Auckland company Fresh Appeal has sold innovative technology, which can keep apple slices fresh for 21 days, to a UK-based manufacturing company.

The processing solution, which uses natural methods to disinfect fruit, was jointly developed by HortResearch and technology company Logistics Solutions.

Fresh Appeal has been formed to commercialise the process.

As well as the sale to an undisclosed UK company, Fresh Appeal has signed a "heads of agreement" with a Japanese company.

Fresh Appeal chairman Joe Pope, former chief executive of the Apple and Pear Marketing board and former chairman of HortResearch, said the technology was seen as a silver bullet for the fresh fruit and vegetable industry.

The technology has been patented in 141 countries, and promises to keep apple slices crisp, full of flavour and fresh for up to 21 days.

It uses a disinfection process to wash the sliced produce and kill pathogens and microbes that can discolour and spoil the fruit.