ABSTRACT
CONTENTS 21.1 Background..................................................................................................................... 527 21.2 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 528 21.3 The Fruit Sector-Apples ............................................................................................. 529
21.3.1 U.S. Apple Production ..................................................................................... 529 21.3.2 Canada................................................................................................................ 531 21.3.3 Distribution Channels ...................................................................................... 533 21.3.4 Apple Storage in the United States ................................................................ 534 21.3.5 Storage and Price Behavior ............................................................................. 538
21.4 Modified Atmosphere Packing.................................................................................... 539 21.5 Packaging and MAP...................................................................................................... 542 21.6 Regulatory Issues........................................................................................................... 545 21.7 Industry Acceptance...................................................................................................... 546 21.8 Consumer Acceptance................................................................................................... 547 21.9 Summary......................................................................................................................... 548 21.10 Future Research Needs ................................................................................................. 549 References.................................................................................................................................... 549
This chapter discusses the economic and commercial impact of controlled atmosphere (CA) and modified atmosphere (MA) as increasingly popular food preservation techniques. Their uses span a wide range of food products, including (a) fresh whole and fresh-cut fruit and vegetable products; (b) filled pasta, breaded poultry, meat, or fish; (c) ready meals and other cook-chill products; (d) dairy products; (e) cooked, cured, and processed meat products; (f) cooked and dressed vegetable products. The use of MA and CA technologies has economic implications given global trends over the last 25 years showing significant socioeconomic and business changes and a shift to a foodservice economy driven by demand for more convenient food. The stimulated international trade arising from globalization of markets means that food products have to be transported over greater distances and through a wider variety of climatic zones. These changes have led to a highly competitive food trading environment and demand for postharvest technologies driven by enhanced product quality, extension of shelf life, minimization of waste, and reduced
and
operational costs. It is clear that new MA and CA technologies will have a major economic impact on the food processing industry, especially given the high investment costs associated with developing and marketing these convenience products.
