Longer Shelf Life Without Preservatives. New Method Now in Norwegian Stores
Norwegian fruit can now be available in stores all year round thanks to the use of the SmartFresh gas method. This solution works by blocking the action of the natural ripening hormone – ethylene. The method is already being used in Norway and has been approved by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.
The technology has been used in Norway since 2024.
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Research conducted at the NIBIO center in Lofthus, Ullensvang municipality, shows clear differences between fruit treated with SmartFresh and those left untreated.
Apples and pears were stored at low temperatures and then placed for 10 days in rooms at around 20 degrees Celsius. Untreated fruit ripened and changed color. Those protected with the gas remained green and firm.
Apples and pears were stored at low temperatures and then placed for 10 days in rooms at around 20 degrees Celsius. Untreated fruit ripened and changed color. Those protected with the gas remained green and firm.
How does SmartFresh work?
SmartFresh works by occupying the place that ethylene would normally take in the fruit's structure. As a result, the ripening process is halted.
The gas is applied for about 24 hours, either immediately after harvest or at a later stage of storage. The substance breaks down into CO2 and water. No permanent by-products are formed.
The gas is applied for about 24 hours, either immediately after harvest or at a later stage of storage. The substance breaks down into CO2 and water. No permanent by-products are formed.
All eight fruit warehouses in Norway have implemented SmartFresh.Photo: stock.adobe.com/standard license
The method is already present in Norwegian stores
The solution has been used in the United States for over 25 years and in Europe for over 20 years. In Norway, it allows domestic fruit to be sold even after the holiday season.
Apples and pears available in autumn and winter 2024/2025 are already subject to this process. The method is not approved for use in organic fruit production.
Apples and pears available in autumn and winter 2024/2025 are already subject to this process. The method is not approved for use in organic fruit production.
A record year for Norwegian apples and increased sales
The year 2025 was a record year for Norwegian apple production. Sales increased significantly, with one of the main distributors boosting sales by 35 percent, from 3,860 to 5,300 tons.
The extended storage period allows supply to be better matched to demand. As a result, domestic fruit can appear in stores even outside the traditional sales season.
The extended storage period allows supply to be better matched to demand. As a result, domestic fruit can appear in stores even outside the traditional sales season.
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