Containers specifically designed for transporting and merchandising a particular type of fruit, namely apples, available for purchase. These receptacles range from bulk industrial sacks used in harvesting and distribution to smaller, consumer-sized carriers offered at retail locations. Their primary function is to facilitate efficient handling and maintain product integrity from orchard to point of consumption. An example includes large, woven polypropylene totes capable of holding hundreds of pounds of freshly picked apples, or smaller paper or plastic sacks intended for individual consumer purchases.
The availability of these containers plays a crucial role in the apple industry’s supply chain. Efficient and cost-effective transportation is fundamental to delivering the fruit to consumers in optimal condition. Historically, the use of standardized containers has reduced damage during transit, minimized spoilage, and simplified inventory management. Widespread availability directly impacts both producers, enabling them to move large volumes of fruit quickly, and retailers, facilitating convenient display and sale to end-users.
