The global blueberry market is experiencing significant growth, with a value of over $8 billion in 2021, according to IndexBox. By 2030, it is projected to reach 2.3 million tons. However, blueberry growers face various challenges, including the unpredictable effects of climate change and high levels of waste. In the UK alone, consumers discard £245 worth of fruit annually due to not consuming it on time, leading to approximately 336 blueberries per household being wasted each year. To address these issues, the food tech firm Fresh Inset has developed a new solution called Vidre+.
Vidre+ utilizes innovative sticker technology that slows down the ripening process of blueberries and other fruits and vegetables, thereby extending their shelf life. These stickers slowly release 1-MCP, a synthetic plant growth regulator that protects the produce from the ripening effects of ethylene. Unlike traditional methods, Vidre+ allows for the treatment of produce directly within the packaging, eliminating the need for extensive application procedures. The effectiveness of Vidre+ has been demonstrated in trials conducted in Poland, where treated blueberries exhibited reduced weight loss, improved quality, extended fruit firmness, and retained essential elements such as Vitamin C and antioxidants.
Throughout the trial period, Vidre+-treated fruits experienced a 2-3% reduction in weight loss compared to untreated fruits. The treated fruits maintained excellent eating quality over a longer duration, with 35 days of optimal quality and 49 days of overall good quality. In contrast, untreated fruits began to soften after only 21 days. Additionally, after 28 days in cold storage, treated blueberries had 83% more Vitamin C and 33% higher antioxidant levels than the untreated ones.
Not only does Vidre+ extend the shelf life of blueberries, but it also helps prevent grey mould, a common issue for growers. By preserving fruit firmness and quality, Vidre+ reduces the growth of grey mould. Fresh Inset is currently seeking EU approval for the use of Vidre+ within Europe to combat food waste. The technology is already approved and utilized in Argentina, with regulatory approval pending in other key food production markets.
Fresh Inset is actively evaluating the application of Vidre+ on over 20 different crops, with successful results observed on various fruits and vegetables such as avocados, grapes, limes, pears, tomatoes, and peppers. The unique delivery system of Vidre+ differentiates it from other products on the market, ensuring a controlled and extended release of 1-MCP over a 30-hour period. This provides adequate exposure time to effectively counter the negative effects of ethylene. In comparison, competing products release 1-MCP too quickly, resulting in insufficient exposure time.
The ease of application is another advantage of Vidre+ stickers. They can be applied manually or by machine at the pack house, or packaging suppliers can provide pre-applied stickers on packages. The cost of stickers varies based on size but offers a high return on investment for packers and growers.
Overall, Vidre+ offers a cutting-edge solution to enhance the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, combat food waste, and maintain optimal quality. Its potential application in various crops makes it a valuable tool for the food and beverage industry.
