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Invitation Dear colleagues
On behalf of the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS), the University of Torino is pleased to invite scientists with an interest in Fresh Cut Produce to participate in the Symposium QMFCP2011. Fresh-cut fruit and vegetables represent an important and rapidly expanding food segment of interest to growers, processors, retailers and consumers. Fresh-cut products are more perishable than whole produce because they are physically altered from their original state during processing operations. Although they remain in a fresh state, fresh-cut products 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. An efficient cultivation and postharvest processing management and their synergy can contribute to 'making the difference'; in a system that aims at being competitive.
In recent years, the consumer demand for fruit and vegetables decreased in Europe. However, instead of a decrease, the ready-to-eat product sector reported an increase in sales.
The fresh-cut segment supplies both the food service industry and retail outlets. The fresh-cut industry is expanding faster than any other segment of the fruit and vegetable market and is increasing in new markets around the world. Italy is one of the key player in this industry not only in Europe and its level of offer and quality is getting widely recognized.
New knowledge about genetic material, genomics, biotechnology, production, handling, storage, shipping, processing, sanitation, automation, tracking systems including new advanced technologies, retailers, consumer demand, economics is welcome. Scientists, Stakeholders, Corporates, Business companies are invited to attend.
A business expo is foreseen during the Conference. A technical tour will be scheduled during the conference week. 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.
I look forward to seeing you in Italy and Torino to attend the meeting. Silvana Nicola
The Convener
Chair of the Organizing Committee
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