Table grapes are economically important products in the Mediterranean region. Many factors contribute to the quality (e.g. colour, berry size and sugar rate “brix”) of the product. Table grapes are very vulnerable to pests, their shelf-life is limited and they are easily damaged during transport. Therefore, one could say that the production of high-quality table grapes is a challenge in general. As you can imagine, during the times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the production of high-quality grapes has become an even bigger challenge.

Let’s take a closer look at the work of the IoF2020 Use Case 3.1 Fresh Table Grapes Chain. Which corona-related challenges do they encounter, and which solutions do they provide? Use Case 3.1 developed an IoT network which makes it possible to monitor the whole table grape production chain, from field to fork. This IoT network has been used on different levels of the production chain and provides information on all the critical points in the process. These critical points include irrigation, table grapes managing, pest management and post-harvest. Over 40 sensors have been installed in 10 ha in Italy and 5 ha in Greece. By implementing this IoT network, the Use Case 3.1 aims to achieve better resource management (water, fuel and pesticide inputs) and higher fresh table grape quality.

The increased travel restrictions, stricter border controls and rerouting make it more difficult for transporters to deliver their products in the same amount of time. As a result of the increased delivery time, different challenges arise. A shorter shelf-life, and interrupted cool chain and potential shortages to name a few. All these challenges influence the quality of the fresh table grapes.

What does the Use Case 3.1 do to overcome these challenges and to guarantee the quality of the products? As a solution, shelf-life optimized packages (Blow ®) are used to increase the length of time that fresh table grapes can be stored. Consequently, the quality of the fresh table grapes is ensured, and the fresh table grapes remain fit for consumption, or sale. By using these kinds of creative solutions, IoF2020 use cases ensure that the food production chain remains of high-quality standard, from farm to fork. Even in these challenging times during the corona pandemic!

COVID-19 puts food production chains under pressure in many different ways. From changes in demand to an increased risk of unforeseen delays along the way. ‘The stress on supply chains leads to an even bigger need for transparency between partners,’ says Mattia Nanetti, use case coordinator and co-founder of Wenda. Which is good, because that is exactly what Use Case 3.6 offers.

Shipment is the most critical part of the food-production chain for perishable and sensitive goods. The platform allows all partners to see how the products were conserved along the chain, from producer to point of sale. Humidity, temperature, location: visible to all partners. Real-time, if needed. Mattia: ‘If you know what has happened underway, and under who’s responsibility the goods were at the moment of say a sudden temperature rise, you can solve it immediately. There’s no dispute on who’s to blame. More clarity results in less dispute and a faster solution.’ The platform can cover not only the shipment phase but many more (i.e. inbound, storage, outbound).

Mattia sees that many companies reconsider their strategy and are thus more open to start sharing data with chain partners. The increased demand for fresh and local goods in supermarkets also pushes suppliers towards more transparency.

With the experience gained in monitoring the handling of wine, the platform can be easily used in other chains where shipment is the critical factor. Are you interested in testing the platform in your logistic process? The basic features are set up in an hour, and UC 3.6 (Beverage Integrity Tracking) can advise you on what hardware suits your needs best too. ‘We are more than happy to share our findings with other partners,’ Mattia says.