How to Improve Shelf Life and Fruit Quality: A Conversation on Tech and Collaboration with Dave Giannini from Apeel and Felix Instruments

In a recent webinar, Galen, Director of Applied Science at Felix Instruments, and Dave Giannini, Chief Software Architect at Appeal Sciences, unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at reducing food waste in the produce industry. This partnership leverages Felix Instruments’ cutting-edge spectrometer technology combined with Appeal Sciences’ innovative software solutions to empower growers, pack houses, retailers, and researchers in making smarter, more sustainable decisions regarding produce quality and shelf life.

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Addressing the Food Waste Challenge

Food waste remains a significant issue in the produce supply chain, with approximately 40% of produce going to waste annually. Appeal Sciences was founded by scientists motivated to tackle this problem by developing plant-based solutions that extend the shelf life of produce. Dave Giannini has been pivotal in creating software that not only supports these solutions but also provides actionable insights into the ripening behaviors of various fruits.

Transitioning to Non-Destructive Measurement

Traditionally, the industry has relied on tools like penetrometers and durometers to assess fruit ripeness. These methods are often destructive, involving the physical puncturing or scraping of fruit skins, which leads to waste and limits the accuracy of ripeness assessments. Recognizing these limitations, the teams sought non-destructive alternatives and identified spectrometer technology as a promising solution.

The Felix Spectrometer Advantage

Felix Instruments’ spectrometers offer a non-invasive way to measure fruit ripeness accurately across all stages, from hard to overripe. Unlike traditional devices, the spectrometer does not damage the produce, allowing for continuous assessment without contributing to waste. The collaboration focused on customizing the Felix spectrometer to meet the specific needs of the produce industry, ensuring high accuracy and consistency across different fruit varieties and origins.

Seamless Integration and Demonstration

During the webinar, Dave Giannini demonstrated the integration of the Felix spectrometer into Appeal Sciences’ “Ripe Track” system. The live demo showcased the user-friendly interface of the mobile app, which allows users to create and manage orders, perform inspections, and collect ripeness data effortlessly. The spectrometer connects wirelessly to an Android tablet, enabling real-time data capture and analysis without the need for cumbersome wiring or extensive calibration times.

Key features highlighted included:

• Auto-Detection: The spectrometer automatically detects the presence of fruit and initiates measurements, streamlining the inspection process.
• Accurate Modeling: The software accurately correlates spectrometer readings with traditional penetrometer measurements, ensuring reliable ripeness assessments.
• User Feedback: Real-time feedback mechanisms, such as audio signals, alert users to successful measurements, enhancing operational efficiency.
• Data Transparency: The system provides comprehensive data visibility, allowing users to identify and correct measurement errors on the spot.

Benefits Across the Supply Chain

The integrated spectrometer and software solution offers numerous benefits:

• Reduced Waste: By providing accurate, non-destructive ripeness assessments, the system minimizes the need to discard imperfect or overripe fruit.
• Enhanced Efficiency: Streamlined workflows and real-time data capture improve operational efficiency for growers, packers, and retailers.
• Scalability: The technology is adaptable to various fruit types and supply chain stages, making it a versatile tool for the entire produce ecosystem.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Comprehensive data analytics empower stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding harvest timing, storage conditions, and distribution strategies.

Positive Industry Reception and Future Prospects

The webinar highlighted positive feedback from industry partners who have tested the technology. A notable example was shared from a demonstration in Colombia, where attendees recognized the solution as exactly what they had been searching for to improve their operations. This validation underscores the potential of the Felix-Appeal partnership to drive significant advancements in the produce industry.

Looking ahead, both companies are excited about future innovations and trends, such as enhanced traceability throughout the supply chain and further digitization of the traditionally analog produce industry. Plans to showcase the technology at upcoming events like Fruit Logistica 2025 indicate a strong commitment to expanding their impact and reaching more stakeholders.

The collaboration between Felix Instruments and Appeal Sciences represents a significant step forward in addressing food waste within the produce industry. By combining advanced spectrometer technology with robust software solutions, the partnership offers a powerful toolset for stakeholders to enhance produce quality, extend shelf life, and make more sustainable decisions. As the industry continues to digitize and prioritize sustainability, such innovative solutions will be crucial in building a more efficient and environmentally friendly supply chain.

For more information about the collaboration and the technologies discussed, interested parties are encouraged to reach out to Felix Instruments and Appeal Sciences directly.