Apeel-coated Limoneira lemons will hit shelves soon
California-based citrus growers-shipper and marketing company Limoneira has entered an exclusive licensing deal with Apeel Sciences, which will result in Limoneira offering lemons throughout its supply chain protected with Apeel’s coating technology.
Apeel’s non-GMO and edible plant-based coating maintains moisture for longer and reduces oxidation preventing spoilage throughout the supply chain, according to a news release.
For lemons, this means the fruits remains juicy and retains its bright yellow color longer. As Apeel's first fully integrated lemon supplier in the U.S., Limoneira will significantly expand availability of Apeel-protected lemons domestically and internationally through Limoneira-affiliated packing facilities and licensing management.
“The supply chain ultimately ends at the shopper’s countertop and the restaurant table where quality acts as a positive reinforcement to where the shopper makes their purchases. Utilizing Apeel provides the opportunity to have a better first impression and more importantly to have a greater ‘lasting impression’ which benefits all stakeholders,” John Carter, Limoneira vice president of citrus, said in the release.
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In product trials conducted by Limoneira, Apeel-protected lemons demonstrated a significant difference in quality compared to other coatings, according to the release. Apeel-protected lemons exhibited reduced water loss, shrivel and coloring change or "bronzing," including when tested in ambient conditions.
To the grower, this confirms that Apeel’s technology allows citrus to retain its quality for longer regardless of how they are stored or merchandised, which improves Limoneira’s strategic position for market opportunities with retail and food service customers demanding a more sustainable approach to providing the highest-quality, freshest produce, according to the release.
“Apeel’s technology brings with it a new set of opportunities for the category and Limoneira’s customers,” James Rogers, founder and CEO of Apeel Sciences, said in the release. “Growers working with Limoneira can expect access to new channels of distribution, retailers can expect energy and cost savings during warehousing and distribution, and consumers can expect an experience they need to see to believe.”
What’s more, Rogers said, the two companies are excited about both the short-term and long-term implications of the deal, establishing a foundation for continuous incremental improvements.
“We are excited to be working with Apeel to generate greater supply chain flexibility, maintain higher-quality lemons, decrease costs and reduce waste all to the benefit of our growers, customers, shoppers and the environment,” Harold Edwards, president and CEO of Limoneira, said in the release. “Since 1893, Limoneira has been a leader in the ‘what’s next’ category, and we see offering Apeel-protected lemons as a truly natural next step to continue delivering the World’s Best Lemons.”
