Extending the harvesting and sales window of Danish cabbages

Broccoli, cauliflower, and pointed cabbage are among the most popular vegetables in Denmark. Their consumption has risen rapidly due to their versatility and strong nutritional benefits, leading to increased demand.

CabExtend is working to meet this demand by extending the sales period of locally grown produce and by reducing food waste throughout the supply chain. For instance, broccoli has a very short shelf life in the summer if harvested too late and not cooled immediately. This can result in significant waste, with yellowing broccoli heads discarded in the fields, in storage, and during distribution. Similarly, unpackaged cauliflower and pointed cabbage often experience high waste levels in retail.

To address these challenges, CabExtend aims to boost Danish cabbage production while extending shelf life and expanding the sales window through advanced technologies and improved supply chain practices. Key initiatives include rapid cooling, optimizing storage conditions (temperature, humidity, ethylene levels) for both producers and retailers, and using controlled atmosphere (CA) storage. Additionally, real-time feedback based on digital twins will help monitor and adjust storage conditions to prevent spoilage.

The ultimate goal is to extend the season for broccoli, cauliflower, and pointed cabbage by 3 to 8 weeks, reduce food waste, and generate significant value at every stage of the supply chain. This approach will not only cut greenhouse gas emissions but also enhance profitability for producers and retailers alike.