Keep It Cool, Keep It Fresh: Smart Tips for Zimbabwe’s Farmers

Hot sun, great harvest… but how do you get your produce to market fresh? Spoiled goods mean lost money. Good news: smart temperature control can save your profits!

 

Here’s your easy guide to beating the heat:

• • Pre-Cool First: Don’t load warm produce! Use a pre-cooling shed to bring down the temperature before it goes into the truck. This is your first and most important step.

• • Check Your Truck’s Health: A refrigerated truck is like a thermos—it keeps cold in, but can’t always cool a warm load. Check your truck’s insulation regularly to make sure the cold isn’t leaking out.

• • Don’t Use “Fuel Saver” Mode: It causes temperature swings. Always run your refrigeration in “continuous” mode for a steady, safe chill.

• • Load for Airflow: Don’t pack the trailer tight! Leave space between pallets and the walls so cold air can flow around all your produce.

• • Speed Up Handovers: The quicker you transfer goods from truck to market, the less cold escapes. Plan for fast handovers, especially on hot days.

• • Use a Simple Thermometer: Check your produce’s temperature at every stop. A pulp thermometer is cheap and gives you proof of quality.

• • Try a Tiny Tracker: Small, affordable temperature trackers can travel with your load. They send alerts to your phone if things get too warm, so you can act fast.

Keep it simple, keep it cool, and watch your profits grow! https://www.copeland.com/en-us/news/8-proven-strategies-for-rigorous-cold-chain-management