Applied Research and Innovation
Enhancing scientific understanding
of the fruit’s journey from orchard to table
Our applied science is designed to bridge gaps in understanding, create value and improve returns for our clients, partners and collaborators.
Our work streams cover on-orchard productivity, cool chain effectiveness and engineering innovation. These work programs are supported by our fully equipped fruit analysis laboratory. In the cool chain space Start Afresh has internationally renowned expertise in ethylene management and fruit storage. We are always looking for ways to minimize fruit loss and maintain quality throughout the cool chain.
Start Afresh has deep connections in the kiwifruit growing business as well as being growers ourselves. This enables us to undertake orchard research trials from a growers perspective and tackle current and emerging challenges in kiwifruit production.
We are passionate about Kiwifruit, but that’s not all we do! At Start Afresh, we also work with a variety of horticultural crops, helping uncover challenges and find smart solutions across these industries.
Our Main Workstreams
On Orchard
Our on-orchard team undertakes research trials of innovate new products and techniques to improve orchard productivity.
Supply Chain
Our research team is focused on post-harvest activities targeted at understanding and improving the quality of fruit and vegetables while in storage and during transit to markets.
Engineering Research
Our engineering team looks for innovate approaches to addressing supply chain challenges and enhancing fruit performance.
Laboratory
Start Afresh runs an in-house fruit diagnostic laboratory that undertakes all the fruit analyses required for the research trials and projects.