Biotalys, AgroFresh join forces to keep fresh produce safer for longer

USA/BELGIUM – Biotalys and AgroFresh have announced a new partnership that targets one of the most pressing problems in the global food system: spoilage of fresh produce after harvest.

The two companies will work together to create and bring to market protein-based biological fungicides that protect fruits and vegetables during storage and transport.

An estimated 14 percent of fresh produce gets lost between harvest and retail. Much of this happens due to fungal infections that start once fruits and vegetables lose their natural defenses after harvest. The fungi thrive in storage and transport environments and can quickly spread if not controlled.

“Post-harvest freshness solutions are especially critical for high-value and highly perishable crops, where even small losses can result in major food waste and economic impact,” said Clint Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of AgroFresh.

“As the global leader in post-harvest freshness innovation, AgroFresh is proud to be partnering with Biotalys to develop sustainable biological fungicide solutions.”

Biotalys is bringing its AGROBODY™ platform to the table. This platform uses proteins to prevent fungal growth, offering an option for growers and distributors looking to avoid chemical residues.

The post-harvest fungicide market currently stands at $300 million globally, and Biotalys sees this as an opportunity to expand its offerings.

“Our expansion into this critical segment represents an important step for Biotalys and demonstrates the significant potential and versatility of our protein-based AGROBODY™ platform to help preserve food quality without chemical residues,” said Kevin Helash, Biotalys CEO.

“We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with the global leader in post-harvest food quality control to bring our biocontrol solutions to this industry segment and make a material difference in this crucial area in the years to come.”

Why biological fungicides matter

The need for sustainable solutions has grown as many countries tighten rules around synthetic pesticides. Cold chain logistics have improved, but they still need help from treatments that protect produce without adding chemicals that worry consumers or regulators.

Biological fungicides based on strains like Bacillus and Trichoderma are showing good results in fighting decay. They support the preservation of quality during the often long journey from farm to market.

The biological fungicide market for post-harvest use was valued at US$1.2 billion in 2024. It is expected to more than double by 2033, reaching US$2.5 billion. This growth is fueled by rising consumer awareness and increasing restrictions on chemical pesticides.

In developing countries, where post-harvest losses can reach up to 40 percent, new biological solutions could make a big difference.

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