His working focus is on post-harvest technologies and fresh supply chains research: He has expertise on technologies of transport, packaging, storage, logistics, refrigeration and sorting; on quality control methods and equipment as well as on individual products, especially (exotic) fruits, vegetables, flowers, pot plants, flower bulbs, potatoes and mushrooms.
3 Questions to … Henry Boerrigter
1. Which aspect of the food waste problem is the most relevant?
The big variation in quality of perishables (plant products!) in a global sourcing perspective. Quality is: storability, transportability, shelf life, tastiness, firmness, ripe/unripe etc. More control over or better insights in these aspects allows the supply chain to perform without lower risk of decay, which is less waste!
2. And what should be done to improve things in this field?
The supply chain needs more grip on the quality at harvest of various products like: melons, avocadoes, mango’s, table grape, stone fruits etc.
3. Do you know SAVE FOOD intitiative already and which role does the Initiative SAVE FOOD play in fighting food losses and food waste in your opinion?
I was aware of various initiatives of FAO and UNEP but was not informed about the participation of Messe Duesseldorf/Interpack. As the Save food partners have world’s highest standing in the subject of Food Security/Post harvest Losses/ Food waste I am confident that Save Food is a most valuable initiative with impact.
