Banana giant Chiquita has signed a deal which will see the use of high-tech packaging to extend the shelf life of its fruit.
Chiquita Brands International has signed a deal with the Landec Corporation to use the company’s Intelimer packaging technology for bananas.
The fruit company has entered into a joint technology development and supply agreement with Landec’s food subsidiary Apio.
Fernando Aguirre, Chiquita chairman, said: “We have been evaluating the Intelimer packaging technology for bananas for two years and, based on the results, we believe this product will significantly extend the shelf life of bananas, which offers a significant benefit.”
Under the long-term agreement, Apio will supply Chiquita with the packaging on a worldwide basis for the ripening, conservation and shelf life extension of bananas in selective applications on an exclusive basis, and other applications on a non-exclusive basis.
To maintain the exclusive licence, Chiquita must meet minimum purchase thresholds of Interlimer based banana packages.
