Zoono Group has inked a five-year exclusive contract with Sharpak and OSY to apply its antimicrobial technology on UK soft fruit packaging, aiming to reduce food waste and boost shelf-life.
- Exclusive UK contract signed with Sharpak and OSY through to 2029
- Minimum annual purchase commitments rising from NZ$4.3m to NZ$8.6m
- Technology targets soft fruit packaging for major UK supermarkets
- Positive trial results across multiple food categories ongoing
- Partnership positions Zoono in the growing food shelf-life extension market
Exclusive Contract Marks Strategic Shift
After weathering significant challenges in its traditional antimicrobial markets, Zoono Group Limited has strategically pivoted towards niche sectors with high growth potential. The company’s latest announcement reveals an exclusive contract with Sharpak Aylesham Limited, a leading UK food packaging manufacturer, and OSY Group Limited, Zoono’s application technology partner. This agreement, running until the end of 2029, focuses on applying Zoono’s antimicrobial shelf-life extension products to packaging for soft fruits destined for major UK supermarkets.
Addressing a Global Food Waste Crisis
Food waste remains a staggering global issue, with an estimated US$2.6 trillion lost annually and nearly a quarter of all fruit and vegetables wasted worldwide. Zoono’s technology, combined with OSY’s application methods, aims to extend the freshness of produce, thereby reducing waste throughout the supply chain. For supermarkets, even a one-day extension in shelf-life can halve food waste for certain products, translating into significant cost savings and improved margins.
Robust Commercial Terms and Growth Potential
The contract stipulates minimum annual purchases starting at NZ$4.3 million in the first year and escalating to NZ$8.6 million by year five, underscoring the commercial confidence in the technology’s market acceptance. Sharpak’s dominant position in UK soft fruit packaging, coupled with its right of first refusal for EU markets, provides Zoono with a strong foothold for future expansion. The first product orders are expected following the conclusion of in-store trials later this year, with production scaling anticipated through 2026.
Broader Trials Signal Wider Market Opportunities
Beyond soft fruits, ongoing trials with multiple UK supermarket chains and international food producers are exploring applications across a diverse range of fresh produce and ready-made meals. Early results have been promising, meeting commercial viability targets for shelf-life extension. This suggests potential for Zoono’s technology to penetrate other food categories and geographies, further amplifying its impact on food sustainability.
Sustainability and Innovation at the Forefront
Sharpak, part of the French Groupe Guillin SA, is a recognized leader in eco-designed food packaging, aligning well with Zoono’s environmentally friendly antimicrobial solutions. Together with OSY’s innovative application technologies, this partnership exemplifies a collaborative approach to tackling food waste while meeting regulatory standards in the UK and EU. For consumers, the promise is fresher produce with less waste, contributing to a more sustainable food system.
Bottom Line?
Zoono’s exclusive UK deal with Sharpak sets the stage for broader adoption of antimicrobial packaging solutions, with market expansion and sustainability gains on the horizon.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly will Sharpak ramp up production and meet the minimum purchase targets?
- What are the prospects for extending the agreement beyond the UK into the wider EU market?
- How will ongoing trials across other food categories influence Zoono’s growth trajectory?