Postharvest solutions company expanding presence in Brazil

Postharvest solutions company Akorn Technology is expanding its presence in Brazil to help extend the country’s exports of mangos, avocados, limes, melons and papayas to new markets.

Akorn’s all-natural coatings can help address pesticide and chemical regulations, as well as consumer preferences for natural, environmentally friendly alternatives, according to a news release.

The company’s coatings can extend shelf life by up to 50%, according to the release, and help control mango anthracnose and other diseases. The extended shelf life makes longer shipping distances possible while managing color development, ripening and moisture loss in products including mangoes, avocados and limes, according to Akorn.

Akorn’s coating features three active ingredients: a vegetable protein to reduce ripening speed and maintain firmness; a plant-derived wax to minimize moisture loss; and a vegetable oil to delay color development.

“There’s a strong demand for natural postharvest solutions in Brazil, driven by consumers and retailers, as well as stricter regulations in export markets like Europe,” Xander Shapiro, Akorn co-founder and chief commercial officer, said in the release. “There’s also a consumer trend, particularly in Europe, for fruit without artificial coatings and a desire for a more natural appearance.

“Akorn’s coatings also have the benefit of extending ripening, enabling later harvesting of sweeter fruit, which is a key selling point, especially for ready-to-eat markets in Europe.”

Akorn Natural Advantage, which has shown promise in reducing single-wrap plastic packaging for cucumbers, also offers storage benefits to the fresh-cut segment, according to the release.

To combat anthracnose and other diseases, Akorn is launching a natural alternative to traditional fungicides. The company said Akorn Natural Guard has been shown to decrease fungal impacts such as black spots and stem end rot.

Akorn’s postharvest solutions are now available in Brazil through exclusive distributor Greenkeeper Brasil.