically thrice cheaper than a year ago. We are glad that the farmers, the leading packing suppliers and producers (PETRUTSALEK and DUNAPAKC-Ukraine companies) tend to face each other. No doubt, all players of Ukrainian produce market will benefit from this initiative, and the consumers will be satisfied as well", the specialist thinks.