The Sta-Fresh® Flowable Wax 4000 launched at IFPA 2026

The Sta-Fresh® Flowable Wax 4000 was unveiled at the 2026 International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Global Produce and Floral Show in Orlando, Florida, US. The latest Sta-Fresh® pineapple coating solution helps packers protect marketable yield and reduce fruit waste with a wax coating that is easier to prepare, mix, and handle.

Simpler preparation, more coating per drum

Paste-style waxes are labor-intensive. They need to be scooped, scraped, weighed, and mixed intensively before use. The Sta-Fresh® Flowable Wax 4000 removes these steps by using a 77 % solids, concentrated flowable formulation of the proven Sta-Fresh® pineapple wax.

The result is a simpler coating process and greater coating efficiency. With more usable wax in every drum, Sta-Fresh® Flowable Wax 4000 can treat 43 % more pineapples can be compared to the Sta-Fresh® 2952. The concentrated wax formula also reduces water storage requirements, reduces inventory footprint, and improves storage and transportation efficiency.

Better performance after cold storage

Wax coatings help protect fruit from depressed pitted areas (DPA) that can occur in cold storage, affecting the appearance and salability of valuable produce. Sta-Fresh® Flowable Wax 4000 performs consistently on both green and high-color pineapples, improving fruit appearance and extending shelf life after cold storage. This helps ensure your produce reaches market shelves with the high-quality appearance consumers value.

Drop-in installation for existing operations

The Sta-Fresh® Flowable Wax 4000 is designed to fit into lines with ease. It works with existing mixing equipment, refractometers, and coating operations, using the same wax application rates and throughput. Producers gain the benefits of a flowable wax system without the pain of changing all operational parameters.

Integrated automation

The Sta-Fresh® Flowable Wax 4000 integrates seamlessly with our award-winning ProDOSE™ Pineapple Wax Dosing Machine, reducing manual intervention and keeping coating consistent from batch to batch. Working together they automate dosing, provide continuous Brix monitoring, real-time concentration control, and data logging, improving line efficiency and operational control.

“We’re always working to outdo ourselves in pursuit of transforming the future of food,” said Fernando Edagi, Site Director & Product Line Director at JBT Marel. “The Sta-Fresh® Flowable Wax 4000 was developed as part of our ongoing collaboration with producers who needed a more efficient, dependable way to protect marketable yield and reduce fruit waste. By eliminating the labor-intensive mixing process and increasing product concentration, we aren’t just delivering a product; we’re streamlining daily operations, extending shelf life, and helping our partners maximize their bottom line.”

Discover more

Visitors to IFPA 2026 can see the Sta-Fresh® Flowable Wax 4000 for themselves at JBT Marel booth #3419

If you aren’t attending the show, reach out to our experts today to learn how Sta-Fresh® Flowable Wax 4000 can simplify the preparation, handling and efficiency of your pineapple waxing.