The post-harvest area spans 2,000 m2. It is within this area that on an individual basis we aim to obtain fresh, consistent and standardized quality product for each customer and market.
The criteria we use for classifying the roses is based on the integrity and quality of their traits, these include:
* Length and thickness of stem
* Size of bud
* Opening or cutting point
* Color of the flower
* Health and condition of foliage
Once categorized, they are wrapped inside corrugated cardboard to protect the roses while the foliage is covered with a plastic sleeve to prevent dehydration and damage during transport. Each bunch is identified with a label stating the variety, stem length, date of processing, number of stems per bunch, and the code of the person who prepared the bunch.
COLD ROOMS
There are two important cold areas at ECOROSES. With a total of 4,300 m3 of cold space, this key link of our cold chain guarantees the quality and vase life of our roses before arriving at the customer’s doorstep. First, we have a pre-cool area where the outdoor heat is removed from the flowers as they arrive from the field, swiftly halting the opening of the flowers. Secondly, we have a large hydration and packing cold-room where temperature is kept between 0.5°C and 2°C guarantying quality prior to shipping.
After processing the flowers as such, they are then hydrated with a certified, high-quality, commercial floral-preservative for at least 7-hours (at temperatures ranging from 0.5°C to 2ºC). Reaching and maintaining low temperatures are key to assure product quality and vase life.
In all our cold rooms we have Aerocide and ethylene removal units that constantly clean the air and remove ethylene, thus preventing premature aging and the development of diseases while still preserving the quality of the flower.
HYDRATION
We have automated the production (mixing) and distribution of the hydration solutions used for our roses, both in our post-harvest area as well as in our cold rooms. Online quality controls have been implemented, in order to guarantee that ALL our roses are properly hydrated. Innovation that bolsters the quality and performance of our roses.
PACKAGING
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Packaging is also carried out at a temperature between 0.5°C and 2ºC. Grouped and labeled boxes remain in this area until they leave in a refrigerated truck for their short journey to Mariscal Sucre Airport in Tababela. The loading process of the boxes is direct from the cold room to the truck, maintaining the same temperature range.
We offer the market several packaging alternatives: half-sized boxes or tobacco (HB) and/or quarter-sized boxes (QB); all designed to optimize the volume / weight relationship, and therefore minimize the freight cost per stem to our customers. The measurements of the HB boxes we offer are: 100, 120 and 150 cm long; while the QB boxes are 90 or 100 cm long.
When it comes to packaging, ECOROSES has a FLEXIBILITY POLICY in place as part of its customer service. This can be requested so long as it does not jeopardize our quality standards.
