Abstract
Table grapes (fresh Vitis vinifera L. fruit) rank among the top five fruit crops worldwide, yet their high perishability poses significant challenges for postharvest handling and storage. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of current and emerging preservation strategies-including chemical fumigation, irradiation, packaging technologies, controlled-atmosphere (CA) storage, biodegradable coatings, and synergistic preservation systems. Distinct from prior studies that typically emphasize specific techniques or treatment categories, this work integrates mechanistic insights with technological advancements and industrial practices across multiple preservation modalities. It further evaluates the comparative effectiveness, limitations, and practical relevance of these strategies along the supply chain. Importantly, it identifies critical research gaps-such as the lack of cultivar-specific preservation protocols, the need for low-residue and environmentally sustainable treatments, and the absence of real-time quality monitoring systems. Addressing these gaps is essential for developing next-generation solutions. Finally, this review highlights practical implications by offering a forward-looking framework to guide innovation, providing grape producers and supply chain stakeholders with strategies to minimize losses, preserve quality, and enhance market competitiveness.