A specialized citrus export and packaging center in Qaemshahr

Khan Fruit, as a specialized citrus export and packaging center in Qaimshahr, performs laser grading, washing, fungicide and standard waxing along with palletizing packaging for Thomson oranges and Anshu tangerines. This complex, located in the horticultural hub of Mazandaran, supplies and sends the export cargo to the borders according to the strict quarantine protocols for preserving the plants of Eurasia and the Persian Gulf countries. Direct registration of cargo from the origin of Ghaemshahr Gardens and direct transfer to the sorting hall minimizes the risk of moisture loss, bruised fruit tissue and fungal spoilage during container transportation.

Qaemshahr's strategic advantage in the export citrus supply chain

Qaimshahr is the heart of Mazandaran horticulture logistics, and its radius of access to first-class citrus groves in Kiakla, Joibar, Sari and Babol areas is less than 40 minutes. In the export of perishable products, reducing the time between harvesting and entering the washing line is considered the most vital factor in preserving the dry matter and freshness of the fruit sepals. When the fruit enters the pre-cooling and disinfection stage in less than 24 hours after harvesting, the activity of Penicillium fungi will be inhibited by 85%.

Gaemshahr rail and road access to Amirabad port, Anzali port and Astara border connects the northern export corridor to hot destinations such as Aktau, Astrakhan and Saint Petersburg. By establishing itself in this industrial highway, Khan Fruit has provided the possibility of loading refrigerated containers without delay and by guaranteeing the stability of the cold chain; An advantage that significantly controls the overhead costs of land transit.

Smart sorting lines and modern fruit preparation technologies

Traditional methods of manual sorting and basin washing are no longer able to compete with the standards of international retail chains. In the industrial halls of Khan Fruit, immediately after weighing, the load of citrus fruit enters the mechanized hot water washing tubs along with authorized fungicide solutions (such as imazalil with a controlled dose). This process prevents the formation of active green and blue mold spores in the peel of Thomson and blood oranges.

After drying with controlled hot air blowers, the fruits are coated with a thin layer of carnauba based wax. This natural wax, along with the natural breathing of the fruit tissue, prevents surface evaporation of interstitial water during 15 to 20-day shipping distances by sea and land. Khan Fruit optical sizing and weight grading lines ensure uniform and accurate calibration based on fruit diameter so that every export pallet is free of out-of-grade fruits.

Carton and palletize packaging standards for target markets

Citrus export packaging is not just a protective box, but also guarantees air circulation and physical resistance of the load under the pressure of several tons of weight inside the container. Depending on the target market, different rules govern the structure of the boxes:

• Russia and Belarus market: Five-layer kraft telescopic cartons with 90% moisture resistance for refrigerated containers; Each pallet includes precise layers with dense cardboard corners, automatic strapping and porous stretch film for optimal air exchange.
• Iraq and Kurdistan region market: Injected plastic baskets with new (non-recycled) materials with a net weight of 8 to 10 kg with comb and protective paper to withstand road shocks and quick evacuation in central squares.
• Emirates and Oman market: Open-top full-color laminated printing boxes with regular row arrangement, special label on each fruit and nano cover to increase shelf life in warehouses of tropical destinations.

Khanfrot assembles all export pallets with standard dimensions of 100x120 and European pallets of 120x80 cm and uses sterilized wooden pallets with ISPM 15 heat seal.

Customs regulations, health certificate issuance and plant quarantine management

One of the main issues for exporters at border terminals is the stoppage of shipments due to insufficient plant health documents or residual toxins. In the Khan Fruit production line in Qaimshahr, organoleptic and laboratory inspections are carried out before loading. The control of the residual amount of insecticides, heavy metals and ensuring the absence of the Mediterranean fly pest is carried out based on the MRLs standards of the destination country with the direct cooperation of plant protection organization supervisors.

Supply chain documents including certificate of origin, standard declaration, customs warehouse bill, packing list and international bill of lading are issued at the same time as the container seal at the warehouse. This system integration prevents the cargo from stopping at the exit terminals of Astara, Inchebron or Benavider in Amirabad and Bazargan and reduces the container load to zero.

Waste management and controlled atmosphere storage of citrus fruits

Sustainable production and principled export require principled management of waste and separation of subgrade fruits as soon as possible. Fruits that have physical stains, skin wear, or out-of-class size are separated from the main lines at the same stage of entry and are directed to the juice and concentrate production lines. Leaving even one damaged fruit in a box can accelerate the aging and decay process of the entire box by producing ethylene gas.

During peak harvesting seasons, oranges are stored in cold storage halls above zero with relative humidity of 85-90% and stable temperature of 5-7 degrees Celsius. The continuous measurement of ethylene gas and carbon dioxide concentration in the sorting halls and Khan Fruit depot guarantees the physiological shelf life of the fruit without reducing its natural taste, acidity and sweetness so that a fresh product is delivered to the foreign buyer.

Table of technical specifications and export packaging standards for citrus fruits