Extending the availability and flavour-life of UK apples using innovative photonics

The British apple industry is continuously asked by UK retailers to extend availability; this being achieved

by implementing ever more sophisticated storage technologies. Whilst this demand is driven by a

brand loyalty to domestic production, the industry is increasingly challenged by imports. In order that

primary production of UK apples can be fully utilised and be made more competitive, a paradigm shift is

needed to improve how apples are stored such that the focus is moved towards ‘flavour-life’ rather than

being just driven by firmness and sugar content. The proposed work will develop novel sensor and allied

storage interventions which will control ripening whilst maintaining ‘flavour-life’. This offers a route to

incremental storage extension to help reduce the reliance on imports and extend the window in which

high quality British fruit can be offered.