NEVE YARAK, Israel — Save Foods Inc., an agri-food tech company specializing in eco crop protection that helps to reduce food waste and ensure food safety while reducing the use of pesticides, on Monday announced the completion of several successful pilot programs with lime packers in Mexico, the world’s second-largest exporter of limes.
SiCar Farms Mexico Ltd., one of the leading Mexican lime packers, began using Save Foods’ eco crop protection treatment in all of its facilities during the third quarter of 2021 following a successful pilot program earlier in the year. SiCar Mexico’s success using Save Foods’ treatment was a key driver in other packers initiating pilot programs with the company. One of the packers reported that its Save Foods’ treated limes maintained their green color, signaling freshness and retained quality, 33 days following the application of the treatment, which is longer than expected with commercial applications.
As previously announced, a SiCar Mexico’s client, a large well-known U.S. retailer, reported that limes treated with Save Foods’ eco crop protection treatment had prolonged shelf life for more than five days compared to other limes. This extended shelf life enables food producers, processors, and retailers to minimize waste, maximize supply chain efficiencies, and enable a broader distribution network, all in a cost-effective manner.
“Mexico is one of the world’s key lime exporters, and reports indicate that it is set to increase production of limes this year. Save Foods is positioned to help improve the quality of these limes,” said Antonio Ruiz Garcia, Save Foods’ representative in Mexico and the country's Undersecretary of Rural Development. “Save Foods’ ability to tackle food waste challenges while reducing the use of pesticides at the beginning of the supply chain drives strong interest from packers. With several successful pilots with lime packers now complete, we anticipate accelerating sales growth and expanded interest in new commercial pilot programs from other packers in the region.”
“Limes treated with Save Foods eco crop protection treatment maintained their freshness over time, which, in turn, gives the supply chain additional breathing room,” said Dan Sztybel, CEO of Save Foods' Israeli subsidiary. “Using our solution, packers get improved deliveries and extended marketability, and retailers get more time to sell top quality products with up to 90% fewer limes ending up in landfills. And, of course, consumers can enjoy high quality limes that last longer at no extra cost.”
Mexico is the world's second-largest exporter of limes with almost 18% of the world sales value. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader), Mexico’s citrus exports increased in 2021, reaching a total value of over $912 million and producing more than 2.9 million tons of limes.
