As part of their strategy to help reduce food waste, West Pak Avocado has partnered with Apeel, developer of a plant-based, end-to-end solution allowing a more extended shelf life for their premium avocados. Apeel’s plant-based protection is made from materials that are found in the skins, peels, and seeds of all plants. It creates an edible coating that keeps moisture in and oxygen out — the two primary causes of spoilage. This plant-based protection helps produce last two times longer, offering a sustainable way to fight food waste by enabling more time to enjoy West Pak avocados.
“I have no doubt that the Apeel process will resonate with many of our key retail partners,” states West Pak Avocado CEO Mario Pacheco. “It dovetails perfectly with our best practices with sustainability and our no-waste, no-hunger goal. We are actively applying the process for both Mexico and California programs in the western states and already have plans in motion for expanded distribution throughout the country.”
An add-on service in the fruit processing line, Apeel’s plant-based protection provides longevity and other benefits for the entire supply chain. For retailers, it affords higher retail margins, 50 percent less shrink on average, and the ability to maintain ready-to-eat fruit on display. For the end-user, Apeel avocados translate to less at-home spoilage and money loss. Avocados stay ripe longer, allowing consumers more time to consume the healthy green goodness of West Pak avocados.
“The benefits of the Apeel process extend not only through the store but all the way to the consumer level, as avocado lovers report less food shrink at home. It’s where that last avocado retains its freshness and does not go bad before it can be consumed,” adds West Pak Avocado Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Doug Meyer. “The longevity benefits help the conversation with our retail partners because avocados treated with Apeel last a long time, which equates to consumer loyalty to the retailer. Apeel is a top to bottom win across the entire supply chain!”
“We’re excited to work with West Pak to extend avocado shelf life and reduce food waste for our retail partners, and ultimately, the consumer at home,” says Apeel Vice President of Product Erich Klawuhn. “Apeel’s plant-based protection slows oxidation and water loss, and as a result, avocados with Apeel last two times longer."
The time-lapse video below shows how Apeel keeps avocados fresher longer.
For more information:
George Henderson
West Pak Avocado
Tel: 951-296-5757
George.henderson@westpakavocado.com
www.westpakavocado.com