Peruvian produce marketer Camposol will use Philadelphia-based AgroFresh Solutions, Inc.'s VitaFresh Botanicals plant-based, edible coatings to extend shelf life for ripened avocados bound for export markets, according to a news release.
VitaFresh Botanicals is a proprietary, plant-based portfolio of solutions for a wide variety of crops including avocados, citrus and mangoes, the release said.
According to AgroFresh, its coating range utilize “anti-thirst” technology to boost the skin’s natural protection, creating a “double skin” membrane that reduces dehydration, maintains weight and locks in produce freshness throughout the supply chain.
Camposol will use AgroFresh’s VitaFresh Botanicals to help expand and grow their business with European, U.S. and Chinese retailers, the release said.
By using the VitaFresh Botanicals coatings, the release said Camposol’s ripened avocados will have an added two to four days of extended shelf life after arriving at retail locations (versus uncoated avocados), which will help to reduce retail food waste and potentially generate up to 200% retailer return on investment.
“This new strategic relationship represents another step forward in AgroFresh’s decades-long commitment to providing innovative solutions to help our customers extend produce shelf life, and deliver superior eating experiences to consumers,” AgroFresh CEO Jordi Ferre said in the release. “It also represents a major step in our diversification efforts.”
José Antonio Gómez Bazán, managing director, Camposol International, said in the release that the company looked at multiple options and chose AgroFresh and VitaFresh Botanicals “because of their ability to achieve the technical performance and efficacy the company needed.
“What’s more, as a global company, AgroFresh can support our global expansion and offer the post-harvest expertise and in-depth technical and R&D support that we need to attain our business objectives,” he said in the release.
Camposol will install AgroFresh’s Control-Tec Applicator equipment in their European and U.S. facilities, with plans to add equipment in China, the release said.
