The Challenge of Chocolate Transportation

Storage and transport temperatures for chocolate is extremely important as it can easily deteriorate with respect to both appearance and taste. Freshliance TagPlus TH temperature and humidity data logger can record and monitor temperature during chocolate transportation to ensure its quality and taste. 

Chocolate is enjoyed by so many around the world. It is ingredient in most desserts, ice creams and tops the list as a gifting option in most countries. It is known that the volume of cocoa produced annually equals about 4.7 million tonnes worldwide. However, it presents significant logistics challenges for chocolate makers and logistics companies. The transportation of chocolate needs to be executed carefully, as chocolate has a melting point of just 31℃. To transport chocolate on the road, refrigerated trucks must be used. These trucks are insulated against cold and warm air and are equipped with cooling equipment. For sea freight, chocolate must be shipped in refrigerated containers, also called reefers. It is important that the reefer containers are always plugged in; not only on the vessel but also in ports and yards. 

If chocolate gets too warm, it will soften, start to melt, and liquefy. Chocolate starts to get soft at about 85℉ and starts to melt at about 93℉. The ideal temperature to store and transport chocolate is between 55℉ and 65℉; the relative humidity should be below 50%. It is critical that these parameters are followed during the entire end-to-end supply chain and that the temperature is kept at a constant level. Too much temperature fluctuation can create changes in texture and taste. One common result is fat bloom; a process in which fat migrates to the surface, recrystallizes, and leaves a whitish coating. If chocolate comes into contact with moisture, for instance through condensation or high humidity, it can result in sugar bloom. The resulting small sugar crystals give the chocolate a dusty appearance. While “bloomed” chocolate is still safe to eat, it may have an unappetizing appearance and texture and a reduced shelf life. 

TagPlus-TH is a reusable usb temperature and humidity sensor with an LCD screen for easy viewing of temperature data. In this device, parameters can be configured by a professional user before use. The alarm points can be configured on our free configuration software. Once the temperature and humidity is out of the alarm range, the alarm symbol will be displayed on the screen. Complete trip history is recorded and downloaded as encrypted reports with summary data, graphs, and tables, the report can be directly read by PC at the destination. And the temporary mode allows this thermometer hygrometer to continue working after users have generated and read the temporary report. It is an ideal choice for monitoring and recording the temperature and humidity changes of chocolate and other temperature and humidity sensitive goods during transportation.