Biotalys and AgroFresh partner to enter $300 million post-harvest fungicide market

Biotalys, a Belgium-based agricultural biotech firm, and AgroFresh Solutions, a U.S. specialist in produce preservation, have formed a strategic alliance to develop biological fungicides aimed at the $300 million post-harvest treatment market.

The companies said Tuesday, May 21, that they plan to commercialize new protein-based fungicides to prevent spoilage of fruits and vegetables during storage and transportation. Roughly 14% of global produce is lost between harvest and retail, largely due to fungal decay, according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization.

AgroFresh, headquartered in Philadelphia, will contribute its global post-harvest distribution network and industry relationships, while Biotalys brings its proprietary AGROBODY technology—designed to control pathogens without relying on chemical residues.

“Post-harvest decay significantly impacts profitability and contributes to food waste,” said Clint Lewis, Chief Executive of AgroFresh. “We see this collaboration as a way to expand our product pipeline with sustainable tools that meet both regulatory and market demands.”

The move comes amid increased scrutiny over the environmental impact of synthetic pesticides and mounting pressure on agricultural producers to adopt greener alternatives. Biological solutions, derived from proteins or microbes, are gaining traction as viable tools for disease control in both pre- and post-harvest stages.

Biotalys Chief Executive Kevin Helash said the partnership marks a key step in broadening the company’s market reach beyond field applications. “This collaboration reflects the versatility of our AGROBODY platform and supports our expansion into the post-harvest space, where we see growing demand for residue-free solutions,” Helash said.

AgroFresh, best known for its SmartFresh technology that slows fruit ripening using 1-MCP, operates in over 60 countries and has been expanding its portfolio through digital and biological innovations.

The companies did not disclose financial terms or regulatory timelines. A market launch will depend on regional registration processes and commercial validation.