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Strawberries and berries inspection is a critical quality control process conducted at various stages of the logistics chain. It minimizes trade risks related to non-conformity with agreed specifications, discrepancies in quantity, and incomplete documentation during international import/export operations.

CISS GROUP provides professional inspection services for strawberries and other berries to major agribusiness companies and international trading firms. Inspections are carried out at production sites, intermediate storage facilities, cold warehouses, and ports worldwide.

The inspection of berries, especially strawberries, requires exceptional care due to their limited shelf life and high perishability. Inspections must be organized efficiently to cover all key stages in a short timeframe and under proper conditions.

Importance of representative sampling

Accurate inspection results depend on the collection of representative samples. Reliable certification is only possible when samples reflect the full scope of the lot or accessible portions of it. Shipments often consist of berries harvested from different fields, suppliers, or picking dates, which may result in variable quality and condition. Equal sampling attention must be given to all parts of the lot.

Common quality and condition defects

• Brightness is not a grading requirement but remains a vital marketing attribute
• Bruising includes soft, flattened, sunken, or discolored areas; overripe berries should be noted separately
• Calyxes/cores inconsistencies
• Color inconsistencies or poor pigmentation
• Dirt and foreign matter
• Discoloration, possibly due to disease or sunburn
• Freezing damage or frozen berries
• Injuries from hail, insects, birds, or rodents
• Presence of live insects, larvae, or fruit flies is considered serious damage
• Mold – any visible mold is categorized as serious damage
• Excessive moisture
• Overripe or excessively soft berries

The main stages of checking strawberries and other berries:

Incoming and outgoing inspection

Conducted during delivery to fruit storage facilities, cold rooms, or refrigerated containers. Inspectors evaluate storage conditions and assess the cargo to ensure it is clean, dry, undamaged, pest-free, and not mixed with other goods. Berries should not be frozen, moldy, or emit foreign odors.

Container cleanliness inspection

Visual inspection of refrigerated containers for cleanliness and structural integrity. Inspectors verify the functionality of cooling systems, temperature sensors, locks, hinges, and sealing mechanisms to ensure suitability for berry transportation.

Supervision during loading and sampling

During the loading process, inspectors monitor packaging quality, labeling accuracy, and container counts per box. They record gross and net weights, verify the temperature regime, and perform a visual quality assessment of fruit color and condition.

Representative sampling is carried out across all sections of the lot to ensure consistency. Upon completion of loading, containers are sealed, and all data is securely recorded in inspection reports with real-time client access.
CISS GROUP provides 24/7 inspection and sampling services upon request.

Laboratory testing of strawberries and other berries

Laboratory testing is conducted exclusively in accredited laboratories in compliance with international standards. Standard parameters include:

• Visual freshness and appearance
• Size and weight
• Color uniformity
• Mold presence and physical damage
• Smell and taste
• Sugar content (Brix level)

Additional analyses include testing for:

• Pesticide residues
• Toxic components and mycotoxins
• Radionuclide contamination

At the client's request, organoleptic testing is performed for each lot during the inspection process.

Photo and video documentation

Each inspection stage is fully documented with timestamped photo and video evidence. Upon completion, clients receive a comprehensive visual report covering all key control and verification steps.

Certification and digital verification

Upon completion of inspection, CISS GROUP issues official certificates and detailed inspection reports. Each document includes a unique QR code linking to a secure online repository containing PDF copies of the certificates.

All certificates are digitally signed using cryptographic authentication methods, ensuring document integrity, security, and legal validity. These certificates are often required by banks and financial institutions when issuing or verifying letters of credit and trade financing instruments.

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