II International Conference on Quality Management of Fresh Cut Produce

On behalf of the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS), the Università degli Studi di Torino is pleased to invite scientists, professionals and business representatives with an interest in Fresh-Cut Produce to attend the Freshcut2011 Conference.

Fresh-cut fruit and vegetables represent an important and rapidly expanding food segment of interest for growers, processors, retailers and consumers. In recent years, despite the consumer demand for fruit and vegetables decreased in Europe, the fresh-cut industry reported a constant growth in terms of quantity and turnover. Today, the fresh-cut industry is expanding faster than any other segment of the fruit and vegetable market and the fresh-cut segment supplies both the food service industry and retail outlets, expanding to new markets around the world. In Europe, Italy is one of the key player and its level of offer and quality is getting widely recognized.

Fresh-cut products are more perishable than whole produce: although remaining in a fresh state, they are physically altered during processing operations and are living tissues characterized by an accelerated metabolism. The ultimate potential postharvest quality and shelf-life of fresh produce is determined before harvest. Proper handling, the use of effective sanitizers, optimal storage temperature and packaging reduce the rapid degradation of fresh-cut produce. Efficient cultivation and postharvest processing management and their synergy can contribute to 'making the difference' in a system that aims at being competitive.

New knowledge about genetic material, genomics, biotechnology, production, handling, storage, shipping, processing, sanitation, automation, tracking systems including new advanced technologies, retailers, consumer demand, regulations, economics is welcome. Scientists, Stakeholders, Corporate and Business companies are invited to attend. A technical tour will be scheduled during the conference week and Pre- and Post-Conference tours will be available.

I am happy to invite you to Torino, the first capital of Italy, the city of the Winter Olympic Games 2006, that in 2011 will celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the national unification.
I look forward to seeing you in Torino to attend the meeting.

Silvana Nicola
The Convener
Chair of the Organizing Committee