Danish group Salling reduced food waste in its avocado segment by two thirds (66%) thanks to go out of “Apeel” technology.

The group, which operates the Bilka and føtex chains, among others, was the first retail company in Denmark to launch a nationwide test of Apeel a year ago.

The group said sales increased as a result of the trial period and food waste was reduced.

How it works

Apeel, which has also been rolled out at retailers such as German Edeka, is a herbal coating that is added to the surface of certain foods so that it stays fresher for longer.

Specifically, Apeel is composed of elements of pulp, peels and seeds of vegetables and fruits, which help to retain moisture and prevent oxygen from entering at the same time, so that the shelf life is extended.

Stephan Bruhn, Director of Purchasing, Fruits and Vegetables at Salling Group, said: “WWe had high expectations of the new technology, and of course we are happy with the result, but also surprised. The new technology extends quality, resilience and above all sustainability, and it benefits us, because we have high ambitions to reduce our total food waste.

“This is very beneficial for consumers who in the future will throw away less fruit and vegetables. The technology must also be used on other products.”

Subsequent use

Avocados were the first product tested and now Apeel avocados are a regular part of the Bilka and føtex range.

The Salling Group is now ready to use the technology on even more fruits and vegetables, with Braun saying “it is also natural that we are now preparing to extend the technology to even more fruits and vegetables, “because of customer satisfaction with the product.

The retail group will use Apeel as another method of tackling food waste in its stores, with the group reduce its total percentage of food waste by 44% since 2015.

© 2021 European magazine for supermarkets. Article by Conor Farrelly. For more information on fresh produce, click on here. Click on subscribe to subscribe to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.