Apeel avocados are now in stores in Europe thanks to a partnership with Netherlands-based Nature's Pride.

Nature's Pride has integrated Apeel avocados into retail stores in Edeka and Netto in Germany. Additionally, Føtex and Bilka stores in Denmark now stock the treated fruit.

Apeel's edible solution acts as a protective peel or skin over produce to prevent spoilage and double shelf life.

The European Commission authorized the use of Apeel's plant-derived coating earlier this year. Various retailers in the U.S. have already successfully implemented the solution.

“Approval of Apeel’s technology in Europe demonstrates the European Commission’s commitment to addressing our planet’s massive food waste crisis, which is now understood to be a top contributor to climate change,” said James Rogers, CEO and founder of Apeel Sciences.

Food waste in Europe is a big problem, according to the partners. Consumers throw out around 88m metric tons (MT) of food annually. That adds up to 143bn euros (US$158bn) per year.

This debut in Europe is the first step, say the companies. Nature Pride also expects to roll out other categories of Apeel produce in the future.

"Apeel allows us to significantly reduce food waste, so we are extremely proud that the result of our intensive cooperation has now reached the shelves. We look forward to reaching more consumers in Europe with our products with Apeel,” Nature Pride's CCO Adriëlle Dankier commented.

Apeel's avocados utilize natural methods to improve avocado shelf life and reduce produce waste.

The companies expressed their excitement about introducing the solution as a way to meet sustainability goals. For Nature's Pride, this comes alongside larger efforts to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030.