Asda is trialling a new fresh produce coating that could “triple” their shelf life and reduce the volume of food waste sent to landfill.
The new technology from Apeel Sciences, which is being trialled for the first time in the UK after being granted approval by the EU Commission in June, is a plant-derived, water-based coating that produces extra ‘peel’ around fruits and vegetables in order to reduce the rate that fresh produce spoils.
According to Asda, the technology may have the ability to triple the shelf life of many types of fresh produce which could drastically reduce the amount of food waste sent to landfill each year.
Asda will be trailing the new coating in its Chatham store in Kent and its Glasshoughton store Yorkshire on a shipment of Asda clementine.
Increasing shelf life means our customers can enjoy fresher produce for longer, so we’re really excited about the potential of Apeel and I’m delighted Asda is part of this trial
The technology is already used across the US in stores such as Costco, Kroger and Harps, where it helps to extend the shelf life of apples, asparagus, limes and lemons.
Nasir Ahmed, produce and technical manager at Asda, said: “Increasing shelf life means our customers can enjoy fresher produce for longer, so we’re really excited about the potential of Apeel and I’m delighted Asda is part of this trial.”
Gordon Robertson, chief revenue officer at Apeel Sciences, added: “As a true innovator and sustainability leader, Asda is our first UK retail partner to demonstrate its commitment to fighting the global food waste crisis, starting with Apeel mandarins that stay fresh much longer.
“This commercial test will be the next step in validating Apeel’s ability to make an impact on reducing food waste in stores and for consumers, with the goal of Apeel produce arriving on shelves at more Asda stores and other retailers across Europe.”
