Tesco and Asda to double shelf life of fruit

Big 4 grocer’s Tesco and Asda are set to a trial plant-based protection that keeps fruit fresh for up to twice as long, extending their shelf life and reducing food waste.

The product, Apeel, is made from the same materials found in peels, seeds and pulp and its aim is to slow down fresh fruits and vegetables rates of spoilage, keeping fruits and vegetables fresher for longer –  reducing food waste between the supplier and store, as well as for customers.

“We are really excited to be working with Apeel – bringing the great work they’ve been doing globally, to our UK customers,” Asda senior director Dominic Edwards said.

“During this programme, we will be learning more about the benefits of longer-lasting produce for our customers, and we are looking forward to seeing what further developments this could lead to in the future.”

READ MORE: UK supermarkets create 200,000 tonnes of food waste

Supermarket giant Tesco is set to trial Apeel in approximately 80 Tesco Extras and Superstores around the Peterborough area, where they will stock Apeel-coated Jaffa oranges, Jaffa sweet easy peelers and lemon packs.

After the trial, it will go through Tesco customer panels for feedback.

“Tackling food waste is one of the ways we’re working hard to minimise our environmental impact and help protect the planet,” Tesco Group quality director Sarah Bradbury said.

“Apeel could be a powerful tool in helping us cut waste in our supply chain and help customers reduce it in their homes.”

Additionally, Apeel could help reduce plastic packaging. Currently, plastic is used to extend the shelf life of produce but will not be needed if Apeel can replicate the protective benefit of the packaging.

This aligns with the supermarket’s packaging strategy as earlier this month, the Big 4 grocer announced it had removed more than one and a half billion pieces of plastic from its UK business since it launched the 4Rs scheme.

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