Postharvest solutions company expanding UAE presence

Postharvest solutions company Akorn Technology is launching a new venture in the United Arab Emirates following its recent win in the UAE FoodTech Challenge.

In the event, Akorn — chosen from an initial 1,215 submissions from 113 countries — demonstrated that its natural post-harvest treatments dramatically reduce supply chain losses across a range of fruits and vegetables, bolstering the supply chain while sustaining company growth.

Substantial financial and technological support to develop and scale solutions through the UAE accompanied the win, according to a news release. Akorn solutions will focus on turning locally generated agricultural and other food waste streams into value and bringing its post-harvest solutions to area.

“Our solutions are made from 100% natural, food-grade materials — many sourced from upcycled agricultural byproducts,” Akron founder and CEO Anthony Zografos said in the release. “Yet they deliver broad, multi-functional protection across the entire post-harvest chain, as well as superior results compared to existing options.

“We offer both storage coatings that protect quality during long transit and cold storage and market coatings that preserve appearance and freshness at retail. From controlling fungal decay in citrus, stone fruit and mangos, to reducing superficial scald in apples and pears, to stabilizing highly perishable crops like avocados, a single adaptable platform replaces multiple chemistries.”

Akron is collaborating with academic institutions near key growing regions to ensure its solutions are validated under real-world conditions, according to the release. The company has worked with partners including the University of Florida, Colorado State University, the Federal University of the Sao Francisco Valley, the National Agrarian University in Lima, Peru, and the Technical University of Crete to generate region-specific performance data.

The studies have confirmed a reduction in spoilage during cold storage and transit by 50% for most crops, according to the release. Bartlett pear shelf life is extended from four days to eight and mango shelf life from eight days to more than 15. A natural fungicidal coating reduced green and blue mold on citrus by more than 90% with no chemicals used, the company said.

“We calculate there’s a $5 to $10 profit increase per $1 invested in Akorn solutions,” Akorn co-founder and chief commercial officer Xander Shapiro said. “Akorn products enhance profitability not only by reducing waste and lowering costs but also by unlocking access to distant export and premium markets through the consistent delivery of the highest-quality long-lasting produce.”

The company expanded operations in Brazil last fall.