SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Apeel BB #:345580 today announced an expanded partnership network made up of more than 20 avocado industry leaders using Apeel’s plant-based protection in the United States, Latin America and Europe.
New partners join Apeel’s current global network to provide year-round supply, longer-lasting external and internal quality, and quantifiable sustainability benefits to supply chain stakeholders.
In 2020 alone, avocado suppliers using Apeel made a measurable dent in the $2.6 trillion global food waste crisis by preventing at least 5 million avocados from going to waste, with much greater impacts to come in 2021 as a result of this expanded supplier base.
“This network of sustainability-focused suppliers has become a global force for good in the fight against food waste, unlocking opportunities and efficiencies for everyone while massively cutting waste through the supply chain, at retail and in consumers homes,” said Michael Schaeman, SVP of Global Sales at Apeel.
“Our collaboration with these incredible partners to deliver longer-lasting avocados is just the beginning of the benefits this network will be able to extend to their customers.”
Today, food-waste fighting Apeel Avocados are available in tens of thousands of retail locations around the world through a network of suppliers in the key growing regions that support the US and EU markets including California, Mexico, Peru and Chile, as well as marketers and importers in the US and Europe.
New suppliers such as Chilean grower El Parque BB #:299623 and Peruvian grower Agrícola Cerro Prieto provide greater retail access to key growing regions. Household names like Index Fresh BB #:112919, Calavo BB #:113203, Del Monte BB #:111187 and West Pak BB #:117036 are the most recent to announce the availability of Apeel Avocados in the U.S., adding to an avocado supplier network that was pioneered with early partners like Horton Fruit Company, Del Rey Avocado and Nature’s Pride BB #:209724.
Apeel calculates the environmental benefits associated with food waste reduction outcomes, so suppliers can offer their customers quantitative evidence of how reducing food waste accelerates their sustainability initiatives. What’s more, retailers know that every purchase of longer-lasting avocados will have an impact on their shoppers’ in-home waste as well.
Last year alone, Apeel estimates the avocado network prevented more than 5 million avocados from going to waste, resulting in more than 1 billion liters of water conserved (or enough water to fill 420 Olympic-sized pools) and nearly 2,100 mT CO2-eq of GHG emissions avoided (equivalent to planting 34k trees).
“With the nationwide launch of Apeel avocados at our German EDEKA supermarket and Netto discount stores, we are reaching a new milestone in our goal of reducing food waste step-by-step,” explained Markus Mosa, CEO of EDEKA. “We also support our shoppers to make an active contribution themselves to prevent valuable food in the household from ending up in the garbage bin.”
These waste reduction benefits are derived in part from Apeel’s ability to maintain external and internal quality all the way to the end consumer. With Apeel’s plant-based protection, retailers can see a 23% increase in marketable days for avocados between stages 4 and 5 – representing the ripeness that is most desirable for shoppers.
When a consumer cuts into their Apeel Avocado, they can expect a better eating experience, too. When Apeel is used, 39% more avocados have good internal quality (after 8 – 10 days post-ripening) compared to avocados without Apeel.
The network has been successful at implementing Apeel’s technology to create dramatic food waste reduction and business opportunities as a result of produce that lasts longer. Across its avocado programs, Apeel’s retail partners have experienced a 50% reduction in avocado waste and an associated 10% increase in sales on average.2
“Once we started carrying 100% Apeel produce in our stores on a consistent basis, things really took off. We were able to see the positive consumer response through the increase in sales,” said Mike Roberts, Director of Produce Operations at Harps Food Stores.
Produce buyers interested in reducing in-store waste and creating a better experience for their shoppers can get in touch with suppliers through Apeel’s Contact Us page.
ABOUT APEEL
Apeel is on a mission to create a more sustainable global food system by using the power of nature to enable longer-lasting produce that fights food waste from farm to kitchen. Apeel produce lasts 2x longer thanks to its plant-based protection made from materials found in the skins, peels and seeds of all fruits and vegetables. Apeel’s protective extra “peel” slows the water loss and oxidation that cause produce to go bad, and is the only proven end-to-end solution for maintaining freshness. Available for organic and conventionally grown produce, Apeel is expanding into an ever-growing number of categories and markets. Good for consumers and the planet, Apeel reduces environmental impacts and gives everyone throughout the supply chain—from growers to retailers to consumers—more time to enjoy fresh produce. Farmers can sell more of what they grow and people can consume 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.
