PRESS RELEASE Just a few weeks in, Apeel Avocados are soon to represent 100% of the fresh avocados offered at Martin’s Super Markets.
The Apeel Avocado rollout at Martin’s Super Markets was accelerated after virtually zero shrink was seen with Apeel Avocados in commercial testing. Martin’s confidence in Apeel
Avocados is testament to the tremendous opportunity and value provided by Apeel’s plant-derived food waste prevention technology, which on average doubles the edible shelf life of avocados.
The move also demonstrates Martin’s firm commitment to delivering on their promise of providing their shoppers “the best quality products.”
Martin’s evaluates products on three levels: taste profile, appearance (size, color, and overall eye appeal), and customer longevity, which is how much time the customer has at home to use the product. If a product doesn’t meet these quality standards, Martin’s won’t carry it.
Apeel avocados will be highlighted in Martin’s Super Markets with a “Freshness that Won’t Go to Waste” in-store campaign, including secondary display units and signage educating consumers about the power of Apeel to reduce the common problem of food waste at home and in the world.
While Martin’s program data is still rolling in, Apeel Sciences is reporting a 50% or more reduction in avocado shrink at the retail level across programs and some partners have experienced as much as a 65 percentage-point margin increase and a 10% increase in sales in the avocado category due to Apeel, despite inflation or other fluctuations.
Apeel is still accepting select avocado, citrus and asparagus suppliers into its exclusive program, which enables suppliers to bring a powerful point of differentiation to retail partners and fresher produce that won’t go to waste to the end consumer. Interested suppliers and retailer can inquire here.
“We are committed to offering our customers the best possible produce while at the same time providing exceptional value. In keeping with this goal, we tested the Apeel avocados at several locations over several months. The results were positive in terms of customer feedback and increased sales along with a significant reduction in shrink,” said Ed Osowski, Director of Produce, Martin’s Super Markets.
“We share Martin’s passion for delivering the best quality produce to shoppers, and are thrilled with their decision to partner with us as the solution for quality extension and shrink reduction,” said Gordon Robertson, Chief Revenue Officer, Apeel.
About Apeel:
Every plant on earth has a peel or skin that protects it. From oranges to apples to tomatoes and raspberries, the materials found in the skins and peels of plants are ubiquitous and consumed in the human diet in high quantities every day. Using these same materials, Apeel’s plant-derived technology provides produce a little extra peel that slows the rate of water loss and oxidation — the primary causes of spoilage. Apeel produce stays fresh two to three times longer, which promotes more sustainable growing practices, better quality food, and less food waste from farm to retail shelf to home. For suppliers and retailers, Apeel produce is the only produce that has an optimal microclimate inside of every piece of fruit, which leads to improved quality, extended shelf life, and transportability — without reliance on refrigeration, controlled atmosphere, or preservatives.
About Martin’s:
Martin’s Super Markets currently has 21 stores in South Bend, Mishawaka, Granger, Elkhart, Goshen, Plymouth, Nappanee, Logansport and Warsaw, Indiana, and Niles, Stevensville and St. Joseph, Michigan. The company also operates 17 in-store pharmacies, a pharmacy at Saint Joseph Health System in Mishawaka, a Martin’s Express convenience store in South Bend and a Side Door Café at Elkhart General Hospital.
