Kroger expands longer-lasting fruit and veg nationwide

Following a trial of Apeel produce, which is treated to last longer, Kroger is expanding availability and product lines

The Kroger Co. expands longer-lasting avocados coated with plant-based technology developed by Apeel Sciences to 1,100 stores to reduce more food waste and launches pilot of treated limes and asparagus in Greater Cincinnati

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) and Apeel Sciences, a 2019 CNBC Disruptor 50 and Fast Company Most Innovative Company, today announced that Apeel's longer-lasting avocados will be available in more than 1,100 Kroger 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.

Apeel is building its U.S., Peru, Mexico, and Chile supplier base, longer-lasting to support the increased demand.

"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," said Frank Romero, Kroger's vice president 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," said 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."

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
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