Dried fruit has gained popularity worldwide due to its health benefits and sweet texture. However, without proper packaging, they can lose their taste and quality.
Although fruit becomes dry after losing the water contest, it can be attacked by mold, bacteria, and other contaminations. To stop that, proper packaging is your only option. There are many packaging options you can use to save the fruit until it reaches the consumers.
In this definitive guide, I will explain everything that you should know about dried fruit packaging.
What Is Dried Fruit Packaging?
Dried fruits refer to fruits that have gone through a drying process to remove all of their water content and increase their lifespan. But when you preserve them in a usual way without packaging, they can lose their quality. For this reason, packaging becomes handy and can protect the fruits from light, air, and pests.
Therefore, dried fruit packaging involves the system and materials used to store them safely and hygienically. These packaging can be boxes, pouches, containers, bottles, and more. With an effective packaging option, you can preserve the dried fruits’ texture, flavor, taste, and nutrient value.
Common Dry Fruits You Can Pack
Although you can pack a wide range of dry fruits, I have listed here the most famous of them –
Dried Mixed Fruit
A blend of different dried fruits like raisins, nuts, and more brings a variety of flavors and nutrients. This makes them a great snack option, and you can also use them for different types of desserts.
Dates
The most standard dried fruits are dates. They come with polyphenols that help them support bran and digestion and prevent diseases. Often, they are used in energy bars or as a natural sweetener in recipes.
Raisins
Raisins are dried grapes; they are high in antioxidants, fiber, iron, and many other vitamins. They can be enjoyed on their own or added to salads, cereals, and more.
Banana
Bananas can be dried after slices and give a sweet and crunchy flavor. They are excellent sources of carbohydrates and potassium. Either they can mixed with nuts or eaten as snacks like banana chips.
Apricots
Dried apricots are the best source of fiber, iron, and vitamins A and C. They can be eaten as a snack or chopped into desserts or salads.
Apple
Dried apples are often available as rings or slice-like fresh apples. Consumers can add them to a healthy diet plan. They are popular for snacks or can be used in cooking.
10 Different Types Of Packaging For Dried Fruit
You can use many packaging types of dried fruits. As each one comes with unique benefits and features, choose one that matches your needs–
- Glass Jars
This option is popular for an aesthetic look. Jars made from glass are widely used to store dry fruit. They can keep their crunch for a long time. Also, with their airtight seal, they ensure the aroma and flavor of the fruits perfectly. At the same time, as they have a transparent body, consumers can see what is inside and make their decision to purchase the product or not.
- Cans
Cans are sturdy metal containers lined to save the product from external contamination. For instance, they can prevent light, dust, and moisture and keep the dried fruits in premium quality. Also, cans are recyclable and ideal for gourmet products.
- Plastic Tubs
Usually, plastic tubs made from hard plastic are best for storing a large amount of dried fruits. Also, they come with tight-fitting lids, which can protect the products from light and moisture. As they enhance visibility, customers can make decisions after seeing the products.
- Pillow Bags
Because of the resemblance of the shape of the pillow, these are known as pillow bags. They are easy to open and use. Also, pillow bags can preserve dried fruits with crunch and crispiness.
- Plastic Pouches
These pouches are made from multi-layer films, which can offer a barrier against UV light and moisture. This way, the dried fruits remain in good quality and fresh for a long time. If you want, you can use nitrogen gas or vacuum seal to increase their shelf life. Also, as they come in different shapes and sizes, choose one based on your choice. To promote your brand, you can print the brand logo on the packaging. To enhance sales, choose vibrant or unique print.
- Doypack
Doypack comes with a flat bottom and stands upright. They are durable and often come with barrier features against UV light and moisture. They are mainly for space efficiency and can be resealed. Hence, they are best for bulk and retail packaging.
- Gusseted Bags
Typically, gusseted bags are used for bulk-dried fruit packaging. They are famous for their expandable sides that allow for more products. So, if you have a large production capacity, use these bags.
- Sachets
Sachets bags come with 3 or 4 sides sealing. They are small and ideal for single servings. You can use them to store small amounts of dried fruits. As they are lightweight, consumers can carry them on to go or while traveling.
- Paper Boxes
Paper boxes are made from plant-based sources. So they are eco-friendly. Usually, they are easy to print and suitable for gift packaging.
Benefits Of Dried Fruit Packaging
There are many advantages to dried fruit packaging. This saves the fruits from getting damaged and spoiled and makes transportation easy. Others are–
- Extend Shelf Life
Adequate packaging ensures dried fruits’ shelf life and creates barriers against moisture, oxygen, UV, and contaminants. For instance, nitrogen flushing and vacuum sealing remove oxygen from the pack. This way, the products remain fresh, and bacteria can’t attack.
- Safety During Transportation
Strong packaging saves dried fruits while handling and shipping. Durable materials withstand rough conditions, reducing the risk of damage like crushing that could occur during transit.
- Customer Satisfaction
Over the dried fruit packaging, you can print information about your brand and products. For example, brand name, logo, product ingredients, nutritional value, and more. Often, some packaging comes with clear visibility. This way, the consumer understands your brand and products and builds trust.
A Step-by-step Process Of Dried Fruit Packaging
The process of dry fruit packaging is easy and exciting. I have included here a step-by-step guide in detail; check it out-
- Dried Fruit Weighing
When you check the quality, then you have to load them into the machine equipped with multi-head weighers. With the help of the device, you can measure the weight of the dried fruits. The operator can set precise weights and change them when needed. It will ensure consistency in packaging regarding specific weight.
- Nitrogen Flushing
In this step, you should inject nitrogen packing gas before filling the dried fruit into the packages. This gas can remove oxygen and save the fruits from spoil. Also, you can leave the gas in the package while transporting the products.
- Package Filling & Sealing
After that, fill the dried fruits into the pouches in a certain amount. Then, the filled package goes through the sealing process, where it is tightly sealed to prevent moisture and air. This way, the dried fruits remain fresh for a long time.
- Package Discharging
In the final step, the package will be discharged from the machine. Next, they undergo quality inspection to match standards before sending the product to storage or distribution.
Types Of Dried Fruit Packaging Machines
Many dried fruit packaging machines are available now. However, they are different based on their working system and purpose. Read them in the below section and decide what machine you want–
Premade Pouch Dried Fruit Packaging machine
The premade pouch dried fruit packaging machine works with already-made bags. This machine takes the pouches, fills them with dried fruits, and then seals them. It comes with a multi-head weigher and can deal with standup bags, premade bags, daypacks, zipper bags, and more.
Vertical Form Fill Seal Machine VFFS
The VFFS machine is another good option for packing dried fruits. It runs vertically and makes bags. Then, this machine weighed the fruits and fed them into the bags. Next, it sealed the bag with an airtight sealer. Finally, the bags are benignly discharged from the machine and ready to be distributed. This machine is usually ideal for gusset bags and pillow bags.
Horizontal Form Fill Seal Machine HFFS
HFFS machine operate similarly to VFFS, but it run horizontally. It creates a bag from a single roll of film. After that, the dried fruit is filled into the pack and sealed. This machine has a film feed roller, hopper, cutting knife, control system, and more. Whether stand-up bags, three- or four-sided sealed, can work with many different types of bags.
Automatic Weighing Machine
This type of machine is used to accurately measure the weight of dried fruits before packaging. It can weigh fruits quickly, like 40-140 times per minute, and it also deals with extensive packaging systems to confirm precise filling.
Bottle Filling Machine
Bottles or jars are popular options for storing dry fruits. For this, you can use a bottle-filling machine. It fills the bottles and seals them. This machine is the best for ensuring precise measurement.
Carton Packaging Machine
It can pack multiple units of dried fruits into cartons for distribution. It automates the process of filling, sealing, and labeling. This is suitable for bulk storage and shipping processes.
Conclusion
Proper packaging can give you a chance to succeed in the dried fruits industry. First of all, make the pack unique and use vibrant prints or colors throughout the package. Also, use the best material to make the pouches, like eco-friendly options, transparent visibility systems, durability, and more features.
To do this, you can purchase a dried fruit machine from HonorPack. We provide machines at affordable prices without compromising quality and export them to over 50 countries worldwide.
FAQs
How do you package dehydrated fruit?
To pack dehydrated fruits, first ensure they dry completely. Then, use vacuum-sealed bags or airtight containers to prevent moisture. This way, the fruits will remain fresh. After that, label the packaging with the date and content information and place them in a dark and cool area.
What are the quality standards available for dried fruit packaging?
There are several quality standards available for dried fruit packaging, such as FDA regulations for safe food practices. At the same time, ISO certifies that the products maintain quality. Also, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) ensures hygienic production.
