on is expanding commercial applications for its patented BreatheWay(R) technology packaging solutions. Landec's BreatheWay technology naturally extends the shelf-life of fresh fruits and vegetables by optimizing the ratio of carbon dioxide and oxygen within the packaging. Expanding commercial applications using BreatheWay technology include:
• Chiquita Brands International, Inc. - continuing orders for BreatheWay membranes for its Chiquita-To-Go(R) banana program.
• Windset Farms(R) - new packaging using BreatheWay technology to extend freshness for its Fresco(R) cocktail cucumbers and for its line of sweet and hot peppers.
• Agroexport, LLC - new packaging featuring BreatheWay technology for the new commercial offering of its Villita Slice-n-Serve(TM) avocado product.
"Apio, Inc., Landec's food technology business, is beginning to benefit from its research and development efforts to expand the use of BreatheWay technology into new commercial applications beyond those for Apio's own fresh-cut vegetable and salad products," commented Molly Hemmeter, Landec's COO. "Apio currently uses internally over 100 million BreatheWay membranes per year for its speciality packaged bag and tray vegetable products shipped throughout North America. The initial volume of BreatheWay membranes for the new applications for Windset Farms and Agroexport will be small in fiscal 2014 as these new commercial applications gain traction. However, we expect that when combined with the on-going business from Chiquita, the gross profit contributions from BreatheWay membrane sales will become meaningful in future years."
Apio is actively working on new commercial applications for its BreatheWay technology, including applications for fresh-cut vegetables and fruit in consumer, bulk and cargo vessel formats and for Apio's GreenLine branded fresh-cut green beans.
