Philadelphia-based AgroFresh Solutions Inc. has launched plant-based edible coatings for produce freshness under the VitaFresh Botanicals brand.
VitaFresh Botanicals is a proprietary, plant-based portfolio of solutions for a wide variety of crops from citrus to avocados to mangoes, according to a news release.
“AgroFresh has a long history of innovation and a well-earned reputation as a trusted leader in all science and application aspects of produce freshness,” AgroFresh CEO Jordi Ferre said in the release.
“VitaFresh Botanicals is an important next step for our customers, providing true edible coatings and technical performance adapted to each crop’s unique physiology, in a flexible and operator-friendly format.”
The products use “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, according to the release.
The solutions are easy to apply as part of regular packinghouse operations, according to the release, and AgroFresh provides customers with the necessary application equipment and expertise.
“Unlike coatings that require higher drying temperatures with 40% more energy usage, VitaFresh Botanicals products offer enhanced drying at lower temperatures,” Ann Beaulieu, vice president of research and development and regulatory at AgroFresh, said in the release.
“Our formulation stabilization process helps operators preserve produce, maintain freshness throughout the supply chain, and ship longer distances, generating cost efficiencies and helping growers and packers sell more produce worldwide. Further, because VitaFresh Botanicals are edible coatings, they can be used on crops where the skin is eaten, including in the European Union.”
