Tesco has announced it is trialling an innovative plant-based protection that keeps fruit fresh for up to twice as long. ‘Apeel’, is a plant-based protection used on fruit and veg to slow down spoilage rate and maintain freshness for longer – which also helps reduce food waste.

It is reported that, as a nation, we throw away approximately 6.6 million tonnes of household food waste a year and 400,000 tonnes of that is fruit. Every day, we throw away an astounding 720,000 whole oranges.

The trial will see approximately 80 Tesco Extras and Superstores around the Peterborough area stock Apeel-coated oranegs and lemons to further assess its effect on product shelf life. Apeel could also help reduce plastic packaging.

Sarah Bradbury, Tesco Group Quality Director, said “Tackling food waste is one of the ways we’re working hard to minimise our environmental impact and help protect the planet. Apeel could be a powerful tool in helping us cut waste in our supply chain and help customers reduce it in their homes.”