Knox wins 2017 Fruit Logistica Innovation Award

This year’s Fruit Logistica Innovation Award goes to “Knox – Delayed Pinking in Fresh Cut Lettuce” from the Dutch firm, Rijk Zwaan. Knox delays the discoloration – so-called pinking – at the edges of fresh-cut lettuce. This not only extends the shelf-life of lettuce by one to two days, but also reduces food waste, according to the company.

“We are extremely proud and honored. Thanks to everyone who voted for us and a special thank-you to our team, of course,” said Jan Doldersum, manager of marketing and business development at Rijk Zwaan Distribution B.V. “And last but not least, I’d like to thank all our partners in the value-added chain – they’ve helped us by explaining the benefits of our development.”

In second place, Fruit Logistica trade visitors voted for The Cracking Monkey Pili Nuts from the German firm, Die Frischebox. The Vitamin E content of these nuts is considerably higher than that of other nuts, according to the company. Pili Nuts come from the Philippines and are opened using the stainless steel nutcrackers supplied, which are made from recycled cutlery. The nuts are delivered in an environmentally-friendly cotton pouch, which is printed with soya-based ink.

Visitors to the trade show voted for Natupol Excel – Bumble Bee Vision from Koppert Biological Systems from the Netherlands in third place. This product acts as a navigation aid for greenhouse bees during the darker winter months and in artificial light, helping them find their way back to their hives and allowing them to put all their energy into the pollination of fruit and vegetable cultures.

During the first two days of Fruit Logistica, trade visitors had the opportunity to cast their vote for one of the ten nominated innovations.