Journal of Applied Botany and Food Quality 93, 121 (2020), DOI:10.5073/JABFQ.2020.093.015

Fresh fruit and vegetables are the major source of essential vitamins 
and minerals, which are needed for human health and well-being. 
They are, however, perishable living products that request continu-
ous measures for quality keeping by growers, storage operators, 
processors, and retailers. Sampling of fresh produce for assessing 
appearance, texture, flavour, and nutritional value have been estab-
lished quality criteria, whereas non-invasive measurements on each 
individual product pre- and postharvest with traceability along the 
supply chain are becoming important for all role players.
The FRUTIC-2019 provided a platform for researchers and prac-
titioners to engage in technical discussions about innovations and 
new technologies, and explore further areas of research needed in 
the industry to promote quality and safety of fruit and vegetables. 
The first symposium of the FRUTIC series took place in Israel 1983,  
followed by USA, Spain, Japan, France, Germany, Italy and Chile. In 
2017 and 2018 FRUTIC was organized in cooperation with FRUIT 
LOGISTICA in Berlin, Germany, in September 2019 FRUTIC was 
held in Hong Kong in cooperation with ASIA FRUIT LOGISTI-
CA. Scientists presented their topics at the site of the ASIA FRUIT 
LOGISTICA trade fair at the AsiaWorld-EXPO of Hong Kong, in 
industry-oriented sections. Some of the selected talks are now pub-
lished as full articles in this Special Issue. 
The FRUTIC-2019 event provided a concerted action that brought 
together academic scientists and the role players from fresh produce 
industry, to interact with each other for the purpose of information 
dissemination, sharing practical experience and developing road 

maps for the most effective way to reach the common goals. We 
would like to thank all participants for their contributions to the 
symposium program and for their contributions to this special issue. 
We also express our sincere thanks to the Journal of Applied Botany 
and Food Quality team for publishing this special issue on time. 

Pramod Mahajan, Manuela Zude-Sasse
 
 

EDITORIAL
Preface to the FRUTIC - 2019 Symposium

FRUTIC Conference in Hongkong. 
Von links: Wilfried Wollbold (Global Brand Manager, Fruit Logistica),  
Dr. Manuela Zude-Sasse (ATB), John Hey (Keynote speaker, Fruitnet Media 
International), Dr. Pramod Mahajan (Photo: von Haselberg/ATB)