Kroger has announced plans to roll out avocados layered with Apeel's innovative plant-based coating in more than 1,100 stores across the US.
The decision follows a successful trial, launched last year in 109 Midwest Kroger stores, which saw a significant reduction in food waste in the category.
The retailer will also conduct a pilot project for asparagus and limes with the coating in its Cincinnati market this fall.
'Another Milestone'
"Kroger is excited to offer more customers Apeel avocados and introduce longer-lasting limes and asparagus, marking another milestone on our journey to achieving our Zero Hunger | Zero Waste vision," said Frank Romero, Kroger's vice-president of produce.
"Apeel's innovative food-based solution has proven to extend the life of perishable produce, reducing food waste in transport, in our retail stores, and in our customers' homes."
Appel Sciences has developed a plant-based, edible coating that increases the shelf life of certain fresh fruit and vegetables such as avocados, limes, and asparagus.
The collaboration will play an important role in preventing millions of perishable fresh fruit and vegetables from ending up in trash cans.
Alleviate The Food Waste Crisis
James Rogers, CEO of Apeel Sciences, said, "Kroger is leading the way to alleviate the food waste crisis at every level, from its supply chain to its retail stores to the homes of over 11 million customers who shop at Kroger every day.
"We're excited to expand our partnership with Kroger to further prevent food waste while simultaneously giving families more access and time to enjoy healthy fresh produce."
One in eight Americans struggle with hunger, while almost 40% of the food produced in the country is thrown away, Kroger said.
Food waste also contributes to around 8% of annual greenhouse gas emissions, and is considered a top cause of climate change.
In the UK, Asda is also testing Apeel's edible coating in clementines offered in its outlets in Kent and Yorkshire.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
