Can you please explain something to FPJ readers about the history of biofresh?

biofresh was formed three years ago, commercialising 10 years of Newcastle University’s research into fresh produce storage.

It has since become a global operation - with distributors operating in Europe, Northern Africa, the US, Canada and Japan, proving that the technology knows no geographical boundaries.

We currently employ four members of staff and four more on a consultancy basis. However, demand is growing rapidly, so right now we are in the midst of a new recruitment drive for two new sales people.

How did you end up working for biofresh - what is your background?

Having worked in various roles throughout the fresh produce supply chain, it seemed a natural progression for me to move to a company that provides innovative solutions to benefit this sector.

I worked closely with researchers at Newcastle University while in my previous role as technical director with produce company MBMG and, when funding was awarded for the research to be transformed into the commercial venture that is biofresh, I felt the role of managing director would be an exciting career move.

biofresh’s two key areas of focus are potato storage and fresh produce storage. What benefits can you offer to these industries? Which products do you specifically provide solutions for?

We provide post-harvest solutions that help our customers to supply produce throughout the supply chain with fewer chemical residues - meaning that growing consumer concern regarding food storage is addressed, and retailers can be confident that food products meet consumer needs.

In terms of potato storage specifically, our ethylene-based systems effectively inhibit sprouting. Ethylene is a naturally occurring gas that provides a residue-free alternative to the more traditional chemicals.

The other significant area of the business is our ozone offering. Ozone is another natural gas that can be used to help extend the life of fresh fruit and vegetables, and reduce reliance on other, conventional post-harvest chemicals. The beauty of it is that it breaks down into oxygen, leaving no harmful residues on produce.

We are also able to offer ethylene systems for seed potato treatment to increase tuber numbers, and for sprout suppression in onion stores.

Your website mentions that you specialise in ‘ethical’ technology. What makes it ethical?

Our technology uses only natural gases, meaning that the need for potentially harmful chemicals is eradicated. This means that end-users are able to access produce with fewer residues, that has undergone a more environmentally sound storage process.

Can you explain biofresh’s stance on the ethylene licensing issue? What are the key facts people in the potato sector need to know?

Here in the UK, ethylene has been granted Commodity Substance Approval by the Pesticides Safety Directorate. However, European regulations governing the use of substances such as ethylene are currently under review by the European Commission. But, until such time as any new regulations are agreed and adopted in all member states, Commodity Substance Approval will continue to apply in the UK.

In addition, the biofresh system does not require the new EC licence in order to run - it is the gas, the ethylene, that will be covered by the new licence, which will be held by our partner, Air Products.

It is a fairly complex process, which is why we have just launched a free ethylene advice service in association with Air Products - www.ethyleneadvice.co.uk - to assist people throughout the supply chain in understanding how the new regulations work.

Are there other companies like biofresh operating in the marketplace, or are you a unique proposition?

Our products’ features are certainly unique in the market. Through a long-term partnership with Air Products, our ethylene systems require no on-site liquid to gas conversion, which makes the system highly efficient and easy to install.

In addition, biofresh customers enjoy the benefits of a one-off sale with no ongoing licence fees. We do, however, maintain close relationships with our customers following their store installations, and provide an ongoing scientific and customer support service.

You seem to have some big names signed up to the system, especially on the potato side - is your following growing?

Definitely. Our global presence is widening, with demand for current products across the world growing rapidly.

We are also developing new systems for the processed potato industry, and have been working with some of the biggest players in this sector internationally to respond to gaps and needs in the market.

What innovations in both potato and fresh produce storage are you working on? What do you think the future will hold for the crop storage industry?

With our university connections, the business is never short of new ideas for both equipment and applications.

A key area of focus is to look at portable systems - in addition to our established fixed in-store systems - to enable safe and effective produce storage throughout the supply chain.

Reducing food miles, lowering pesticide residues, reducing crop wastage and minimising energy use are key drivers within the industry and, fortunately for us, biofresh technology can help address all these issues.

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