Shoppers in the Netherlands have become accustomed to seeing fresh produce shelves covered in a layer of fine 'dry mist'. But why?
'To keep fruit and vegetables fresh for longer, and ultimately reduce food waste, as well as plastic waste,' according to the Dutch manufacturer of the technology, Contronics.
At the beginning of last year, Albert Heijn commenced a national rollout, while other Dutch retailers such as Plus, Jumbo and Dekamarkt have also adopted the technology in multiple stores.
"In the past year and a half, we have installed our 'Dry Misting' solution, as we call it, to more than 500 stores here in the Netherlands," says Rogier Klein Sprokkelhorst, international sales manager at Contronics. "With these numbers, it has rapidly become very visible for most shoppers in the Netherlands."
Dealing With Dehydration
Dehydration of fruit and veg on display is a very common problem in the supermarket.
“Take green beans as an example," says Sprokkelhorst. "It is shocking to learn that 10% of their weight literally evaporates out of a supermarket’s front door. The remaining product quickly becomes wrinkly and limp, and too often ends up in the bin. This is what retailers want to counter with Dry Misting."
The technology works through ultra-small Dry Mist aerosols (from pure, filtered water), which evaporate immediately just above the produce, surrounding it in cool layer of high, humid air. In this way, fruit and vegetables can retain their natural moisture longer and stray fresh much longer.
“We call it Dry Misting, because in this process there is no added wetness on the product or on the shelves," says Sprokkelhorst. "This is what makes it unique.
"In the US, for example, you still see automated water sprays in use. We have to explain to our customers that this is like comparing apples with pears. We make fog, not rain."
For more information, visit www.contronics.nl
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