Introduction: Why Tomato Needs Scientific Packaging

Tomato is one of the most sensitive vegetables in post-harvest handling. Its soft skin, high respiration rate and rapid moisture loss make it extremely vulnerable during transport. Traditional open crates cause:

15–35% damage

Pressure bruising

Over-ripening

Colour fade

Cracked skin

Fungal growth

Modern packaging is essential because it:

Extends shelf life

Reduces transport losses

Improves appearance

Helps farmers access supermarkets

Allows branding advantages

Enables direct selling with trust

This guide outlines every detail a farmer needs to build a profitable packaging system.

2. Tomato Packaging Material System (Three-Layer Architecture)

Tomato packaging must follow a structured system to prevent damage.

2.1 Layer 1: Internal Protection Layer

Purpose: Cushion the tomato and prevent friction and bruising.

Best internal layers:

Soft paper liner

Anti-sweat breathable film

Molded paper trays (for premium tomatoes)

Foam mesh sleeves (for export-grade)

Functions:

Reduces impact

Absorbs moisture

Maintains firmness

2.2 Layer 2: Outer Structural Layer (Corrugated Box)

The main protection for transport.

Ideal box type:

5-ply corrugated fibreboard box

Ventilated design

Moisture-resistant coating

Smooth inner walls

Key box strength requirements:

Burst strength: 12–16 kg/cm²

Load capacity: 3 kg / 5 kg / 10 kg

Ventilation ratio: 7–10%

2.3 Layer 3: Branding & Labeling Layer

Branding helps tomatoes stand out and allows farmers to become suppliers instead of commodity sellers.

The outer layer should include:

Brand name

Grade name

Net weight

Variety (e.g., Arka Rakshak, Pusa Ruby)

Harvest date blank

QR code for traceability

Storage instructions

Matte printed minimal design

Tomato boxes must look clean, not flashy.

3. Tomato Grading Standards

Tomatoes are always sold by grade, not just weight.

Grade A – Premium Retail Grade

Uniform colour

Firm texture

55–75 mm size

Smooth skin

No cracks

Grade B – General Retail Grade

Slight marks

Mixed size

Slight softness allowed

Grade C – Processing Grade

Overripe

Cracked skin

Shape irregularities

Important:
Never mix grades inside the same box.

4. Box Sizes & Packaging Configurations

Use CaseBox SizeWeightPriorityRetail pack300 × 200 × 110 mm3 kgSupermarketsGeneral retail400 × 300 × 120 mm5 kgLocal storesTransport/Wholesale500 × 350 × 150 mm10 kgLong distancePremium display250 g – 1 kg traysRetailHigh visual appeal

Premium tomatoes require clamshell trays for uniform presentation.

5. Scientific Storage System

Tomatoes are temperature-sensitive. Wrong storage conditions cause chilling injury.

Optimal Storage Conditions

Temperature: 12–15°C

Relative Humidity: 85–90%

Airflow: Light circulation

Do Not Store

Below 10°C (causes watery texture)

In sealed rooms without airflow

Under direct sunlight

Near ethylene-sensitive produce

6. Transport Guidelines

Transport accounts for most post-harvest loss.

Transport Rules

Load tomatoes during cool hours (early morning or night)

Avoid heavy stacking pressure

Transport vehicles must have ventilation

Use anti-slip mats to stabilize boxes

Do not shake or tilt crates excessively

7. Retail Rack Display Standards

Supermarkets follow specific display rules to prevent losses.

Placement

Eye-level shelf

Shallow layer arrangement

Keep ripe and semi-ripe tomatoes separate

Display in colour uniform blocks

Atmosphere

LED lighting

No heat lamps

Regular rotation to avoid overripe spots

Daily Practices

Remove soft tomatoes

Light misting to maintain crisp appearance

FIFO (First In First Out) stock rotation

8. Tomato Branding System

Branding increases price, trust and customer recall.

Elements of Strong Branding

Minimal, clean logo

Natural colour palette (brown, green, white)

Grade marking

QR code for farm information

Harvest-date panel

Simple tagline (e.g., “Fresh from our fields”)

Why Branding Works

Customers believe packaged products are safer

Supermarkets prefer branded supplies

Traceability creates repeat orders

Clear packaging increases shelf appeal

9. Direct Selling Strategy for Tomato Farmers

Direct selling increases income significantly.

9.1 WhatsApp Business Catalogue

Include:

Prices

Photos

Harvest information

Delivery areas

Subscription options

9.2 Weekly Vegetable Box Model

Tomato is an essential component of subscription boxes.

Example:

Family Box 1: 1 kg tomato + mixed vegetables

Family Box 2: 2 kg tomato + weekly greens

Premium Box: Graded tomatoes in punnets

9.3 Partnerships

Sell to:

Restaurants

Tiffin suppliers

Juice and salad bars

Housing societies

9.4 Direct-to-Store Selling

Present branded 3 kg or 5 kg boxes to:

Mini supermarkets

Organic stores

Kirana shops

10. Packaging Cost & Economic Advantage

Packaging TypeCost3 kg printed box₹10–155 kg printed box₹15–25Clamshell tray₹3–7Inner liner₹0.50–1

Even minimal packaging increases selling price by 20–60%.

11. (FAQ)

Q1. Which is the best packaging for tomatoes?

A 3–5 kg ventilated corrugated box is ideal for retail and small supermarkets.

Q2. What is the correct storage temperature?

12–15°C keeps tomatoes firm and fresh.

Q3. Does branding matter for tomatoes?

Yes. It increases supermarket acceptance and increases customer trust.

Q4. Why avoid temperatures below 10°C?

Tomatoes lose texture and flavour at low temperatures.

Q5. How to reduce damage during transport?

Use soft liners, avoid overloading and maintain ventilation.

12. Conclusion

Tomato packaging is a complete system that extends beyond simple transport containers. It is a structured process involving grading, protection, branding, storage and marketing. Proper packaging reduces losses, improves shelf life and enhances visual appeal. Branding establishes trust and helps farmers enter organized retail markets. By following the scientific packaging and selling strategies outlined in this guide, farmers can convert tomatoes into a high-value, high-income crop with consistent profitability.

✍️Farming Writers Team

Love Farming Love Farmers

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