Janssen PMP, a division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, and Fresh Inset say they have partnered to exclusively commercialize Fresh Inset’s Vidre+ technology in Europe.
Fresh Inset and Janssen PMP initially worked together to evaluate the Vidre+ technology for postharvest storage and transportation of fruits and vegetables, according to a news release. The technology, in the form of the Vidre+ stickers and pads, proved to have a great impact on the quality of produce during storage, transportation and retail display, Fresh Inset said.
Vidre+ technology helps to extend the freshness and shelf life of produce, effectively offering a solution to some of the most pressing challenges for growers, packers, distributors, retailers and consumers, according to the company.
Vidre+ provides growers, packers, distributors and retailers with a new management tool so they can deliver just harvested freshness quality on a year-round basis, and it enables retailers to increase their revenue and consumer satisfaction with fresh, high-quality produce, while minimizing food losses at the same time, the release said.
“Being able to apply 1-MCP in an innovative way allows a control application through a Vidre+ sticker, a Vidre+ pad or directly on the packaging itself gives fresh produce stakeholders a lot of additional flexibility,” said Geoffroy de Chabot-Tramecourt, director of research and development and business development at Janssen PMP. “With Vidre+ there is no need to change any existing packaging and shipping processes. In Fresh Inset, we found a reliable partner to minimize losses and to maximize shelf life throughout the produce supply chain.”
The use of 1-Methylcyclopropene, or 1-MCP, to combat the negative effects of ethylene and extend produce shelf life is not new. However, Fresh Inset said it features dose rate flexibility and gradual release technology that is operationally simple, affordable and enhances profitability.
Vidre+ technology gradually, timely and precisely releases the active ingredient, which binds to the ethylene receptors, preventing ethylene from binding, according to the release. Ethylene is a natural ripening hormone in fruits and vegetables, and using Vidre+ effectively slows down the ripening and aging of fruits and vegetables, according to the release, Fresh Inset said.
Proven efficacy of Vidre+ has been observed on crops such as apples and pears, table grapes, berries, raspberries, kiwi, broccoli and much more, the release said. Fresh Inset said Vidre+ can be applied to the inside of any existing packaging from clamshells, sealed punnets to liner bags, etc. during the packaging process and thus enhance it with an extended freshness function. The product will help prolong the shelf life, quality and nutritional values of the produce all the way to the supermarket display and consumer, the company said.
“Vidre+ technology performance will make high-quality produce available to both retailers and consumers,” Krzysztof Czaplicki, board member and chief strategy officer for Fresh Inset, said in the release.
