AgroFresh combines coatings and artificial intelligence to boost the commercial value of citrus fruits

AgroFresh will present solutions to improve harvest planning and preserve citrus quality at the Citrus New Zealand Forum 2026, taking place on September 17 in Gisborne. The offering combines fruit assessment and post-harvest protection technologies designed to enhance uniformity and commercial yield from the orchard to the packinghouse.

The company has announced the presentation of Natural Shine™, TrueFruit™ by Aerobotics, and Rubens™—three tools that come into play at different stages of production and processing. Its participation will also include an update on a citrus trial conducted in New Zealand, featured in the "Innovation Spotlight" session.

Coatings to preserve quality and enhance presentation

Natural Shine™ is part of the range of carnauba-based edible coatings for citrus fruit. According to the company, its application helps maintain freshness, improve appearance, and extend shelf life, combining protection with commercial appeal.

The solution is included in AgroFresh’s portfolio of citrus technologies and represents the post-harvest aspect of the offering the company will present at the event.

Artificial intelligence for harvest forecasting

In the digital realm, TrueFruit™ by Aerobotics uses artificial intelligence to generate yield forecasts and assess fruit characteristics such as size, color, and quality.

Meanwhile, Rubens™ provides real-time predictive estimates of Brix levels and acidity to help determine the optimal harvest time. Both tools provide information to assist with harvest planning and allow decisions to be tailored to the product's characteristics.

A forum focused on growth and consumer confidence

The gathering will place these proposals within a broader debate regarding the sector's economic future. According to Citrus New Zealand, the forum will address the conditions necessary to attract investment, drive growth, and strengthen consumer confidence.

The program includes presentations by specialists and panel discussions on value creation throughout the supply chain, from production to marketing.

Non-destructive measurement gains prominence

Quality assessment also plays a key role in the activities of Citrus New Zealand. The organization has reported on a six-month trial involving a non-destructive measurement tool for Navel oranges, comparing it with the destructive method currently in use. The goal is to determine its suitability for wider adoption across the sector.

Against this backdrop, AgroFresh’s proposal addresses two complementary needs: having the information required to decide when to harvest and having solutions available to preserve the fruit post-harvest. The presentation will provide an opportunity to learn about the announced tools and the progress of the trial, which the company will share with citrus industry professionals.

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