Apeel has teamed up with leading Central European e-grocer Rohlik Group as it continues to expand it reach into the European market.
Oranges treated with Apeel’s plant-based coating, which keeps fruit and vegetables fresh for up to twice as long, are now available throughout the Rohlik Group.
The Czech Republic-based retailer said the partnership stems from the challenge surrounding the growing global food waste issue and that it planned to introduce further products treated with Apeel in the future.
Apeel’s plant-based protection creates an edible “peel” that can be applied to freshly picked produce such as oranges. The edible layer surrounds the fruit and serves to keep the moisture inside, while the oxygen that removes that moisture remains outside. Apeel’s protective extra peel slows the water loss and oxidation that causes produce to go bad.
“A respectful approach to the environment is important to us. Therefore, for Rohlik Group, Apeel means two things: firstly, we manage to keep fruit and vegetables fresher for longer, and secondly, we are once again helping to avoid food waste”said Rohlik’s CCO, Olin Novák.
James Rogers, CEO of Apeel, said: “We're thrilled to have partners like Rohlik who recognise that giving their customers more time to enjoy produce isn't just good for the planet, it's good for business.
“Apeel's plant-based protection helps produce last two times longer, which means Rohlik's customers have access to high-quality produce that is much less likely to go to waste.”
The Rohlik Group sources its oranges directly from Iberhanse Group, a Spanish citrus and stonefruit producer with more than 25 years of experience that practices bio-inclusive agriculture on its farms.
“We are very pleased to start this partnership with Rohlik and Apeel, and we are proud to be able to take the next step together in developing and expanding sustainable food and combating food waste,”said Iberhanse’s CEO, Luis Bolaños.
“We have been successfully cooperating with Apeel for almost two years and we can only absolutely confirm how well their product works.”
By extending the shelf-life of fresh fruit and vegetables, Apeel coatings help to reduce food waste along the entire supply chain right down to households. The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that fruit and vegetables have some of the highest food waste rates at 45 per cent globally.
