Westfalia Fruit is advancing its collaboration with Swiss agri-tech firm AgroSustain to integrate Afondo, a novel edible coating, into the global supply chain for highly perishable produce, particularly avocados and other delicate fruits. This partnership, which began with discussions in 2022, aims to significantly extend shelf life while promoting more sustainable handling practices.
The core of the Afondo innovation is a food-grade formulation derived from bio-vegetable oils and edible emulsifiers. This coating creates an invisible barrier that has demonstrated an ability to curb moisture evaporation by up to 50 percent during transport and storage. Furthermore, the technology offers a substantial reduction in reliance on chemical treatments, potentially cutting the need for post-harvest fungicides by 50% to 100%, depending on the commodity. This dual benefit directly addresses global food waste challenges.
Initial trials conducted over the last three years across Colombia, Chile, and Peru, with fruit evaluated in Westfalia’s facilities in Germany and France, have shown promising results, focusing on avocados and limes. Following this success, Westfalia has moved into commercial trials with select European customers. Andrew Mitchell, Head of Innovation at Westfalia Fruit, noted the shared commitment to sustainability and high-quality delivery, suggesting Afondo offers better value than other market coatings.
The integration of Afondo appears seamless within current logistics. The coating is designed to be compatible with existing packing line machinery, allowing for adoption with minimal operational overhaul. AgroSustain CEO Olga Dubey confirmed the partners are also preparing to launch a specialized bio-coating variant tailored for the organic produce segment in the near future, reflecting a maturation in stewardship toward nature-aligned technologies.