Product Offerings
Products:
Shine: Flair S1
Extend: Extend EX1
Protect: NA
Fresh Formulaics is a U.S.-based innovator in plant-based post-harvest solutions designed to enhance freshness, reduce waste, and improve the quality of fresh produce across the global supply chain. Based in Goleta, California, the company operates as a specialized division of Apeel Sciences, renowned for its sustainable food preservation technologies. With a focused portfolio and data-backed product efficacy, Fresh Formulaics is emerging as a critical player in post-harvest innovation.
Core Business
Fresh Formulaics is dedicated to the development of plant-based surface treatments for fruits and vegetables that extend shelf life, enhance visual appeal, and protect produce from spoilage. The company leverages biochemical engineering and sustainable chemistry to offer solutions that are not only effective but also meet rigorous safety and sustainability standards. Their primary mission is to reduce food waste while enhancing freshness for growers, packers, retailers, and consumers.
Product and Service Offerings
The company has three core product categories under its innovation pipeline:
-
Shine
- Flair S1: A natural surface shine enhancer designed for apples and other produce that eliminates the need for petroleum-based waxes while enhancing visual appeal.
-
Extend
- Extend EX1: A shelf-life extender that maintains internal moisture and firmness of fruits, especially effective for citrus and avocados.
-
Protect
- Product details not yet publicly released, but category indicates future innovation in microbial defense and post-harvest decay prevention.
Each product is built using plant-derived compounds and goes through rigorous third-party efficacy and regulatory testing.
Specialization and Core USP
Fresh Formulaics differentiates itself through:
- Plant-based chemistry as an alternative to synthetic waxes and petroleum-derived coatings.
- Tailored product solutions specific to fruit type and market conditions.
- Sustainability-driven mission to combat food loss and reduce environmental impact.
Their R&D leverages Apeel’s technology infrastructure, combining biocompatible innovation with post-harvest agriscience, making them uniquely positioned in the global fresh produce supply chain.
Financial Overview
Fresh Formulaics operates under Apeel Sciences, which raised over $635 million in funding (as of 2023) from investors including Temasek, Andreessen Horowitz, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. While Fresh Formulaics-specific revenue is undisclosed, its parent company had a valuation of over $2 billion during its last funding round. This financial backing reinforces Fresh Formulaics' capability to scale its R&D, manufacturing, and distribution globally.
International Shipments
Although specific shipment data for Fresh Formulaics is limited due to its positioning as a division, Apeel Sciences has a robust global footprint. Apeel's preservation solutions (which include Fresh Formulaics offerings) have been exported to:
- 20+ countries across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia
- With partnerships in major grocery chains such as Edeka (Germany) and Sainsbury’s (UK)
According to Volza and ImportYeti, multiple shipments have been recorded for Apeel-treated avocados and citrus, with annual volumes in the range of 1,000–3,000 TEUs, translating to millions of units annually.
Target Market
Fresh Formulaics targets:
- Large-scale growers and packers of fresh produce
- Retailers seeking longer shelf life and better visual appeal
- Exporters looking for enhanced produce survivability across long logistics chains
- Organic and eco-conscious brands that require sustainable, chemical-free treatments
Capabilities
- In-house formulation and application systems
- Global distribution through Apeel’s existing networks
- Advanced efficacy testing under controlled and real-world conditions
- Regulatory compliance and market approvals in North America and Europe
Certifications and Compliance
- Compliant with U.S. FDA regulations for post-harvest food contact substances
- In alignment with EPA guidelines for non-synthetic agricultural applications
- GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) certification for key compounds
- Ongoing validation with non-GMO and organic certifying bodies
Customer Testimonials
While specific testimonials for Fresh Formulaics are not yet published, indirect feedback is available through:
- Apeel Sciences' customer feedback indicating significant reductions in shrinkage (up to 50% less waste) and improvements in shelf life by 2x for certain produce.
- Early adopters in Latin America and California report enhanced fruit quality upon arrival at destination markets.
Major Achievements
- Launch of Flair S1 in 2024, an industry-first bio-based shine solution eliminating the need for petroleum wax
- Selection as technical contributor to IFPA’s Shelf Life Steering Committee in 2025, highlighting its industry influence
- Strategic support for California’s food loss mitigation policy through scalable, nature-based solutions
- Recognized by the Fresh Produce & Floral Council for sustainability innovation in post-harvest treatments