The 2016 California strawberry market, evidenced by decreased acreage, an early fast pace and predicted volume resilience, bodes well for growers, shippers and retailers — especially those who protect their investment by choosing Tectrol during berry transit — according to Rich Macleod, director of TransFresh Corp.

The California Strawberry Commission Acreage Survey for 2016 reports that total acreage is down due to increased pressures from production costs and regulators but that despite the downward shift, volume is predicted to be resilient and consumer demand strong.

“Now more than ever, growers, shippers and retailers must protect the quality of their berry products so that every pallet, tray and clamshell achieves the greatest return on investment possible,” Macleod said in a press release. The Tectrol Modified Atmosphere Packaging System is scientifically proven to significantly decrease decay during transit and on shelf, delivering a strong level of protection beyond industry low temperature management to help ensure the quality and marketability of fresh berry products.

Macleod pointed to a peer-reviewed joint research study from the University of Florida and University of California-Davis that compared cross-country shipments of California strawberries. Researchers found that strawberries transported using the sealed Tectrol pallet cover system in which CO2 levels were consistently held demonstrated a significant reduction in decay and better quality on arrival and on shelf compared to other methods.

“The advantage of decreased incidents of decay and decay severity has a direct correlation to revenue potential,” said Macleod. “The financial implications are stunning when you consider the hundreds of thousands of strawberry pallets shipped during the season.”

The TransFresh website, www.TransFresh.com, includes a calculator function that allows visitors to view the financial benefits they could realize when using Tectrol.

Throughout the postharvest shipping process, TransFresh also provides full- service technical and quality assurance support and productivity management through the Tectrol Service Network.