Apeel announced a new freshness detection technology for avocados. The RipeFinder features a consumer-friendly user interface, that reveals information such as “Your avocado is ready for a salad” or “Your avocado will be ready in about 4 days”.
The system, based on hyperspectral imaging technology, starts by shining a light that penetrates several millimetres below the skin. From there, it utilises a sensor to measure how much light is reflected in the visible and near-infrared spectrum.
Once scanned, the system’s AI predicts the avocado’s freshness and estimates shelf life by utilising a “global avocado ripeness model” the company developed using machine learning based on “data on tens of thousands of avocados throughout multiple seasons, blooms, and countries of origin.”
The system, which is the evolution of the technology inherited by Apeel when it acquired Impact Vision last year, will be used in both a commercial implementation targeted at grocery retailers and distributors as well as in a scanner usable to consumers to check freshness in the produce aisle.
“Apeel started with a mission to prevent food waste across the supply chain with our plant-based protective coating,” said James Rogers, CEO. “Our mission hasn’t changed, but we are evolving our offerings to further drive change in the food system. The expansion of our technology offerings will increase access to insights to create a smarter supply chain that maximises the lifespan, quality, and sustainability of fresh fruits and vegetables.”
ADD WORKGROUP