The Need

Along the food chain, more than $1 trillion worth of food is lost! About $400bn worth of harvested agricultural produce is lost in the food supply chain – from the farmer to the consumer – mainly due to decay

It is estimated that up to $250bn can be recovered by improving efficiency and infrastructure. This loss of value, and the need to feed the ever-increasing world population with better-quality fresh produce at affordable prices, create huge business opportunities

Strawberries and other berry markets are growing due to the demand for both fresh and processed produce. TarriTech™ plans initially to address the strawberry market, which is worth globally more than $15bn.  The US spends more than $3bn on strawberries and $3.5bn on other berries. Berries are extremely perishable fruits, and their consumption is limited in terms of shelf-life and distance from producer to consumer. By reducing post-harvest decay, the availability of undamaged fruit and the flexibility of the supply chain increase significantly. Many business opportunities are opened to all players – farmers, shippers and retailers.

Technology

Extensive research into the chemical composition of essential oils and their biological effect as a decay control agent, has resulted in a comprehensive database. Using the database TarriTech correlates the chemical composition of selected essential oils,  and the profile of the volatile compounds released into the gas phase, to the biological effect on the decay of a specific fresh crop. Cooperation with the post-harvest industry led to the development of TarriTech‘s unique delivery system.

TarriTech’s delivery system is generic and tailored to treat any fresh produce by adapting it to the existing production-line of the packing house.

Features:

• No undesirable effects on original taste, appearance and aroma.
• No chemical residue..
• No phytotoxic effects.
• Low investment and operating costs.
• Simple integration into operating post-harvest treatment lines.
• Essential oils used are registered as safe edible products in the GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) index
• The regulatory procedure is expected to be short.

Ehud Reis

Ehud Reis, who has extensive experience in citrus growing and post harvesting treatment, currently serves as consultant to citrus packing houses. Previously, he served as manager of two large citrus packing houses at the Tnuport and Mehadrin companies and in various management positions in his kibbutz, Yad Mordechai.