ASDA is set to begin a significant new program in partnership with Apeel Sciences BB #:345580, which will introduce Citrus fruits and Avocados with plant-based protection in 150 stores, to increase shelf life and prevent food waste.
It will be the first time that this technology has been used on this scale in the UK.
Apeel’s plant- based protection is made from the same materials found in peels, seeds & pulp and its aim is to slow down the spoiling process. It works by sealing moisture in and keeping oxygen out so that quality and freshness can be maintained for longer, giving customers longer to enjoy their Produce and thus helping to prevent food waste.
Globally, food waste is a significant contributor to climate change, accounting for 8% of total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). In the UK alone, food waste is responsible for an estimated 36 million tonnes of GHG emissions every year, according to WRAP.
The food waste that Asda hopes to avoid in partnership with Apeel will help the supermarket move towards its target of cutting waste by 50% by 2030.
Asda Senior Director Dominic Edwards, said “We are always looking for ways to improve the shelf life of our products and make it easier for our customers to make more sustainable food choices whilst making their money go further. We are really excited to be working with Apeel – bringing the great work they’ve been doing globally, to our UK customers. During this programme, we will be learning more about the benefits of longer-lasting produce for our customers, and we are looking forward to seeing what further developments this could lead to in the future.”
Apeel CEO James Rogers, said “Asda is obsessed with helping their customers’ budgets stretch farther. Now with the availability of longer-lasting produce, Asda has opened a new dimension of value for their shoppers. When shoppers have more time with their food, more of what they buy gets eaten instead of thrown away. How often does saving money help save the planet? It’s happening every day at Asda.”
About ASDA
ASDA was founded in 1965 through the merger of the Asquith family grocery business with the Associated Dairies company and its name is derived from this merger.
Headquartered in Leeds, ASDA is the UK’s third-largest supermarket by market share, employing more than 140,000 colleagues and serving over 18m customers every week in its 633 stores and online via www.ASDA.com Its George clothing division, which launched in 1989 and is based in Leicestershire, is the UK’s second-largest clothing retailer by volume.
ASDA has a long heritage in providing customers with low prices and in June 2021 was crowned the UK’s lowest-priced supermarket by the Grocer magazine for the 24th consecutive year.
In October 2020, ASDA was acquired from Walmart by the Issa brothers and TDR Capital.
About Apeel
Apeel is on a mission to create a more sustainable global food system by working with nature to use the power of materials and data sciences. Apeel’s plant-based protection allows for longer-lasting produce by using materials already found in the skins, peels, and seeds of all fruits and vegetables. This protective extra “peel” slows the water loss and oxidation that causes produce to spoil, and it’s the only proven solution for maintaining freshness from farm to kitchen. Apeel’s plant-based protection is available for an ever-growing number of categories and markets, including organic and conventionally grown produce. Additionally, Apeel is integrating new tools that will allow the food system to do more with the extra time created by Apeel’s plant-based protection. Farmers can sell more of what they grow, retailers can sell more of what they source, and people can enjoy more of what they buy, creating a healthier planet and greater abundance for all. Apeel is Food Gone Good.
Apeel is a trademark/registered trademark of Apeel Technology, Inc. in the United States, the European Union, and other jurisdictions. To learn more, visit apeel.com.
