All-Natural Post-Harvest Specialist Akorn Announces Brazil Expansion Amid Growing Demand for Alternatives to Artificial Solutions

BERKELEY, CA – Akorn Technology, a leading provider of all-natural coatings and other post-harvest solutions to the global fresh produce sector will be expanding its presence in Brazil, enabling more Brazilian producers to take advantage of growing demand for chemical-free shelf life extension solutions for both export and domestic markets.

With looming US tariffs of up to 50% on some Brazilian imports, there now exists an impetus for the country’s exporters to broaden shipments of mangos, avocados, limes, melons and papayas to new markets, many of which are now implementing ever-stricter pesticide and chemical residue regulations. Consumers in many of these markets – notably across Europe – are also increasingly turning against the use of artificial waxes to coat fruits, instead demanding natural alternatives that are better for the environment.

The application of Akorn’s all-natural solutions, which provide sustainable shelf-life extension and disease control, will give more Brazilian exporters the opportunity to provide high quality, long-lasting products, free of black spots caused by mango anthracnose, as well as other common plant diseases. 

Equally importantly, the extended shelf life provided by Akorn coatings – of up to 50% more – will help Brazilian producers of highly perishable crops access markets where long shipping distances have previously been a barrier. Thanks to this, Akorn solutions have also been found to reduce food waste by over 35% in the complex supply chain from Brazil to global markets.

For a range of products, including mangoes, avocados and limes, Akorn’s all natural post-harvest coatings help manage color development, ripening, and moisture loss. In contrast to many chemical-based post-harvest products with one active ingredient, Akorn’s coating features three active ingredients: a vegetable protein to reduce ripening speed and maintain firmness; a plant-derived wax to minimize moisture loss; and a vegetable oil to delay color development.

The use of Akorn Natural Advantage™ and other Akorn post-harvest solutions also offer substantial storage benefits to the fresh-cut segment, which is particularly strong in the UK and other leading European markets. 

To support the growth of Akorn’s range of natural post-harvest solutions in Brazil, the company will be exhibiting at Brazil’s premier fruit industry event, ExpoFruit, which takes place in the city of Mossoró-RN from August 20-22, 2025.

Demand for Natural Alternatives

Xander Shapiro, Akorn’s Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, said: “There’s a strong demand for natural post-harvest solutions in Brazil, driven by consumers and retailers, as well as stricter regulations in export markets like Europe. There’s also a consumer trend, particularly in Europe, for fruit without artificial coatings and a desire for a more natural appearance.

“Akorn’s coatings also have the benefit of extending ripening, enabling later harvesting of sweeter fruit, which is a key selling point, especially for ready-to-eat markets in Europe.”

To combat the threat posed by anthracnose and other diseases, Akorn is launching a new, all-natural alternative to traditional fungicides, Akorn Natural Guard™, which has been proven to decrease fungal impacts, such as black spots and stem end rot.

Expofruit Brasil Presence

Akorn’s range of post-harvest solutions are now available in Brazil through the company’s exclusive, country-wide distributor Greenkeeper Brasil.

David Sanchez from Greenkeeper Brasil said: “We’re excited to bring this innovative new product – one that solves more challenges than other solutions on the market – to more customers in Brazil.”

Akorn will be exhibiting at Expofruit Brasil 2025 from August 20-22, 2025, at the Estacão nas Artes, Mossoró-RN, Brazil. For more information or to make an appointment at the Akorn stand, please contact: Xander@akorn.tech or david@gkbrazil.com.br.