Postharvest handling of tropical fruit in the South Pacific

While tropical fruits represent less than 20% of the net horticultural productivity in the South Pacific, they experience disproportionally high levels of postharvest loss. Much of this loss is concentrated at the market-end of the value chain. Inter-island fruit value chains and hose associated with transient and opportunistic fruit harvesting practices are particularly vulnerable. When losses occur they are often significant (20% to 80%), but can also be unpredictable. Postharvest loss has been attributed to the combination of low-input fruit production systems, poor postharvest practices, unpredictable transport, and short product shelf-life. Highly seasonal production with ensuing sporadic market over-supply and resultant prolonged storage further elevates postharvest loss. Mitigating postharvest loss within fruit value chains has become increasingly important in recent years as Pacific Governments and donors seek to enhance horticultural exports and improve industry resilience. In this paper, we discuss the current postharvest challenges facing fruit value chains in the Pacific, with a specific focus on small island developing states. We highlight the interconnectivity between pre-harvest and postharvest handling remediation, the implications of semi-commercial fruit value chains, and the importance of transport and market system contributors to loss. Further, we discuss strategies undertaken to remediate postharvest loss, highlight the need for increased institutional capacity building and conclude by proposing a series of targeted interventions aimed at better supporting Pacific fruit value chains