Chilean exporter GESEX during 2020 continued with its upward course of sending Shel-Life coated fruit to the most demanding foreign markets. "PolyNatural products are at the core of our sustainability policies," assures Christian Gwynne, general manager of Gesex.
It all began in 2017 when Gesex, leading Chilean exporter of both conventional and organic stone fruits and nectarines, and PolyNatural, the startup behind Shel-Life – an organic coating that prolongs fruit shelf life in up to 40% - joined forces in a alliance that seemed destined for success. And it was based on the companies’ common view: "As a consequence of Gesex's vocation to innovation and sustainability, it was possible for our relationship to be forged on significant foundations of trust, dedication and commitment," says Francisco Palma, founder and CEO of PolyNatural.
Gesex, for its part, shared a similar first impression. “PolyNatural is a pioneering and innovative Chilean company, feature that motivated us to support them from the very beginning. The products they are developing are at the core of our sustainability policies,” assures Christian Gwynne, general manager of the exporter.
Trials began that same year with Shel-Life Stone Fruit at the Gesex laboratories yielding positive results allowing for the 2018 validations to intensify. The year ended with the first production line application, consolidating PolyNatural’s first sale. A relevant milestone, considering that Gesex covers markets in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America.
In 2020, the relationship consolidated with a new purchase of Shel-Life for the coating of nectarines and plums. “Until that moment, we had only used synthetic products for post-harvest treatments, without having been able to experience alternative natural coatings. Since we started testing this type of treatment, we have seen an important potential in offering residue-free fruits that are in increasing demand,” says Gwynne.
Meanwhile, PolyNatural continues to grow. In January 2020, in a recent round of capital raising where ChileGlobal Ventures, Endurance and TheYieldLab participated, US $ 800,000 were attained. For Palma, the work with Gesex confirms the reasons for this success: “Gesex is a world benchmark; a company with a young, innovative and sustainable mindset. Having validated our product with a company that does things well, and that is willing to open the door to upcoming trends, positions us at an entirely different level ”.
For more information:
Vicente Traviesa
PolyNatural
Tel: +56 9 9999 5111
Email: vicente@polynatural.cl
www.polynatural.cl