"AgroFresh's generous support allows USApple to extend our research program to sponsor apple-specific study that would otherwise not be conducted, and to expand the growing evidence that apples and apple products may provide a 'whole body' range of health benefits," said USApple President and CEO Nancy E. Foster. "We are pleased with AgroFresh's decision to further support the research progress of the U.S. apple industry through sponsorship of this vital project. An additional donation of $10,000 to support the separately funded National Apple Month program provides further support for the industry."

USApple's nutrition research and consumer education program sponsors apple-specific research, and educates consumers on health and lifestyle benefits of apples and apple products. The program utilizes new research findings combined with "how-to" information to increase consumption of U.S. apples and apple products.

AgroFresh Inc. makes SmartFresh™, a product that helps maintain the fresh-picked crunchiness, juiciness, and taste of apples from the time they're picked right through to the consumer. SmartFresh™ was introduced in the U.S. apple market two years ago for use in produce storage facilities to maintain the fresh-picked quality of apples throughout the marketing season.

"AgroFresh's support of USApple's nutrition research fits with our overall mission to grow consumption of apples and apple products," said AgroFresh President Gray Wirth. "Through the discovery of new apple health benefits and SmartFresh's ability to help deliver a better eating experience, we are working to increase the demand for U.S. apples and apple products for the betterment of the entire industry."

The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) is the national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 36 state and regional apple associations representing the 7,500 apple growers throughout the country, as well as more than 400 individual firms involved in the apple business. USApple's mission is to provide the means for all segments of the U.S. apple industry to join in appropriate collective efforts to profitably produce and market apples and apple products.

AgroFresh Inc. is a global company with headquarters in Pennsylvania, USA and offices located at many fruit and vegetable producing locations around the world. SmartFresh™ is the flagship product of AgroFresh Inc. Considered a breakthrough solution to maintain quality, SmartFresh™ enables fresh produce to hold its critical quality attributes through transport, on the retail shelf and through to the consumer. The company's vision is to work with its customers to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables around the world by improving quality and availability of fresh produce. SmartFresh™ is a trademark of AgroFresh, Inc.