The economic advantages of a new crate developed for commercialization of fresh tomatoes was evaluated. The Box type "K", name of the package for fresh vegetables crops mostly employed in Brazil, has many undesirables features. Considering the problems of box type "K" and the high index of post harvest losses in the production chain of vegetables, Embrapa Hortaliças started a research program focusing on the development of a new container for fresh tomatoes. This work ended with the adaptation of a new crate model made of plastic. This Embrapa crate showed comparative physical advantages of approximately 17% reduction in postharvest losses when compared to the box type K, considering conservation and integrity of fruits. In a five year period economic indicators point to the superior viability of the new container. The net present value was of R$ 60,700 and R$ 90,000 for crate type "K" and Embrapa crate, respectively. The benefit/cost ratio was 4.80 and 7.80 for this containers, respectively. Considering current prices of the product and total costs, replacement and product losses, Embrapa crate showed itself to be technically and economically viable.
Lycopersicon esculentum; post-harvest losses; package
