Apeel Sciences

Apeel Sciences was founded in 2012 with a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, by James Roger, who is CEO of the company and has a PhD in Materials. With a mission of decreasing food spoilage, the company created a barrier made out of edible plant materials that slow down the rate of spoilage. The barrier helps moisture stay inside and oxygen stay outside. Apeel uses a film of lipid molecules, which are found in cutin, the natural waxy coating that is on fruits and vegetables. This barrier can be sprayed on or fruit can be dipped in.

Apeel has developed products for USDA Organic Certified and conventional produce categories. The company also works with partners from smallholder farmers and local organic growers and large food brands to produce better quality and more sustainable produce. The Apeel barrier coating has been reported to double the ripeness window of avocados, which have been available at Costco. Apeels coating have also been used by citrus and asparagus suppliers.