Preface to the FRUTIC- 2019 Symposium

Abstract

Fresh fruit and vegetables are the major source of essential vitamins and minerals, which are needed for human health and well-being. They are, however, perishable living products that request continuous measures for quality keeping by growers, storage operators, processors, and retailers. Sampling of fresh produce for assessing appearance, texture, flavour, and nutritional value have been established quality criteria, whereas non-invasive measurements on each individual product pre- and postharvest with traceability along the supply chain are becoming important for all role players. The FRUTIC-2019 provided a platform for researchers and practitioners to engage in technical discussions about innovations and new technologies, and explore further areas of research needed in the industry to promote quality and safety of fruit and vegetables. The first symposium of the FRUTIC series took place in Israel 1983, followed by USA, Spain, Japan, France, Germany, Italy and Chile. In 2017 and 2018 FRUTIC was organized in cooperation with FRUIT LOGISTICA in Berlin, Germany, in September 2019 FRUTIC was held in Hong Kong in cooperation with ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA. Scientists presented their topics at the site of the ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA trade fair at the AsiaWorld-EXPO of Hong Kong, in industry-oriented sections. Some of the selected talks are now published as full articles in this Special Issue. The FRUTIC-2019 event provided a concerted action that brought together academic scientists and the role players from fresh produce industry, to interact with each other for the purpose of information dissemination, sharing practical experience and developing road maps for the most effective way to reach the common goals. We would like to thank all participants for their contributions to the symposium program and for their contributions to this special issue. We also express our sincere thanks to the Journal of Applied Botany and Food Quality team for publishing this special issue on time.