Quality standards, refinement and testing (MG15002)

What was it all about?

This project, which ran from 2015 to 2017, was responsible for delivering ongoing training to key staff throughout the mango supply chain, from growers to retailers. The end goal was ensuring an ongoing supply of consistent-quality mangoes that meet or exceed consumer expectations.

Project activities included providing growers and retailers with awareness of and access to calibrated hand-held near-infrared (NIR) technology (Felix 750 Produce Quality Meters) for assessing dry matter content of ripening fruit, as a non-invasive alternative to existing dry-matter testing.

As well as delivering workshops and training to retailers, a full-time Supply Development Manager was employed during the 2015/16 season. The manager worked with growers in each region, visiting over 100 growers to assist in the assessment of fruit maturity and the decision-to-pick process.

The project team report that ultimately, “in the 2016/17 season, many growers and retailers trialled the use of the NIR spectrometers, building confidence in the predictability of mango flavour, which then underpinned successful retailer promotional campaigns in the 2016/17 mango season.”

ACT NOW

• Download posters to assist with grading class one and two fruit in line with the Mango Industry Quality Standards (current as of June 2017), or request a printed copy from the Australian Mango Industry Association on 07 3278 3755
  
  
• Access the Mango Industry Quality Standards developed in consultation with the industry early in the project (published in 2016)
  
  
• Produced by the project in 2015, you can still watch this video on mango quality training for supply chain members (nine minutes).