Innovating the agri-food sector: FRIETS Project extends the shelf life and quality of berries

Article by Dorian Galea, Mgarr Farming Ltd

Berries are among the most nutrient-rich, high-value crops but are highly vulnerable to post-harvest spoilage due to their high moisture content, volatile bioactive compounds, and sensitivity to pathogens and temperature fluctuations.

Funded under the MSCA-RISE-2020 - Research and Innovation Staff Exchange scheme of the European Union, FRIETS fosters collaboration between research institutions and companies through reciprocal knowledge exchange and researcher mobility. The consortium includes 13 partners from 5 European countries and the UK, united under the coordination of functional food company REZOS BRANDS S.A. based in Patras, Greece. The four-year project is supported with a €2.43 million budget.

A sustainable value chain for berries

FRIETS aims to develop a sustainable value chain for berries, spanning all stages from cultivation to the final consumer. By integrating precision farming practices, eco-friendly dehydration techniques, and edible coatings, the project seeks to deliver innovative, natural berry-based snacks—free from added sugars, salt, or chemical preservatives. It also includes life cycle assessments (LCA) and socio-technoeconomic evaluations to ensure sustainability at every production stage.

Precision farming

Through advanced precision agriculture techniques, FRIETS enhances the pre-harvest efficiency and resource use of berry crops. Leveraging geospatial data and field sensors, the project supports optimized cultivation strategies, helping farmers conserve water and fertilizers. At the same time, smart decision-support tools are being developed to tailor agronomic practices based on microclimatic conditions and crop-specific needs.

Post-harvest innovation: Osmotic dehydration & algae-based edible coatings

A core focus of FRIETS is the study of osmotic dehydration—a mild, energy-efficient method that reduces moisture while maintaining flavor and nutrients. By using apple juice as a natural osmotic agent, a clean-label solution is achieved with extended shelf life.

Simultaneously, edible coatings made from polysaccharides and proteins extracted from the microalga Chlorella vulgaris are being explored. These coatings provide microbial protection, preserve antioxidant properties, reduce weight loss, and maintain the berries’ visual and sensory quality. Biodegradable and low-energy, these coatings promote sustainability even at the farm level.

Environmental evaluation via Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

FRIETS uses Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to quantify and compare the environmental impacts of its innovative methods against conventional ones. While osmotic dehydration involves higher CO₂ emissions, it delivers economic and quality benefits such as reduced fruit waste, better inventory control, and export viability. Meanwhile, the algae-based edible coatings demonstrate a very low environmental footprint, making them ideal for local and organic agriculture systems.

A new pathway for Maltese agriculture

More than a research initiative, FRIETS is a collaborative platform connecting scientists, agronomists, and producers, steering the transition toward a more sustainable, efficient, and high-quality food production model.

For Malta, the FRIETS outcomes offer tangible opportunities to:

• Reduce post-harvest losses
• Improve the nutritional value of market products
• Expand into niche markets (e.g., superfoods, organic products)
• Strengthen clean-label offerings

The project is a promising example of how research-driven innovation can revitalize the agricultural sector and bring Maltese products to the forefront of sustainable food innovation.