Akorn Technology, a provider of all-natural coatings and other post-harvest solutions to the global fresh produce sector, will expand its presence in Brazil, enabling more Brazilian producers to take advantage of the growing demand for chemical-free shelf life extension solutions for both export and domestic markets.
With looming U.S. tariffs of up to 50 percent on some Brazilian imports, there now exists an impetus for the country's exporters to broaden shipments of mangos, avocados, limes, melons, and papayas to new markets, many of which are now implementing ever-stricter pesticide and chemical residue regulations. Consumers in many of these markets – notably across Europe – are also increasingly turning against the use of artificial waxes to coat fruits, instead demanding natural alternatives.
The application of the company's solutions, which provide sustainable shelf-life extension and disease control, will allow more Brazilian exporters to provide high-quality, long-lasting products, free of black spots caused by mango anthracnose, as well as other common plant diseases.
© Akorn
Equally importantly, the extended shelf life provided by the coatings – of up to 50 percent more – will help producers of highly perishable crops access markets where long shipping distances have previously been a barrier. The solutions have also been found to reduce food waste by over 35 percent in the complex supply chain from Brazil to global markets.
For a range of products, including mangoes, avocados, and limes, the company's coatings help manage color development, ripening, and moisture loss. It also features three active ingredients: a vegetable protein to reduce ripening speed and maintain firmness; a plant-derived wax to minimize moisture loss; and a vegetable oil to delay color development.
To support the growth of the company's solutions, it will exhibit at Brazil's ExpoFruit, which takes place in Mossoró-RN August 20-22, 2025.
"There's strong demand for natural post-harvest solutions in Brazil, driven by consumers and retailers, as well as stricter regulations in export markets like Europe. There's also a consumer trend, particularly in Europe, for fruit without artificial coatings and a desire for a more natural appearance," said Xander Shapiro, Akorn's co-founder and chief commercial officer.
To combat the threat posed by anthracnose and other diseases, the company is launching a new, natural alternative to traditional fungicides, Akorn Natural Guard™, which has been proven to decrease fungal impacts, such as black spots and stem end rot.
The company's range of post-harvest solutions is now available in Brazil through its country-wide distributor Greenkeeper Brasil.
For more information:
Xander Shapiro
Akorn
[email protected]
https://akorn.tech/
David Sanchez
Greenkeeper Brasil
[email protected]