The SmartFresh™ Quality System is a new storage management tool that guards against the natural elements that cause loss in quality and over-ripening in fruit. SmartFresh™ technology preparation is a sugar-based powder formulation (cyclodextrine – dextrose), including 3.3 % of 1-methylcyclopropene. Its structure is similar to the naturally occurring ethylene, which causes ripening and, ultimately, spoilage of the fruit. During storage and transport, SmartFresh™ technology interacts with the ethylene-sensitive sites in fruits. As a consequence, the negative effects of ripening occur at a much slower rate and the freshness, flavour and appearance of fruit can be sustained. Fruits keep their firmness better on the shelf and at home. Today, the SmartFresh™ Quality System can be used as part of traditional storage management procedures. The whole application process takes about 24h. The fruit can be moved to be packed or held in cold storage. The ripening process restarts in full, once the fruit is exposed to ambient conditions.
SmartFresh™ technology benefits the industry, because it contributes to the maintenance of superior quality throughout the supply chain, while limiting waste from storage disorders, over-ripening and spoilage. It increases operational flexibility, pack-out yields and provides new opportunities for dynamic growth. Taste panels and in-store taste tests in several European countries have proven that more than 67 % of consumers prefer taste and flavour of SmartFresh™ apples compared to regular apples. Taste expectations are the top factor for consumers’ satisfaction and have a direct effect on the number of repeated purchases. Environmentally friendly and safe, the application of SmartFresh™ during fruit storage does not leave any residues, neither in or on the fruits, nor in the environment. The integration of SmartFresh™technology in the quality and storage management system of fruits does not require anything else other than a few litres of tap water, in which the SmartFresh™powder is dissolved. The active ingredient in SmartFresh™ is entirely released in the storage room. The water can be poured out normally afterwards (which is completely approved by European Authorities); no water recycling is needed. The use of SmartFresh™ has no impact on the environment. SmartFresh Quality System does not generate any waste. SmartFresh™helps customers preserve the earth’s resources and minimize their footprint as the technology has made the supply chain for apples more sustainable by reducing over 10 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions out of the air in the U.S., France and Italy. In other countries throughout the world, SmartFresh™ has reduced CO2 emissions by approximately 342,000 tonnes.*
*Extrapolation from 2015-2018 for SmartFresh markets outside of the US, France and Italy
Landseer carries out SmartFresh applications in The UK and Eire in co-operation with AgroFresh. AgroFresh is the point of contact for SmartFresh and applications are carried out under its direct control, together with Landseer
AgroFresh (Nasdaq: AGFS) is an AgTech innovator and global leader with a mission to prevent food loss/waste and conserve the planet’s resources by providing a range of science-based solutions, data-driven digital technologies and high-touch customer services. AgroFresh supports growers, packers and retailers with solutions across the food supply chain to enhance the quality and extend the shelf life of fresh produce. The AgroFresh organization has 40 years of post-harvest experience across a broad range of crops, including revolutionizing the apple industry with the SmartFresh™ Quality System for more than 20 years. This is powered by a comprehensive portfolio that includes plant-based coatings, equipment and proprietary solutions that help improve the freshness supply chain from harvest to the home. Visit agrofresh.com to learn more
SmartFresh™ is applied by Landseer on behalf of Agrofresh.