The ripening process is at the heart of modern produce logistics. From bananas and mangoes to tomatoes and melons, managing ripeness is key to extending shelf life, reducing waste, and ensuring optimal quality at the point of sale.
In this post, we’ll explore:
How the ripening process works
The role of ethylene in fruit maturation
Differences between climacteric and non-climacteric fruits
How the produce industry controls ripening to meet logistics demands
Ripening is a natural phase in a fruit’s lifecycle where it becomes softer, sweeter, and more palatable. However, for produce companies, ripening is a logistical challenge—especially for long-distance shipping.
That’s where science comes in.
Ethylene is a plant hormone (specifically a phytohormone) that triggers and accelerates the ripening of many fruits. Once ethylene concentration hits 0.1 to 1.0 ppm (parts per million), the ripening process becomes irreversible.
Bananas
Tomatoes
Mangoes
Papayas
Melons
Pineapples
These fruits are categorized as climacteric—they continue to ripen after harvest due to increased ethylene production.
Understanding this difference is critical in produce supply chain management:
Type |
Ripens After Harvest? |
Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Climacteric |
Yes |
Mangoes, Avocados, Bananas |
| Non-Climacteric |
No |
Grapes, Strawberries, Citrus |
Non-climacteric fruits must be harvested at peak ripeness, as they won’t ripen further post-harvest—making timing and temperature control even more critical.
To gain more control over shelf life, scientists and producers use several methods to delay or accelerate ripening:
Introducing ACC Deaminase Gene
Reduces the amount of ACC, a precursor to ethylene, thus slowing ripening.
Suppressing ACC Synthase Gene Expression
Alters enzyme activity, limiting ethylene production.
Think of these methods as tools to "pause" or "play" ripening—buying more time for storage, shipping, and shelf display.
The end goal is simple: deliver perfectly ripe produce to the consumer while minimizing spoilage and cost. ERP systems like iNECTA Produce help growers, packers, and distributors manage:
Temperature-sensitive logistics
Ripening room controls
Inventory tied to expiration windows
Forecasting for harvest and delivery timing
From gene expression to warehouse ethylene control, the science behind ripening has become a powerful tool in the hands of produce professionals. When managed properly, it enables the industry to reduce food waste, increase profits, and provide consistently high-quality fruit to markets around the world.