I
Costco partnered with Apeel Sciences to enhance the freshness and shelf life of its produce, aligning with several key business and sustainability goals. Here are the main reasons why Costco decided to work with Apeel:
1. Reducing Food Waste:
- Apeel’s coating helps extend the shelf life of fresh produce by slowing down oxidation and water loss, which are the main causes of spoilage. By using Apeel, Costco can reduce food waste in-store and at the consumer level. This supports Costco’s commitment to sustainability and efficient supply chain management.
2. Longer Freshness for Consumers:
- One of Costco’s priorities is providing value to its members, and longer-lasting produce means consumers have more time to enjoy their fruits and vegetables without worrying about them spoiling quickly. This is particularly important for Costco’s bulk-buying model, where customers often purchase larger quantities of produce.
3. Improving Supply Chain Efficiency:
- By extending the freshness of produce, Apeel allows Costco to improve the efficiency of its supply chain. With Apeel, fruits and vegetables can last longer during transport and storage, reducing losses due to spoilage and increasing the time available for distribution to Costco’s global network of stores.
4. Supporting Sustainability Efforts:
- Costco is committed to promoting sustainability, and partnering with Apeel fits into that strategy by reducing the amount of food that goes to waste. Less waste means fewer resources, such as water and energy, are needed to grow, transport, and store produce. This also aligns with growing consumer demand for environmentally conscious business practices.
5. Maintaining High Product Quality:
- Costco is known for offering high-quality products, and Apeel’s technology helps maintain the quality of produce without the need for artificial preservatives. The plant-based coating is tasteless, odorless, and made from natural ingredients, which fits with Costco’s emphasis on selling premium, wholesome products.
6. Customer Satisfaction:
- By offering fresher produce that lasts longer, Costco enhances customer satisfaction. Members are more likely to feel they are getting good value for their purchases when their fruits and vegetables stay fresh for a longer period, reducing the likelihood of throwing away spoiled produce.
Conclusion:
Costco’s partnership with Apeel helps the retailer achieve multiple goals, including reducing food waste, improving supply chain efficiency, and offering high-quality, long-lasting produce to its members. The collaboration supports Costco’s commitment to sustainability and adds value for its customers by ensuring they can enjoy fresher produce for longer periods.