The quest for longer shelf life of perishable goods is an ongoing battle in the agriculture industry, with companies constantly innovating to find new solutions. RipeLocker, a Seattle-based startup, has entered the fray with a novel approach that could be a game-changer for growers of high-value crops. Founded by the father-son duo of George and Kyle Lobisser in 2016, the company claims its patented, reusable, portable low-atmosphere chambers can double the post-harvest life of products ranging from blueberries and kiwifruit to roses.
The technology behind RipeLocker’s chambers is designed to create a near-vacuum or ultra-low oxygen environment around the stored produce, which significantly slows down respiration rates by more than 50% on average. This reduction in respiration is key to extending the freshness and viability of perishables. Julian Lewis, VP of sales at RipeLocker, spoke with AgFunderNews about how this approach not only helps in maintaining product quality but also offers logistical advantages, such as the possibility of switching from air freight to more economical ocean freight.
Lewis provided some background on the company’s origins, detailing how George Lobisser’s experience with Pace International, a fresh produce preservation firm, and its subsequent sale to Valent BioSciences (now part of Sumitomo and later acquired by AgroFresh), led to the conception of RipeLocker. The frustration with the declining quality of produce by the time it reached consumers spurred the creation of a mobile solution that could maintain the benefits of controlled atmosphere storage.
The RipeLocker chambers work by dynamically controlling the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels within, tailoring the environment to the specific needs of the stored produce. This process can maintain certain fruits like blueberries in a near-dormant state, with impressive results. Lewis recounted an instance where blueberries over 100 days old were showcased in excellent condition, underscoring the potential of this technology.
When compared to other methods like modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), RipeLocker’s approach offers several advantages. Unlike MAP, which can take weeks to achieve optimal conditions and may not always succeed, RipeLocker’s system reaches the desired atmosphere within hours. The technology also enables higher carbon dioxide levels without the risk of inducing fermentation or causing low-oxygen injury, thus further inhibiting the ripening process and pathogen growth.
Moreover, RipeLocker’s chambers can potentially reduce or eliminate the need for edible coatings on produce. The ability to pick and store riper, more nutritious fruit without relying on chemicals is another compelling benefit for both producers and consumers.
Temperature fluctuations and humidity, common challenges in storage, are effectively managed by the RipeLocker system. The near-vacuum environment vaporizes moisture from the produce, maintaining 100% relative humidity and preventing weight loss. The system’s control units, equipped with sensors, manage up to 20 chambers each, constantly monitoring and adapting to maintain the ideal storage conditions.
The business case for RipeLocker’s technology is strong, offering users a range of benefits from cost savings in transportation to reduced losses from decay and the ability to command higher prices due to improved fruit grading. The system also enables sales during late-season premium price windows, adding to the financial incentives for growers.
In the floral industry, RipeLocker is already making a significant impact. By allowing growers to store and sell early blooms that would otherwise be discarded, the technology is turning what was once waste into profit. The implications for the industry are vast, with the potential to revolutionize how perishable goods are stored and transported, ultimately leading to fresher products on store shelves and less waste throughout the supply chain.