SHORT COURSE: FRUIT PROCESSING AND PACKAGING
The Methodist University College Ghana, Agribusiness Development Centre (ABDC) in collaboration with Aderfia Consult Ltd have developed five modular courses under the project, establishment and running of competency-based modules on fruit processing in Ghana. This was done with funding from the Skills Development Fund (Window 3).
Target Clients
The target groups for this short course are students (SHS and Tertiary level) with no professional experience, value-added producers, and food processing startups and SMEs.
Modules
Module 1: Cold Chain Technology of Fruits
Cold chain technology denotes a series of actions and equipment applied to maintain a product within a specified low-temperature range from harvest/production to consumption. A cold chain is a temperature-controlled supply chain. An unbroken cold chain is an uninterrupted series of refrigerated production, storage and distribution activities, along with associated equipment and logistics, which maintain a desired low-temperature range. This unit will introduce you to job opportunities within the cold chain technology management of fruits and fruit products.
Module 2: Mango Processing
Mango production is increasing and the short shelf life of the mango fruit provides enormous opportunities through the processing of the fresh mango fruit into other products. Customer requirements are getting higher hence the increased industry standards particularly, processing. This unit will introduce you to job opportunities within the processing segment of the mango value chain, such as mango processing into juice, dried fruits, mango yoghurt, fresh-cut mangoes, fruit leather and other mango products according to international standards with the standard food hygiene practices.
Module 3: Processing of Banana
A career in banana processing has never been as popular as it is now; competition is strong and the standards are getting high based on market demand and value chain approach. You must aim higher, and see it as an opportunity for a lifelong career. This unit will introduce you to job opportunities within the banana processing value chain, such as banana processing into juice, dried fruits, jam, yoghurt and ice cream according to the international standard with the standard food hygiene practices.
Module 4: Cashew Apple Processing
Once harvesting has occurred, the cashew apples have to undergo a process of being received, graded and documented in order to sort them and determine their processing, packaging and what they can be used for. This unit is focused on cashew apple reception, juice production, processing cashew apple into jam, and ethanol. On completion of this unit, you will acquire skills in cashew apple reception for processing and packaging, juice production, processing cashew apple into jam, and ethanol to start viable cashew apple fruit processing and packaging business.
Module 5: Packaging of Fruits and Fruit Products
The global business landscape keeps changing thereby creating opportunities for entrepreneurs continually. A career in fruit processing and packaging has gain prominence because consumers are more conscious of food safety issues and the role packaging plays in the value chain. Customers are also demanding not only quality in the presentation of the final product but also some aesthetic value. This Unit will introduce you to the essential best practices in fruit packaging. It looks at a range of packaging options for fruits and fruit products, and the food safety and quality standards to adhere to. The Unit also assists the learner to understand the subject of certification and how to obtain certification for fruit processing and packaging according to international standards.
Fees
This short course is currently being piloted for a moderate fee of ₵300.00 per module from January to September, 2021.
Contact details:
Kindly contact the below personnel for further information/clarification;
- Daniel Owusu Kyeremateng (Supervisor, Agro-processing Unit)
Mobile: 0245512945
Whatsapp: 0507091064
Email: dkyeremateng@mucg.edu.gh
- D.K. Opoku (Director, Wenchi Campus)
Mobile: 0206953015
Whatsapp: 0546632553
Email: cdkopoku@mucg.edu.gh
