Photo Report 2017 Fruit Logistica Innovation Award

Trade visitors to Fruit Logistica in Berlin have voted: this year's Fruit Logistica Innovation Award goes to Knox – Delayed Pinking in Fresh Cut Lettuce - from the Dutch firm, Rijk Zwaan. Knox delays the discolouration – so-called pinking – at the edges of fresh-cut lettuce. This not only extends the shelf-life of lettuce by one to two days, but also reduces food waste. Because the discolouration that is visually unattractive to consumers has previously led to the wholesale rejection of even unaffected produce.

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"Thank you! That's fantastic; we are extremely proud and honoured. Thanks to everyone who voted for us and a special thank-you to our team, of course. And last but not least, I'd like to thank all our partners in the value-added chain – they've helped us by explaining the benefits of our development," said Jan Doldersum, Manager Marketing and Business Development at Rijk Zwaan Distribution B.V.

In second place, Fruit Logistica trade visitors voted for The Cracking Monkey Pili Nuts from the German firm, Die Frischebox. The Vitamin E content of these nuts is considerably higher than that of other nuts. Pili Nuts come from the Philippines and are opened using the stainless steel nutcrackers supplied, which are made from recycled cutlery. The nuts are delivered in an environmentally-friendly cotton pouch, which is printed with soya-based ink.

Visitors to the trade show voted for Natupol Excel – Bumble Bee Vision - from Koppert Biological Systems from the Netherlands in third place. This product acts as a navigation aid for greenhouse bees during the darker winter months and in artificial light, helping them find their way back to their hives and allowing them to put all their energy into the pollination of fruit and vegetable cultures.