Improve strawberry taste with a cutting-edge tech platform
Fresh strawberries can be difficult to find at supermarkets these days, with many lacking the quality and freshness of homegrown or locally sourced berries. Steve Statler, a food safety expert at Wiliot’s Ambient IoT, has noticed this decline in strawberry quality and freshness. He explains that strawberries are sensitive fruits that require precise temperatures to maintain their optimal condition.
To address this issue, Ambient IoT has developed wireless tracking labels that use heat sensing technology to monitor the temperature and humidity of produce, including strawberries, throughout the supply chain. These labels are being used by food companies to ensure the quality and freshness of their products, particularly perishable items like strawberries.
Strawberries are particularly vulnerable to spoiling due to their soft nature and lack of protective skin. This makes it crucial to monitor their condition from the farm to the grocery store. The use of Ambient IoT labels can help identify any issues in the storage and handling of strawberries, such as improper refrigeration or exposure to heat.
In addition to improving the quality of fresh produce, these labels have also been used to track the risk of foodborne illnesses in products like lettuce. While the technology has garnered interest from the International Fresh Produce Association, Wiliot is currently focusing on partnering with grocers to implement the labels in their supply chains.
By empowering grocers to monitor the freshness of their products, Ambient IoT aims to drive positive change in the industry and ultimately improve the quality of strawberries and other fresh produce for consumers.
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Maria Sanchez completed her Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences from the University of California, Davis, in the USA. Her studies focused on plant genetics and biotechnology, with an emphasis on developing disease-resistant crop varieties. Maria has contributed to several research projects aimed at improving crop resilience to climate change and is now pursuing her Master’s degree in Plant Breeding.