Magic mango and stone fruit technology creates fresher future for fruit-lovers

• Innovative algorithms can now predict the shelf life of mangoes and stone fruit
• The breakthrough will optimize product freshness while reducing food waste
• Expressions of interest now open for commercial rights

Algorithms capable of accurately predicting the remaining shelf life of various mango and stone fruit varieties have been developed and industry partners are now being sought to take the algorithms to market.

The algorithms are poised to transform how growers, packers, and supply chain partners monitor and manage product freshness throughout the supply chain, thereby reducing food waste and optimising operational efficiencies.

These algorithms have been created collaboratively by scientists from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) and Agriculture Victoria in the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), in collaboration with Hort Innovation Australia Ltd.

Tailored to specific fruit varieties, these algorithms are grounded in rigorous scientific methodology, leveraging extensive laboratory research and empirical data on fruit shelf life responses under various supply chain conditions.

The technology seamlessly integrates harvest quality data plus supply chain temperature and time data with variety-specific prediction algorithms, facilitating informed stock management and supporting a 'first-expired, first-out' marketing approach for more predictable fruit quality.

An expression of interest process is now open to identify industry partners with expertise help to take the algorithms to market. The expression of interest is open until 14 June 2024.

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Minister for Regional Communities Mark Furner:

“Queensland produces the best mangoes in the world and now we have new home-grown technology capable of bringing even fresher fruit to our shelves.

“Fruit-lovers want to know that the fruit they’re putting in their shopping basket is the freshest available and we now have the technology we need to achieve this.

“We’re now seeking industry partners who can bring this new technology to market to ensure Queensland mango and stone fruit lovers get the freshest fruit there is.

“This home-grown technology is a testament to the skill and innovation of Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

“I want to encourage industry partners to get on board and help bring this great new technology to market.”

Quotes attributable to Andrew Macnish, Senior Horticulturist in Supply Chain Innovation, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries:

“We are excited to make the algorithms, developed by DAF’s supply chain innovation team, available to help Australian growers and their supply chain partners monitor and manage product freshness and make informed distribution and marketing decisions.

Quotes attributable to Simone Warner, Head, Agriculture Victoria Research, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

“We are proud to deliver this innovative R&D solution to support the Summerfruit industry to maintain a competitive edge and reputation in key markets. As the industry seeks new trade relationships, the technology will be vital for informing optimal handling strategies and pathways to market.”

Quotes attributable to Dr Mila Bristow, GM Trade & Biosecurity R&D, Hort Innovation

“Release of the shelf-life prediction technology is a great example of how the Hort Frontiers strategic partnership initiative can facilitate cross-industry investment for transformational supply chain R&D outcomes to improve the freshness, consistency and reputation of Australia’s horticulture exports.”

Further information:

The shelf life prediction algorithms result from a collaborative effort between DAF, DEECA and Hort Innovation Australia Ltd.

DAF, in collaboration with DEECA and Hort Innovation, aims to identify suitable licensees to make these algorithms commercially available, integrate them into existing or planned digital platforms, refine algorithms through data sharing, and provide feedback for future development.

Commercial Availability: Licensing the intellectual property will enable all Australian mango and stone fruit producers and supply chain businesses to access these algorithms, enhancing their ability to monitor product freshness and make informed distribution and marketing decisions.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries invites expressions of interest for the commercial rights to cutting-edge shelf life prediction algorithms developed to benefit the mango and stone fruit industry.

Please find more information on the QTenders website.