As Apeel Sciences builds its U.S., Peru, Mexico and Chile supplier base, its longer-lasting Apeel produce will launch in more than 1,100 Kroger Co. stores in the U.S. Kroger will also introduce two new produce categories, Apeel asparagus and Apeel limes, through a pilot in its Cincinnati market this fall.
“Kroger is excited to offer more customers Apeel avocados and introduce longer-lasting limes and asparagus, marking another milestone on our journey to achieving our Zero Hunger | Zero Waste vision,” says Frank Romero, Kroger’s VP of produce. “Apeel’s innovative food-based solution has proven to extend the life of perishable produce, reducing food waste in transport, in our retail stores and in our customers’ homes.”
“Kroger is leading the way to alleviate the food waste crisis at every level, from its supply chain to its retail stores to the homes of over 11 million customers who shop at Kroger every day,” says James Rogers, CEO of Apeel Sciences. “We’re excited to expand our partnership with Kroger to further prevent food waste while simultaneously giving families more access and time to enjoy healthy fresh produce.”
The Kroger expansion follows a pilot of Apeel avocados the retailer launched one year ago in 109 Midwest stores that significantly reduced category food waste. The company’s avocados, asparagus and limes maintain their just-harvested quality longer than produce without Apeel and are less reliant on refrigeration, reducing food waste and extending customers’ access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Kroger and Apeel’s retail partnership focuses on tackling the country’s food-waste paradox. Today, 40 percent of the food produced is thrown away, yet one in eight Americans struggle with hunger. Redirecting even one-third of this food would help feed everyone in need. Additionally, food waste contributes roughly 8 percent of annual greenhouse gas emissions and is considered a top cause of climate change.
Apeel’s partnership with Kroger is expected to prevent millions of pieces of produce from ending up in a landfill every year, resulting in:
- Millions of avocados “rescued” from going to waste
- Dozens of acres of farmland preserved
- Emission reductions of thousands of metric tons in greenhouse gases
- Over a billion gallons of water use savings
- 100,000+ GJ of non-renewable energy reductions
Based in Goleta, California, Apeel Sciences is a 2019 CNBC Disruptor 50 and Fast Company Most Innovative Company.
