In a study by MMR Research Worldwide, 160
household shoppers evaluated bananas stored over a seven-day period. The study participants, both men and women, were frequent banana buyers — purchasing and consuming bananas at least once a week. The outcome of the study showed that consumers prefer the taste, texture and appearance of bananas handled with the RipeLock™ Quality System over other market bananas.
Differences in taste and appearance showed up on day one and became even more pronounced as the bananas ripened. By day three, consumers clearly preferred bananas handled with RipeLock, and preference continued through the end of the study. Overall, seven out of 10 participants said they preferred RipeLock bananas over conventionally handled fruit.
A bright yellow peel is a key factor in consumer freshness perception. From the first day of the study, peel color of RipeLock bananas scored consistently higher than conventional bananas. As the study continued, bananas handled with RipeLock retained their yellow color much better than the conventional bananas.
When evaluating unpeeled bananas, consumers also rated RipeLock bananas higher in freshness, appearance, taste and optimal ripeness throughout the entire study period.
Improved banana appearance, texture and flavor influenced buying intentions. Considering the overall experience of two different bunches of bananas, more than 80 percent of consumers said they would likely purchase the bananas handled with RipeLock, and only 57 percent said they would purchase the conventional bananas.
Better bananas, less waste
The study also showed that use of RipeLock leads to less potential waste. On the seventh day of the study, 39 percent of the study participants refused to eat the conventional bananas based on their appearance. Only 29 percent of participants refused the RipeLock bananas.
“These results demonstrate retail and in-home benefits to using the RipeLock system,” said André Vink, European manager, RipeLock, with AgroFresh. “RipeLock allows consumers to confidently purchase enough bananas for a full week without worry of wasting overripe fruit.”
How RipeLock works
The RipeLock system from AgroFresh controls ripening to preserve banana quality during shipping, distribution and display, as well as in the home. It has two components: a unique laser microperforated Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) bag and a proprietary RipeLock 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) formulation.
The RipeLock™ Quality System offers banana-handling flexibility and quality consistency for brand owners, wholesalers, ripeners, retailers and consumers. The system is registered for use in Austria, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, United States and Canada. The company expects registration in Germany early this year.
See AgroFresh in Hall 21, Stand B-04, Fruit Logistica, 3 - 5 Feb. 2016 in Berlin.
Please visit www.agrofresh.com.
Contacts:
For AgroFresh Solutions, Inc.
Donna Greiner
AgroFresh Solutions, Inc.
+1 610-244-6665
DAGreiner@agrofresh.com
For Bader Rutter
Marisa Riley
Bader Rutter
+1 262-938-5770
mriley@bader-rutter.com