On The Land
9 June, 2024
Fruit shelf-life focus of algorithms
ALGORITHMS capable of accurately predicting the remaining shelf life of various mango and stone fruit varieties have been developed and industry partners are now being sought to take the algorithms to market.
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.
They have been created collaboratively by scientists from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) and Agriculture Victoria in the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), in collaboration with Hort Innovation Australia Ltd.
Tailored to specific fruit varieties, the algorithms are grounded in rigorous scientific methodology, leveraging extensive laboratory research and empirical data on fruit shelf life responses under various supply chain conditions.
The technology 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.
An expression of interest process is now open to identify industry partners with expertise help to take the algorithms to market.
Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development Mark Furner said the new algorithms were a major step forward in delivering fresher fruit to consumers.
“Queensland produces the best mangoes in the world and now we have new home-grown technology capable of bringing even fresher fruit to our shelves,” he said.
“Fruit-lovers want to know that the fruit they’re putting in their shopping basket is the freshest available and we now have the technology we need to achieve this.
“We’re 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.
“This home-grown technology is a testament to the skill and innovation of Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
“I want to encourage industry partners to get on board and help bring this great new technology to market.”
