Cold Chain Compliance: Feel the Heat Without Wilting
How to Assure Customers Receive First-Rate Fresh Flowers in the Heat of Summer
As the dog days of summer approach, from floral harvesting to transportation to storage, and delivery, cold chain compliance becomes more important than ever. This precise sequence of actions guarantees that cut flowers and foliage will reach their destination fresh and unwilted by the heat.
Flowers are highly perishable and sensitive to temperature fluctuations so it’s vital to observe some basic cold chain fundamentals to minimize the risk of wilting, discoloration, and other forms of deterioration or loss during transit. The experts at Mellano & Company understand the significant impact proper cold chain compliance has on preserving flowers and share some of their top tips for protecting quality and freshness from farm to customer. Important steps include
Proper refrigeration before packing. Refrigerating at least 24-48 hours in advance ensures all the heat is removed from the product before it goes into the box.
Orders should be packed, sorted, and palletized in coolers before being loaded on refrigerated trucks.
Consider using temperature recorders to spot-check outbound shipments to monitor stats like humidity levels and temperature as the product travels.
In addition to appropriate packaging, refrigeration, and monitoring, other important cold chain compliance measures that should be incorporated into the summer floral journey include quality assurance, efficient logistics, and training and education to ensure smooth summertime floral deliveries that keep blooms healthy, and customers happy.
With over a century of experience and expertise in delivering breathtaking blooms to Southern California and beyond, Mellano & Company has perfected processes to assure adherence to cold chain practices with a commitment to quality. By following these tried-and-true methods of protecting gorgeous fresh-cut flowers and foliage, florists, vendors, flower enthusiasts, gardening hobbyists, or anyone who adores pretty flowers can feel the heat and still enjoy healthy, vibrant summer blooms without wilting.