According to IndexBox’s 2024 report, the Asia-Pacific region exported over 17 million tons of fruits and berries, valued at $24 billion—an impressive 18% year-over-year growth. But here’s the catch: no matter how high the demand, poorly packaged fruit can be damaged or rejected at ports, leading to major financial losses.
Fruit packaging isn’t just about presentation—it’s the backbone of your export strategy. It protects your “green gold” (like mangoes, bananas, and pineapples) during long journeys and ensures it meets import standards when it arrives.
With rising shipping volumes and tighter quality regulations in destination countries, it’s essential to use regulation-compliant, durable packing techniques. In this article, we’ll walk you through the key challenges in fruit export, best packing practices, and logistics requirements to help your products arrive in peak condition.
🚧 Key Challenges in Fruit Export
Even though Indonesia exported 7.63 million tons of fruit from 2013–2022 (valued at $2.95 billion), the fresh fruit export business comes with unique hurdles:
1. Shelf Life and Sensitivity
Fresh fruit is highly perishable due to high water content and natural biological activity. Each variety has its own ideal storage range:
- Bananas and mangoes: 10–13°C
- Apples and strawberries: 0–4°C
- Humidity: 85–95% RH
Packaging must withstand 20–40 kPa of pressure to prevent crushing during shipment.
2. Destination Country Regulations
Each country enforces its own food safety and phytosanitary rules. For example, to export mangosteen to China, Indonesian exporters must comply with the Protocol of Phytosanitary Requirements from the Chinese government.
3. Long Shipping Times
Ocean freight can take 12–40 days, depending on the destination. Air freight is faster (1–3 days) but far more expensive.
That’s why packaging like ALVAboard’s laminated PP Corrugated boxes—which are moisture-resistant, food-safe, and impact-resistant—is essential for protecting your product throughout the journey.
✅ 5 Safe & Effective Fruit Packing Tips for Export
Smart packaging doesn’t just prevent damage—it extends shelf life and boosts brand value. Here’s how to do it right:
1. Use Food-Grade Primary Packaging
Choose a wrap or inner liner made from food-safe, non-reactive plastic—like laminated polypropylene (PP).
PP is:
- Moisture-resistant
- Chemically inert
- Lightweight but durable
ALVAboard’s PP Corrugated material is an excellent primary packaging option—food-grade certified and sturdy enough for long-haul shipments.
2. Use Durable Secondary Packaging
Outer packaging such as corrugated boxes or plastic crates adds crucial protection during transit.
Unlike traditional cardboard, PP Corrugated boxes from ALVAboard are:
- Stronger under pressure
- Water-resistant
- Ideal for high-humidity export environments
3. Sort Fruit by Size and Ripeness
Ripening levels impact ethylene gas production, which can accelerate spoilage if not managed.
- Ripe bananas: Up to 100 ppm ethylene
- Unripe bananas: Just 1–5 ppm
Mixing fruits at different ripeness levels causes uneven ripening during transport. To avoid this, sort and pack fruit by maturity to preserve freshness across the entire shipment.
4. Add Ventilation and Ethylene Absorbers
Airflow is critical for controlling temperature and humidity in packaging.
- Use packaging with vent holes (4–8 mm) evenly distributed to maintain airflow
- Include ethylene absorbers (e.g., potassium permanganate or zeolite-based materials) to reduce ethylene to below 1 ppm
This combo slows ripening and spoilage, especially when used with moisture-resistant PP Corrugated packaging like ALVAboard.
📋 What Are the Export Requirements for Fresh Fruit?
To succeed in international markets, your product must meet both quality and compliance standards:
1. Quarantine & Phytosanitary Certification
Your shipment must pass inspection by the Indonesian Agricultural Quarantine Agency. Once verified, you’ll receive a phytosanitary certificate—a key document required by importing countries to ensure the product is pest- and disease-free.
2. International Packaging Standards
Packaging must comply with global food safety systems like ISO 22000 or HACCP, ensuring materials are hygienic, durable, and contaminant-free.
DMK Cargo recommends using plastic crates or durable boxes like ALVAboard’s PP Corrugated—which is:
- Food-grade certified
- Moisture-resistant
- Lightweight and strong
3. Proper Labeling & Product Info
All fruit packaging should clearly state:
- Fruit name and variety
- Net weight
- Origin region
- Harvest and expiration dates
Use waterproof ink and include barcodes or QR codes for easier tracking. Labeling should also be in the language of the destination country.
4. Export Documentation & Business Permits
Include essential paperwork like invoices, packing lists, and customs export declarations.
Pro tip: Keep documents separate from the fruit packaging to prevent temperature or moisture damage.
🍍 Keep Your Fruit Fresh with ALVAboard PP Corrugated Packaging!
When it comes to fresh fruit exports, packaging is everything. ALVAboard’s laminated PP Corrugated boxes offer:
- Water and moisture resistance
- Food-grade certification
- Lightweight strength for long-distance shipping
- Eco-friendliness and reusability
Whether shipping by sea or air, ALVAboard helps keep your fruit fresh, safe, and export-ready.
📞 Need Help Choosing the Right Packaging?
Contact ALVAboard’s Customer Service on WhatsApp at +62 877-9310-2838 for personalized advice on food-grade plastic packaging for your business.
📘 Don’t forget to download our FREE eBook:
“Packaging Guide for Food Exporters: Trends & Tools for 2025“
🛒 Explore our packaging products on your favorite marketplaces—ALVAboard Shop, Tokopedia, Shopee, and TikTok Shop.
