Innovating for optimal vegetable washing

Summary :

Shapiro is looking for innovative solutions for washing vegetables and eliminating insects during the rinsing process.

Proposals can include new washing/rinsing options, innovative solvent blends and more. 

Context :

Shapiro Canada is a Montreal-based company whose mission is to offer a wide range of top-quality foods.

Shapiro has been supplying the retail and foodservice industries with fresh vegetables for over 25 years.

Always attentive to consumer expectations and the specific needs of its customers, Shapiro is now implementing a reinforced quality control program, aimed at guaranteeing compliance with HACCP standards throughout the production process

The challenge : 

  • Research is mainly focused on solutions capable of effectively eliminating insects while complying with quality and food safety standards, without compromising product freshness and quality ;
  • Rinsing alone is not enough to effectively eliminate insect ;
  • The use of soap is often necessary, but the foam generated poses problems, in particular by increasing residues and preventing complete cleansing ;
  • Insects persist, impacting on vegetable quality ;
  • Several suppliers have already been tested, but the challenge remains, particularly during infestation periods.

Objective 

  • The aim is to find a rinsing solution that meets strict quality control requirements, using only products approved for human consumption ;
  • The ideal solution should therefore focus on eliminating insects during the rinsing process, either by adding a specific element or by some other innovative method ;
  • The proposed solutions must be economically accessible and adapted to the needs of an SME.

Presentation Webinar


In collaboration with Zone Agtech, a webinar took place on March 11 (in French and English, with a simultaneous translation option) to present the innovation call and participate in the call for solutions.

Watch the replay

Please submit your solution by completing this questionnaire. Deadline for solution submission : April 11, 2025.

For any questions, please contact [email protected]

Québec