A new sticker has been developed to protect pears from damage caused when the fruit is repeatedly squeezed by supermarket shoppers.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more


A horticultural institute in New Zealand has developed a sticker that changes colour when the fruit is ripe, eliminating the need for consumers to squeeze the fruit to check its ripeness, reported Reuters.


“The system uses a punnet that traps the volatile compounds fruits emit. As the fruit ripen, the label changes colour in response to changing concentrations of these compounds,” Reuters quoted the New Scientist magazine as saying.  


The sticker is currently being tested in shops in Portland, Oregon in the US, and Rob Henzell of the Horticultural and Food Research Institute plans to develop stickers for kiwis, avocados and melons if the US trials are successful.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - Have you nominated?

Nominations are now open for the prestigious Just Food Excellence Awards - one of the industry's most recognised programmes celebrating innovation, leadership, and impact. This is your chance to showcase your achievements, highlight industry advancements, and gain global recognition. Don't miss the opportunity to be honoured among the best - submit your nomination today!

Nominate Now