Westfalia Fruit has announced progress in its collaboration with AgroSustain, an agri-tech company specializing in sustainable crop protection, to test and implement Afondo, an edible bio-coating designed to extend shelf life and reduce post-harvest losses in avocados and other fresh produce.
The partnership, first initiated in 2022, focuses on reducing food waste and chemical residues along the supply chain. Over the past three years, AgroSustain has carried out efficacy trials across major avocado-growing regions in Latin America and Africa, including Peru, Colombia, Chile, South Africa, and Tanzania. According to the company, the results have been consistent across geographies and varieties, with Afondo showing strong performance in real-life commercial supply chains validated directly by clients.
© Westfalia Fruit
Key findings from the trials indicate that the coating does not affect fruit ripening, a crucial parameter for post-harvest management. Afondo forms an invisible physical barrier on the fruit surface, sealing micro-wounds that can otherwise serve as entry points for fungi. This mechanism allows growers to reduce the need for post-harvest fungicides by up to 50%, while also achieving comparable reductions in food waste throughout the distribution chain.
Following successful preliminary trials, Westfalia has begun commercial testing with selected customers in Europe to evaluate the coating's performance under market conditions and its compatibility with existing quality standards.
Andrew Mitchell, Head of Innovation at Westfalia Fruit, said, "Our collaboration with AgroSustain reflects our shared commitment to sustainability and delivering high-quality produce to our customers. One of the benefits of the Afondo coating is its flexibility; we can incorporate it into our existing operations as an option for customers who are impressed by its results."
AgroSustain CEO Olga Dubey added, "Working with Westfalia has been a collaborative and inspiring journey. Together, we are optimizing supply chain integration and preparing to launch a bio-coating for organic crops in the near future."
While the primary focus remains on avocados and limes, both companies are exploring potential applications for other fruits handled by Westfalia, such as passion fruit and mangoes. The Afondo coating has also shown potential benefits for citrus, nectarines, and cherries.
With its demonstrated results in reducing fungicide use and food waste, the technology is positioned to support producers and distributors aiming to enhance product quality, extend shelf life, and adopt more sustainable post-harvest practices.
© Westfalia FruitFor more information:
Janine Hatfield
Westfalia Fruit
Tel: +44 1322 425512
Email: [email protected]
www.westfaliafruit.com
