“Post-harvest industry needs smarter, safer, and more effective solutions” - BIG Interview with Denise Junqueiro, Fresh Formulaics

The fresh produce industry is in flux. Supply chains are unpredictable, regulations are tightening, and growers are under pressure to cut losses while ensuring quality. Traditional post-harvest coatings have remained largely unchanged for decades — but the demands of modern agriculture require something more advanced. Enter Fresh Formulaics, a next-gen post-harvest solution designed to extend shelf life, enhance appearance, and protect against decay — all with plant-based, sustainable coatings.

At Fruit Logistica, we spoke with Denise Junqueiro, VP of Marketing at Fresh Formulaics, about how their technology is setting a new industry standard.

Fructidor: Denise, what does Fresh Formulaics represent for the industry? What’s new that you’re presenting here?

Denise Junqueiro: Fresh Formulaics is the next generation of post-harvest technology. We’re focused on safer, smarter, and more effective solutions to help suppliers extend freshness and maintain quality. Unlike traditional wax-based solutions, our coatings are plant-based and fit seamlessly into existing packhouse operations.

We have three core product categories:

1. Protect – Solutions that inhibit mold and decay (launching later this year).
2. Flair S1 – A new coating that enhances shine and shelf life, perfect for citrus, apples, and other high-gloss fruits.
3. Extend EX – A coating that reduces shrink and extends freshness for products like avocados.

At this show, we’re launching Flair S1, which enhances both appearance and longevity — helping suppliers reduce waste and boost market value.

Fructidor: So Flair S1 is designed for high-gloss produce, but what about crops like avocados?

Denise Junqueiro: Avocados don’t need shine, but they do need protection — especially in rain-prone regions like Mexico and Peru, where post-harvest diseases are a serious concern. That’s where our Protect line comes in, which will be available later this year. It’s designed to prevent common post-harvest diseases and reduce losses in transit, which is a game-changer for long-haul shipments.

Fructidor: How do your products integrate into existing packing operations?

Denise Junqueiro: That’s the beauty of it — no extra infrastructure needed. Our solutions are applied just like conventional wax or fungicides, using the same brush beds and packhouse systems suppliers already have. It’s a seamless swap, making it easy for shippers to upgrade their post-harvest strategy without operational headaches.

Fructidor: There’s been some confusion — Is Fresh Formulaics a rebranding of Apeel?

Denise Junqueiro: No, Fresh Formulaics is not a rebrand of Apeel. Apeel Sciences continues to offer its legacy products, but over the years, the industry has asked for more specific, results-driven solutions tailored for suppliers. Fresh Formulaics was developed in response to that need — it’s strictly focused on packing houses, shippers, and suppliers, offering them the flexibility, efficiency, and shelf-life extension they’ve been asking for.

Fructidor: Can interested companies trial your products?

Denise Junqueiro: Absolutely. We offer pilot programs for suppliers interested in testing our solutions. Anyone interested can reach out via email. We’ll set up a meeting, understand their operation, and do a pilot that showcases the impact of our coatings on reducing shrink, improving quality, and increasing sellable fruit.

Fructidor: Are your products available worldwide?

Denise Junqueiro: Yes, we’re a global company, and as registrations clear, our coatings are rolling out in key markets, including Spain, South Africa, Chile, Peru, Mexico, Brazil, and the U.S..

Fructidor: With shifting trade policies, do you foresee challenges in markets like Mexico?

Denise Junqueiro: Trade regulations always impact our customers, but that’s exactly where Fresh Formulaics comes in. Our coatings help extend shelf life and reduce claims, which is critical when suppliers pivot to new markets in response to tariff changes. Whether they’re shipping longer distances or entering new regions, our products minimize risk and maximize profitability.

Fructidor: What’s the key takeaway for suppliers?

Denise Junqueiro: The industry has been relying on the same post-harvest coatings for decades — but that’s changing. Fresh Formulaics is bringing a smarter, safer, and more effective approach to post-harvest, helping suppliers reduce waste, improve efficiency, and increase their top line.

Ready to see the difference? Schedule a pilot program and experience firsthand how Fresh Formulaics' coatings can reduce shrink, enhance quality, and boost sellable fruit.