This book provides technical explanations of the materials, structure and design of containers, packages and coatings used to protect, ship and sell fruits and vegetables throughout the entire supply chain. Based on extensive research, as well as input from growers, graders, packers, shippers and retailers, the book offers detailed information about applying and designing packaging for post-harvest treatment, cold chain storage, shipping containment and merchandising. These include methods for calculating materials and costs, as well as discussions of modified atmosphere packaging, edible coatings and other advanced approaches. Packaging & Distribution of Fresh Fruits & Vegetables clarifies how fruits and vegetables must be packaged at each stage of post-harvest processing to ensure an appealing product with requisite shelf-life. The authors demonstrate the critical relation between fruit and vegetable quality control and packaging. More importantly, they explain the chemistry and materials technology needed to create packaging that can offset microbial contamination and reduce bruising, spoilage and waste in a wide range of produce.The book includes dozens of case studies and addresses international variations in packaging strategies and regulations.