Near Harvest & Post Harvest Fruit Coatings
Post-harvest and near-harvest solutions are much needed for extending shelf life of fruits and vegetables (FNV), preserving quality and reducing losses — throughout its journey from the farm to the table. Our biopolymer solution can be applied to the harvest to preserve freshness, reduce spoilage and extend shelf life, without the use of synthetic chemicals and harmful residues.
Keep Fruits & Vegetables Fresh for longer - Naturally and Sustainbly.
Every extra day of shelf life added is Money saved.
Every 1% reduction in post-harvest loss can translate to ₹1,000–2,000 per tonne of additional revenue for the packer/exporter.
Extending shelf life by just 2 days can reduce stock rotation losses by 10–15%.
Global fruit loss = >400 million tonnes per year (FAO, 2022).
The global economic loss exceeds USD 1 trillion annually across the FNV supply chain.
Fresh produce loss is systemic and massive and can occur at near harvest stage due to improper harvesting and handling techniques or post harvest stage due to improper storage or transit conditions. A biopolymer coating can restrict spoilage and extend shelf life by 3 to 7 days. We help you address the following problems :
- High spoilage due to delay in supply chain and last mile delivery
- Poor texture, color, moisture loss, shrivelling and nutrition loss
- High wastage due to rejections
- Rising demand for cleaner solutions over synthetic chemicals
A natural and sustainable solution for farmers, packaging houses, exporters and grocery supply chains.
Integrate in your existing Packing Line
Spoilage of fresh produce leads to wastage and results in monetary losses for all key stakeholders in the supply chain. It can disrupt the supply chain, creating a shortage of supplies and leading to price rise. The industry is continuously looking for cost-effective and innovative solutions to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables (FNV) as they swiftly move from the farms to the markets and eventually on our tables. Most packing houses and exporters use synthetic wax or Shellac based coatings because they are easy to use and highly affordable. On the otherhand, retailers are demanding natural and residue free solutions owing to increased consumer awareness and preferences. While new solutions are welcome, they must find easy adoption in the existing workflow. Our biopolymer solution comes in a liquid form and can be applied on the produce either by dipping the produce or spraying the solution on the produce. The above illustration explains the process in simple steps and is very much doable. The solution can be applied for a variety of fruits and vegetables – apples, mandarins, oranges, limes, pomegranate, bananas, avocado, mangoes and more – the list is endless. If you are looking to evaluate our solution on your produce, write to us on info@nizonamarineproducts.com and get in touch with our team of experts.
Need for Near & Post Harvest fruit treatment
Perishable nature of the produce
Fresh fruits and vegetables are highly perishable and can lose its palatability and marketability within 3 to 5 days if post harvest fruit treatment procedures are not carried out. Fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables (FNV) continue to respire and start losing moisture right after they are plucked. If the post harvest fruit treatment procedures are not performed, this continued biological activity leads to –
- Deterioration of color and texture
- Wilting and shriveling due to loss of moisture
- Potential microbial infestations
Spoilage resulting in rejections and wastage
- Disruption in supply chains
Retailers demand improved shelf life
Modern supply chains demand extended shelf life for both domestic and export markets. The desirable shelf life for fruits and vegetables can be
- 7 to 14 days for domestic markets
- 12 to 24 days for export markets
To achieve the above shelf life timelines, post harvest fruit treatment procedures have to be implemented and should be easy to apply and be cost-competitive too.
Every extra day of freshness adds profits
The economic losses and numbers mentioned in the previous section are testimony enough for the need of post harvest fruit treatment procedures. Every stakeholder in the supply chain intends to reduce wastage and optimise profits.
Near Harvest Treatments to prevent losses before picking
Near harvest fruit treatment involves the usage of foliar sprays before picking the harvest. This can have added advantage –
- Fresh produce can better handle mechanical stress during storage and transport
- Risks of microbial infestation can be reduced
- Prolonged freshness in produce can be observed
Post Harvest Treatments to prevent losses after picking
Once harvested, fresh fruits and vegetables can get spoiled due to mechanical stress, microbial infestations, improper handling and storage conditions. Post harvest fruit treatment procedures offer protection from microbial damage, shrivelling and wilting due to moisture loss, rejections due to poor color and texture.
Frequently asked questions
What is a postharvest fruit coating?
A post-harvest fruit coating is an edible and safe coating applied on fresh fruits and vegetables to reduce spoilage, prevent fungal attacks, extend shelf life, retain moisture and maintain colour, texture and freshness. The coating is usually a thin transparent layer that can be easily washed off.
What is a biopolymer based postharvest fruit coating?
A post-harvest fruit coating is an edible and safe coating applied on fresh fruits and vegetables to reduce spoilage, prevent fungal attacks, extend shelf life, retain moisture and maintain colour, texture and freshness. The coating is usually a thin transparent layer that can be easily washed off.
Is the biopolymer postharvest fruit coating safe and edible?
Yes, the biopolymer post harvest fruit coating is food safe, non-toxic, biodegradable and easily washable with water. It is suitable for both domestic and export markets.
Does the biopolymer post harvest fruit coating change the taste or appearance of fruits?
No, the biopolymer post harvest fruit coating does not affect the taste, aroma, texture and nutritional value of the harvest. On the contrary, the biopolymer post harvest fruit coating adds a thin layer that helps retain moisture and freshness of the produce and adds a surface shine.
What fruits and vegetables can biopolymer post harvest fruit coating be used on?
The biopolymer post harvest fruit coating can be used on a wide range of fruits and vegetables (FNV) which can include apples, mangoes, bananas, citrus fruits like oranges, mandarins, limes, avocados, pomegranates, gourds, squashes and more. The dosage and concentration of the biopolymer solution will vary depending on the type of the produce, its harvest and storage conditions, skin thickness and other parameters.
Can biopolymer post harvest fruit coating replace synthetic wax coatings?
Yes, biopolymer post harvest fruit coating can become a natural, clean and sustainable alternative to wax coatings. It can offer equal or better shelf life without the use of chemicals or leaving harmful residues. It can open up newer export markets demanding completely natural solutions.