Post-Harvest Cold Chain Efficiency in Pome Fruit Operations: Analysing Time and Process Bottlenecks

Stefan Le Roux and Leila Louise Goedhals-Gerber ()
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Stefan Le Roux: Department of Logistics, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
Leila Louise Goedhals-Gerber: Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa

Logistics, 2025, vol. 9, issue 4, 1-24

Abstract: Background : South Africa’s pome fruit industry serves over 60 international markets, competing with Chile, New Zealand, and the United States. Inefficiencies in the beginning stages of South Africa’s pome fruit supply chain compromise competitiveness as global quality standards rise and consumers demand premium fruit with an extended shelf life. This research identifies operational bottlenecks in the post-harvest handling and processing of pome fruit, focusing on temperature control, lead times, and infrastructure constraints. Methods : A mixed-methods case study approach of Company X, combining on-site observations, semi-structured interviews, and analysis of Company X’s processing data. Findings were triangulated with Hortgro and PPECB sources for validity. Results : Prolonged ambient temperature exposure from packhouse processing bottlenecks resulted in increased fruit pulp temperatures, with congestion, inefficient practices, and poor communication exacerbating problems. Pre-cooling proved most inefficient, with pulp temperatures averaging 1.9 °C (peak season: 3.2–3.5 °C), far exceeding the −0.5 °C industry standard required for international markets and resulting in a downgrade from Class 1 to Class 2 fruit. Conclusions : This research identifies cold chain bottlenecks affecting South Africa’s global competitiveness. Recommended solutions include hydrocooling, infrastructure upgrades, and enhanced stakeholder coordination to strengthen the country’s position in international pome fruit markets.

Keywords: cold chain; pome fruit; post-harvest handling and processing; temperature; time and process bottlenecks (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L8 L80 L81 L86 L87 L9 L90 L91 L92 L93 L98 L99 M1 M10 M11 M16 M19 R4 R40 R41 R49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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