Fresh Del Monte Produce and Vegetables and the University of Granada (UGR) of Spain, known for its cutting-edge research, have announced an expanded partnership. This collaboration will explore the use of bioactive compounds from fruit residues for medical and non-medical applications, aiming to promote health and well-being.

The partnership builds on over a year of initial research that showed promising results for the effectiveness of bioactive compounds from certain fruits in Fresh Del Monte's portfolio. Research groups at the University of Granada, led by Professors Juan Antonio Marchal and Vito Verardo, have developed a methodology for extracting bioactive compounds from fruit residue using emerging technologies.

The research partnership will focus on highly prevalent diseases, dermo-cosmetics, nutraceuticals and foods. Dermo cosmetics are products with both dermatological and therapeutic effects intended to benefit skin health and beauty. Nutraceuticals include various health-boosting substances, such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, and antioxidants, all sourced from foods or food components. Professor Vito Verardo added that the collaboration underscores how the concept of a circular economy is deeply ingrained in the food industry. He pointed out Fresh Del Monte's significant interest in revalorising food byproducts, which demonstrates environmental sensitivity and could open new possibilities for using food byproducts as new raw materials. By collaborating, Fresh Del Monte and UGR's Research Transfer Office (OTRI) aim to enhance ongoing research and development initiatives that use fruit residue to create valuable products that promote healthy lifestyles.

They aim to minimise the accumulation of residual products, promote sustainable practices across various industries, and reduce environmental footprints. The partnership is set to last 18 months, with critical milestones outlined at different stages of the program.