Grape Harvest 2026: Essential Packaging Materials for Harvesting

The grape harvest is under way in several wine-growing regions across Greece, while other varieties will gradually follow. This is one of the most demanding stages of the production cycle, as harvesting, packaging, preservation and transportation must all be completed within a limited period of time.

Selecting the right packaging materials is essential throughout the product journey. From harvesting and storage to distribution in the domestic or international market, every stage can affect the quality and commercial value of the grapes.

How Proper Harvest Preparation Saves Time and Reduces Losses

A shortage of crates, packaging or palletising materials can disrupt operations and cause costly delays. Once harvested, grapes are sensitive to pressure, vibration and high temperatures. They must therefore be handled, packed and transported quickly and carefully.

Whether harvesting is already under way or scheduled to begin in the coming weeks, it is important to assess the needs of your vineyard and secure the necessary materials in advance.

Essential Packaging Materials for Grape Harvesting

Packaging requirements vary according to the grape variety, harvesting method and final destination. Grapes intended for winemaking have different handling requirements from table grapes packed for the domestic market or export.

Harvesting Crates and Containers

Plastic crates and containers are widely used for manual harvesting, as they facilitate collection, stacking and transportation. They should be durable, clean, free from sharp edges and suitable for food contact.

Ventilated crates allow air to circulate, while an appropriate depth helps limit pressure on the fruit. Overfilling should be avoided, particularly when handling delicate table grape varieties.

Big Bags for High-Volume Handling

Big bags can be used in specific large-scale applications, facilitating the handling and transportation of high volumes. Their suitability should be evaluated according to the grape variety, the resistance of the fruit, the loading method and the final destination.

They are not generally recommended for delicate or table grapes, as the accumulated weight may crush or damage the fruit. Whenever big bags are used, they should meet the appropriate specifications and, where necessary, include a suitable inner liner.

Packaging and Preservation Materials for Table Grapes

Following sorting, table grapes can be packed in plastic punnets, paperboard punnets or corresponding bags, depending on the required pack weight, product presentation and destination market.

Humidity absorbing paper and perimetric PET bands can also be used inside the crate or carton to provide additional protection.

For table grape preservation, perforated preservation bags, LifeSpan modified-atmosphere bags and UVASYS grape guards can help extend storage life and maintain the appearance of the stems and berries during storage and transportation.

Protection and Load-Stabilisation Materials During Transportation

When transporting grapes from the vineyard to the sorting and packing facility, pallet netting can be used to stabilise crates on the pallet. Its open structure allows air to circulate through and around the load. Similarly, polyester ropes helps secure and hold the crates in place, limiting unwanted movement during transportation.

At the same stage, tarpaulins can protect the load and equipment from direct sunlight, dust, wind and moisture until they reach the packing facility. However, the cover should be fitted in a way that does not restrict the ventilation required by the grapes.

Following packing, when the products are transported to domestic or international markets, edge protectors and plastic strapping help create a stable and secure pallet load. Edge protectors safeguard the edges of the boxes and distribute the pressure exerted by the strapping more evenly, while plastic strapping secures the load and limits movement or deformation during storage and distribution.

How Much Packaging Material Is Required for Your Vineyard?

Vineyard size provides an initial indication, but it is not sufficient for an accurate calculation. Expected yield per hectare, crate capacity, harvesting rate and the number of daily transport runs should also be taken into account.

For table grapes, calculations should additionally consider the marketable volume, the weight of each retail pack, the required number of boxes and pallets, and the expected storage or transportation period. An additional stock of approximately 10%–15% can help cover damage, delays or changes in customer orders.

How Material Quality Affects Grape Quality Until Final Delivery

Unsuitable crates, insufficient protection inside the box or inadequate palletisation can cause damage to the berries, moisture loss and deterioration in the appearance of the product.

Cold-chain monitoring is equally important. Temperature data loggers monitor storage and transportation conditions and provide a temperature history for each shipment. Their use is particularly important for exports and long-distance transportation.

Transporting Grapes within Greece and Internationally

Domestic shipments require suitable packaging, stable pallet loads, sufficient ventilation and the maintenance of appropriate temperature conditions.

For exports, where transportation times are longer and the supply chain is more complex, in-box protection, product preservation and temperature monitoring become even more important. The right combination of materials helps grapes reach their destination while retaining their freshness, quality and commercial appearance.

Common Mistakes When Preparing Materials for the Grape Harvest

Common mistakes include:

• Ordering materials at the last minute
• Overfilling harvesting crates
• Using the same packaging solution for different varieties or destination markets

Insufficient in-box protection, unstable palletisation, the absence of backup stock and inadequate temperature monitoring can also lead to avoidable losses.

The HELLAGRO Solution

HELLAGRO provides integrated solutions for the packaging, preservation, palletisation and temperature monitoring of grapes during storage and transportation.

Our team can help you select the appropriate materials according to the grape variety, production volume, packaging format and destination market.

Secure the Right Materials for the Grape Harvest

Contact HELLAGRO to assess your requirements and select the right solutions for protecting grapes throughout their journey—from harvesting to the domestic or international market.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of packaging is suitable for table grapes?

The choice depends on the grape variety, pack weight, distribution method and destination market. Table grapes can be packed in plastic or paperboard punnets, suitable bags and boxes containing appropriate protective materials.

2. How can grape freshness be maintained during storage and transportation?

Maintaining freshness depends on appropriate temperature conditions, sufficient ventilation and the correct packaging solution. Modified-atmosphere bags, such as LifeSpan, create conditions inside the package that help extend shelf life and preserve grape quality. The appropriate bag is selected according to the product, its weight and the dimensions of the box.

3. How can table grapes be protected from deterioration inside the box?

Table grapes require suitable packaging and preservation materials, combined with an uninterrupted cold chain. Specialised solutions such as UVASYS, which uses dual-release sulphur dioxide technology, help extend storage life and maintain the appearance of the stems and berries during storage and transportation.

4. Why is pallet netting used when transporting grapes?

Pallet netting stabilises boxes on the pallet, while its open structure allows air to circulate around and through the load.

5. Are temperature data loggers necessary for grape exports? Temperature data loggers record transportation conditions and help identify deviations throughout the cold chain. They are particularly useful for exports and long-distance shipments.