Visual assessment

During a shelf life or benchmark study, products are periodically subjected to a visual assessment by experienced Kiwa AQS employees. Specific parameters such as internal product quality, ripeness, firmness, nature and degree of diseases and defects, (dis)coloration or °Brix can be assessed.

Timelapse video

The durability tests mentioned above can be supplemented with continuous camera recordings, where the images are processed into a time-lapse video. This produces visual material with which visually observable quality effects can be quickly made transparent.

With the benchmark shelf life check, Kiwa AQS can provide insight into:

  • The differences in shelf life between products:
    • Originating from new varieties (for seed breeders);
    • From different growers (for growers' associations);
    • From different suppliers (for trading companies);
    • From different retailers (for retailers).
  • The influence of a new type of packaging on the shelf life of a specific product (packaging companies).
  • The shelf life of fruit and vegetables as part of, for example, fresh packs (for trading companies, retailers).

The final reports, including visual material, are stored in a database immediately after the shelf life check/benchmark and sent to the clients.