A new process to measure the self-life of fruit has been created by Queensland scientists, who are now looking for industry partners to take it to market.
State Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Minister Mark Furner said algorithms capable of accurately predicting the remaining shelf-life of various mango and stone fruit varieties had been developed.
“The algorithms are poised to transform how growers, packers, and supply chain partners monitor and manage product freshness throughout the supply chain, thereby reducing food waste and optimising operational efficiencies,” Minister Furner said.
The algorithms were created collaboratively by scientists from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and Agriculture Victoria, in collaboration with Hort Innovation Australia.
“Tailored to specific fruit varieties, these algorithms are grounded in rigorous scientific methodology, leveraging extensive laboratory research and empirical data on fruit shelf-life responses under various supply chain conditions,” Minister Furner said.
“The technology seamlessly integrates harvest quality data plus supply chain temperature and time data with variety-specific prediction algorithms, facilitating informed stock management and supporting a ‘first-expired, first-out’ marketing approach for more predictable fruit quality.”
He said fruit-lovers wanted to know that the fruit they were putting in their shopping basket was the freshest available.
“We now have the technology we need to achieve this (and) are now seeking industry partners who can bring this new technology to market to ensure Queensland mango and stone fruit lovers get the freshest fruit there is.”
The expression of interest, which can be submitted through the QTenders website, is open until June 14, 2024.
