World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer and a CNBC Disruptor 50, today announced The Horton Fruit Company is supplying Apeel avocados to the grocer, starting in its Cincinnati market. Through the partnership, Kroger will offer the freshest avocados to shoppers and reduce food waste on the shelf and at home.
“Apeel is an innovative partner that will help Kroger reduce food waste and redefine the customer experience through first-to-market technology,” said Frank Romero, Kroger’s vice president of produce. “Kroger’s relationship with Apeel developed as a result of the exciting work we’re doing with startups and enterprising companies to create the future of retail now.”
“Kroger is at the forefront of the fight against food waste and we’re honored to be a resource in their journey to zero waste,” said James Rogers, CEO and Founder of Apeel. “Kroger’s commitment to families and the health of the environment is admirable, and together, we believe
we can dramatically advance our shared goal of less waste and better-quality food for all.”
With roughly one-third of food going to waste throughout the global supply chain, this partnership is a measurable step toward preventing food waste at every level. Annually, Americans throw away more than 400 pounds of food per person, costing a household of four an average of $1,8001 and collective retail losses due to food waste amount to an estimated
$18 billion. Apeel avocados maintain optimal quality and ripeness twice as long, without requiring the use of refrigeration or preservatives, stopping food waste before it happens and making it possible for premium quality avocados to reach more people across the country.
Fortune recently recognized Kroger on its 2018 Change the World list - in the sixth spot - for the retailer’s bold social impact plan Zero Hunger | Zero Waste, which aims to end hunger in the communities Kroger calls home and eliminate waste across the company by 2025. The annual
list highlights the work of 57 big companies across the world using their resources to solve societal problems.
Kroger is launching Apeel avocados in 109 stores in its Cincinnati market, with plans to expand to new cities.
The Kroger and Apeel partnership comes after Apeel’s news last month of $70 million in new financing led by a leading global hedge fund, Viking Global Investors, and the company’s plans to accelerate operational scale-up in response to supplier and retailer demand for programs
across avocado, citrus, berry, stone fruit, and asparagus categories.
