Tesco and Asda have begun trialling a plant-based coating that can keep fruit fresh for up to twice as long.
The product, called Apeel, creates an extra layer that slows water loss and oxidation. It can be used on fruits and vegetables to slow down their rate of spoilage, helping fight food waste between the supplier and store, and in the home. It will be the first time that the technology has been used at scale in the UK.
UK households currently throw away 6.6 million tonnes of food waste a year and 400,000 tonnes of that is fruit.
The trials will see approximately 80 Tesco Extras and Superstores around the Peterborough area stock Apeel-coated Jaffa Oranges, Jaffa Sweet Easy Peelers and Lemon Packs to understand its effect on shelf life. It will then be put through Tesco customer panels for feedback.
The retailer highlighted that Apeel could also potentially help reduce plastic packaging. Currently, the shelf life of cucumbers is extended by using plastic wrap. This will no longer be needed if Apeel is able to replicate the protective benefit of packaging.
Sarah Bradbury, Tesco Group Quality Director, commented: “Tackling food waste is one of the ways we’re working hard to minimise our environmental impact and help protect the planet. Apeel could be a powerful tool in helping us cut waste in our supply chain and help customers reduce it in their homes.”
Meanwhile, Asda will introduce citrus fruits and avocados with the plant-based protection in around 150 stores.
Asda Senior Director Dominic Edwards commented: “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.”
