The Kroger Co. and Apeel Sciences today announced that Apeel’s "longer-lasting" avocados will be available in more than 1,100 Kroger stores in the U.S. Kroger will also introduce two new produce categories, Apeel asparagus and Apeel limes, through a pilot in its Cincinnati market this fall.
“Kroger is excited to offer more customers Apeel avocados and introduce longer-lasting limes and asparagus, marking another milestone on our journey to achieving our Zero Hunger | Zero Waste vision,” said Frank Romero, Kroger's vice president of produce. “Apeel’s innovative food-based solution has proven to extend the life of perishable produce, reducing food waste in transport, in our retail stores and in our customers’ homes.”
“Kroger is leading the way to alleviate the food waste crisis at every level, from its supply chain to its retail stores to the homes of over 11 million customers who shop at Kroger every day,” said James Rogers, CEO of Apeel Sciences. “We’re excited to expand our partnership with Kroger to further prevent food waste while simultaneously giving families more access and time to enjoy healthy fresh produce.”
The Kroger expansion follows a pilot of Apeel avocados the retailer launched one year ago in 109 Midwest stores. The company said it resulted in significantly reduced category food waste. Apeel says its avocados, asparagus and limes maintain their just-harvested quality longer than produce without Apeel and are less reliant on refrigeration, reducing food waste and extending customers’ access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Accordingo to both Kroger and Apeel, the retail partnership focuses on tackling the country’s food-waste paradox. Today, 40 percent of the food produced is thrown away, yet 1 in 8 Americans struggle with hunger, they said, adding that food waste contributes roughly 8 percent of annual greenhouse gas emissions and is considered a top cause of climate change.
Apeel listed the benefits it says result from the partnership with Kroger:
- Millions of avocados “rescued” from going to waste.
- Dozens of acres of farmland preserved.
- Emission reductions of thousands of metric tons in greenhouse gases.
- Over a billion gallons of water use savings.
- 100,000+ GJ of non-renewable energy reductions.
For more information:
www.apeel.com