Tropical Agro has expanded SmartFresh™ InBox, a shelf-life extension technology from AgroFresh Inc., across India to combat post-harvest losses. Powered by 1-MCP, it slows ripening and spoilage in fruits during transit. The sachet-based system offers a sustainable, cold storage-free solution to reduce food waste, enhance farmer returns, and promote eco-conscious supply chains. Trials beyond apples are underway.
In a significant move to tackle India’s staggering post-harvest losses, Tropical Agrosystem (India) Pvt. Ltd. has expanded the reach of SmartFresh™ InBox, an innovative freshness preservation technology developed by U.S.-based AgroFresh Inc. The solution, already used globally on a range of fruits and vegetables, aims to revolutionize the way fresh produce is handled, stored, and transported in India.
SmartFresh InBox is available in packs of 250 sachets, with two dosage options – 0.625 grams and 1.25 grams – designed to accommodate different quantities and handling requirements.
According to official estimates, over 30% of fruits and vegetables in India are lost annually before reaching consumers due to spoilage. The SmartFresh InBox system directly addresses this challenge by extending shelf life and reducing deterioration during storage and transit.
At the core of the technology is 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), a plant growth regulator that slows down the ripening and aging of fruits by blocking the effects of ethylene – a naturally occurring hormone responsible for fruit softening and spoilage. Notably, Tropical Agro is currently the only company in India registered to use 1-MCP, giving it a strategic advantage in the post-harvest solutions market.
The SmartFresh InBox system is simple yet highly effective: sachets containing 1-MCP are placed directly into crates or boxes of harvested produce. Whether the produce is stored in a farmer’s backyard, cold storage, or in transit to ports and markets, the sachets start acting immediately, eliminating delays and reducing waste. This design supports seamless integration into the existing supply chain and allows for on-the-go protection of fresh produce.
Currently approved for use on apples in India, the technology has shown positive results in ongoing trials on other crops such as grapes, guava, sapota, pomegranate, and custard apple. Globally, SmartFresh InBox has already proven effective on pears, plums, kiwifruit, tomatoes, broccoli, cantaloupes, melons, and watermelons.
Beyond freshness, SmartFresh InBox offers significant logistical and sustainability benefits. It reduces dependence on cold chain infrastructure, optimizes packaging and storage space, and lowers energy use and carbon emissions, aligning with the sustainability goals of both Tropical Agro and AgroFresh Inc.
Speaking about the partnership, K. Venkatasubramanian, General Manager – Post Harvest Business at Tropical Agro said, “We are proud to bring SmartFresh InBox to India at a time when reducing food waste is critical. This partnership with AgroFresh empowers our farmers and the agri-supply chain with a reliable, scalable freshness solution to help optimise resources and maximise returns.”
Dr. Sanjoy Kumar Kundu, India Account Manager at AgroFresh Inc., echoed the sentiment, “India is a key market for AgroFresh, and we are excited to work with Tropical Agro to bring our post-harvest innovations to more farmers and supply chain stakeholders. With Tropical Agro’s strong local reach, we believe SmartFresh™ InBox will have a transformative impact.”