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StePacPPC’s advanced packaging extends global access of dragon fruit
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Tuesday, 20 January, 2026, 16 : 00 PM [IST]
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Tefen, Israel
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StePacPCC, a world leader in innovative modified atmosphere packaging solutions (MAP) for fresh produce, has developed a new packaging solution for preserving the freshness and vibrant appearance of the tropical fruit pitaya (dragon fruit) during the typically lengthy journey from Ecuador to the US and Europe.
StePacPPC’s technical experts adapted the company’s advanced Xtend modified atmosphere/modified humidity (MA/MH) bulk packaging films to accommodate the unique postharvest requirements of pitaya so that the exotic fruit reaches customers in peak quality and appearance.
Pitaya is native to Central and South America, and lauded for its striking bright colours, sweet tropical flavour and reputation as a health boosting superfruit naturally brimming with antioxidants and vitamins.
Yet, pitaya must contend with multiple challenges during sea shipment to destination markets around the world, a journey that can stretch to three weeks or more. High respiration rates, moisture loss, and susceptibility to microbial decay can all compromise fruit quality, beginning just days after harvest.
“South American pitaya growers often struggle to reach distant markets with this high-demand delicacy,” informs Gary Ward, Ph.D., CTO for StePacPPC. “Even under optimal cold chain conditions, the long sea freight from Ecuador to North America and Europe takes its toll on the delicate fruit, resulting in weight loss, shriveling of the skin and the bracts, a dulling of the characteristic brightly colored peel, accompanied on occasion by microbial decay. These factors reduce the fruit’s appeal and marketability by the time it arrives at its’ destination. Most importantly, they negatively impact quality and freshness.”
The new packaging solution balances oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations and provides moisture control to protect the pitaya during extended storage and shipment. The packaging reduces dehydration, reduces the respiration rate of the fruit and inhibits microbial decay, thereby slowing fruit deterioration.
StePacPPC’s Xtend packaging is proving to be instrumental in preserving the vibrant color and glossy appearance of the decorative pitaya, while preserving the firmness of the protruding bracts which is a key indicator of quality and freshness that tends to curl and wilt when dehydrated. Development of the specialized film by StePacPPC’s global R&D team took over three years and involved frequent visits and close cooperation with Pitaya exporters to fine-tune and optimize the postharvest handling, packaging design, and overall performance of the new solution.
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