The QPod, a new Australian-funded transport/storage technology, is poised to offer an extraordinarily direct-delivery experience of ‘field to fork’ to the international market.

The technology is a new pallet-based refrigerated transport system that can keep perishable products at a consistent temperature from farm gate to consumer, without a break in the cool chain. Essentially the QPod works as a temperature and relative humidity controlled fridge and can run on electricity, battery and solar power. They can be transported in shipping containers, plug into existing power sources in trucks and on ships, and are fork lift and pallet jack compatible.

On the export market they have proven themselves to deliver quality meat products to Europe very successfully. When the current HAL-funded fresh produce trial is completed, it is likely to be first used by ‘high-value’ products such as strawberries, wasabi, cherries and mangos, to high-end consumers. It is anticipated however that this technology will receive rapid uptake by others involved in the delivery process of horticultural produce. 

An Austrade representative recently contacted HAL having identified the QPod’s potential for India’s fresh food supply domestic supply chain.   

For more information contact:
Helen Sargent, Postharvest & Emerging Technologies Manager, HAL
E:  helen.sargent@horticulture.com.au