Value Chain Development Cold Pressed Apple Juice
A Journey of Sustainability and Innovation
As a student of agribusiness management with a background in horticulture, I’ve always sought ways to improve agricultural practices to reduce waste, offer additional income to farmers, and promote sustainable agricultural production and markets. My involvement in a cold-pressed apple juice project at Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, Solan sparked an interest in how value chains are developed to minimize losses and add value to natural, chemical-free apple produce. This allows for better return to farmers and also viable products for consumers.
This initiative, undertaken by Gram Disha Trust (GDT) (through its social enterprise JaivikHaat Pvt Ltd), and Magasool Agro Pvt Ltd, in collaboration with UHF, serves as an example of sustainable food systems transformation in the Agroecology space. The project not only addresses the need for a market for small-grade apples (Pitto) but also showcases how to create a high-quality product that appeals to conscious consumers. The farmers who wish to transform their production towards agroecology face a challenge of being unable to find appropriate returns for their produce. This value chain also presents one solution towards this challenge.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 Target 12.3 – Indicator 12.3.1 – Sustainable consumption and production – provides the requirements –
By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses
Thus it is a challenge – how are value chains possible based on Sustainable Agriculture? Here is a solution developed in Himachal Pradesh India based on Apples grown under Natural Farming. It hopes to address multiple issues –
- How to use simple methods and sustainable value chains for products from Agroecological produce?
- How to ensure localised consumption based on production?
- How to reduce Post harvest food loss wastage?
- How to ensure better incomes for farmers – especially those who wish to transform from towards Agroecology?
Need for Value Chain
In India, apples are graded by size and quality parameters. Depending on the cultivation techniques of each farmers, the harvest of apples yield different grades and sizes from the trees. Usually, open markets offer a standard rate to the farmer irrespective of the grades and sizes. Open markets also reject apples which are mishapen, bruised or sun burnt but are good for human consumption. This leads to a loss not only to the farmer but also food itself, since the farmer is unable to send these to the Market for sale.
The development of a value chain for cold-pressed apple juice is essential for multiple reasons. It minimizes farm losses, as Grade II and III apples (like Pitthoo and 6Layer) that would typically go to waste at the orchard, are now put to productive use. This reduces wastage and gives farmers an additional income stream, especially for those who grow apples in remote areas with limited market access. By collectively processing apples through Farmer Producer Cooperatives (FPCs) or central processing units, farmers can become self-reliant while ensuring that the apples are used efficiently. This value chain structure also helps create a sustainable business model where farmers benefit financially and where the environmental impact of agriculture is minimized by using natural farming methods.
These aspect, of Agroecology and Sustainable value chains, are also part of the ACROPICS engagement. UHF and GDT are also network partners under this program.
Reducing Waste and Boosting Income
To minimize losses and provide additional income for apple farmers, in this value chain a plan is introduced to produce cold pressed apple juice from the fruit that don’t meet the strict standards for fresh market sales. In keeping with Sustainability in product development, the juice shall have no added colors, sugars or chemical preservatives. The challenge then is determining the right type of naturally ripened apples to choose for Juicing. Apples often rejected for cosmetic imperfections, such as size, color, or minor blemishes, are still suitable for healthy consumption. Many of these apples, particularly Pitthoo or 5/6L grade II and III apples, are discarded at the farm during harvest, despite meeting essential quality parameters. By utilizing such apples for juice production, we can reduce waste and offer farmers a new revenue stream. This initiative not only helps prevent food waste but also ensures that even deemed “imperfect” apples can produce healthy products for better retruns.
Method of the Value Chain
The purpose of establishing a value chain for cold-pressed apple juice is twofold. First, it enables the utilization of sorted Grade II/III apples of small sizes — in this case, extra-small 5L/6L/Pitthoo apples that are often discarded by farmers due to their size and appearance. The social enterprises encouraged the farm to also sort and pack these apples instead of discarding them. By including these apples in the juicing process, we reduce waste, increase the economic value of the crop, and provide farmers with additional income opportunities.
Second, the value chain provides consumers with a sustainable and chemical-free product. By sourcing apples from Spiti, where they are grown using natural farming practices, we ensure the product’s authenticity and traceability, aligned with CETARA-NF certifications. Spiti is a cold temperate area of Himachal Pradesh which is in rain shadow and enjoys high annual duration of sunshine. As compared to the rest of the state this region also has lesser incidence of various pest and diseases for apple cultivation. Thus the requirements for agrochemicals is also lower as compared to the state averages.
The value chain also helps in building a self-reliant system where farmers, processing units, and retailers work in collaboration. This provides stability to both the producers and consumers, ensuring fair prices and high-quality products that reflect the values of sustainability and ethical farming.
Procurement of Apples from Spiti
The journey of producing cold-pressed apple juice begins with sourcing apples from KVK Tabo, Spiti. Spiti’s apples are known for their high-quality, naturally grown produce. We specifically selected Royal variety apples, which are naturally grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides. The Pitto grade (extra-small apples) was chosen as a primary source due to its quality and the fact that these apples are often discarded due to their size. By utilizing these apples, we not only minimize farm losses but also create additional income opportunities for farmers who would otherwise be unable to sell these smaller apples in the market.
These apples are transported from Spiti to JaivikHaat in Delhi, where they are stored for sale, before moving to Nauni Solan for the juicing process. Using natural farming practices, these apples maintain their integrity and freshness, ensuring that no chemicals or artificial fertilizers have impacted the final product. Of the total lots procured from this farm about 30% of the boxes were Grade III apples and 15% were 6L or Pitthoo sized apples. These apples had minor defects such as scald, Russet, punctured, bruising or misshaped.
As the KVK orchard plot was under Organic cultivation, there was a visible incidence of Wooly aphid on the trees, however within tolerable limits for the tree. It was reported that this year the total yield of apples at the plot had dipped by about 30% due to the infestation as compared to previous year. These apples were also tested for residue at the University and a private lab for about 180 agrochemical molecules and no residue was found on the apples.
Traceability – Case for CETARA-NF
To ensure traceability and trust in our product, we have adopted the CETARA-NF certified evaluation system. This certification, supported by the Government of Himachal Pradesh, guarantees that the apples are grown using natural farming practices. The apples and the resulting juice are certified free from any chemicals, pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers. The KVK orchard plot recieved a 2-star rating from this system indicating no use of Agrochemicals for the production.
The CETARA-NF label comes with a QR code, allowing consumers to trace the product back to its source—the specific farmer who grew the apples. This traceability system builds trust and confidence among consumers, assuring them that they are purchasing a product made with sustainability and natural farming principles in mind. It is an important step in ensuring that our juices align with the growing demand for naturally grown, ethical, and sustainable food choices. It is this QR code of traceability which is also present in the bottle of apple Juice sold to end consumers.
Logistics Related to the Value Chain
Efficient logistics is the backbone of any value chain. From procurement and storage to transportation and distribution, proper logistics management ensures that the product reaches the consumer in the best possible condition. After the apples are processed into juice at UHF Nauni, the juice is transported back to Jaivik Haat in Delhi, and then to Magasool in Bangalore for analysis and value chain study.
Proper storage conditions and inventory management are critical at each stage of the journey. The apples and juice must be handled with care to prevent spoilage, contamination, or physical damage. Using cold storage and temperature-controlled transport ensures that the juice stays fresh and safe throughout the logistics process.
Processing Aspects – Apple to Juice
The process of turning apples into juice begins with a 0.3-liter yield per kg of apples. For every kilogram of apples, we get around 300 ml of juice, which is then measured for its Brix content. The Brix content of our juice is 14°, reflecting a natural sweetness without any added sugar or preservatives. The sugar content consists of naturally occurring sugars such as fructose, glucose, and sucrose, which are all part of the fruit’s natural composition.
Since the apples are cold-pressed, the juice retains all of its natural nutrients, including vitamins and antioxidants. We ensure that no chemical additives or preservatives are used in the production process.
For packaging, we use glass bottles, which help preserve the natural taste, nutrition retention and quality of the juice. However, glass bottles are more fragile than plastic, so extra care is taken to handle and transport them safely. The bottles are LUG cap sealed with a red tamper tape and neck sleeve to ensure no air gaps remain. The bottles are labelled with CETARA certification and a QR code for traceability, allowing consumers to easily verify the authenticity and quality of the product. With proper sealing of the caps the juice remains of a viable shelf life to market in Winters. The consumers are advised to keep the bottled juice in refridgeration and consume immediately once the LUG cap is opened.
One of the most important aspects of the process is pasteurization, which is done at a temperature of about 85°C to 90°C for a short period to eliminate pathogens. This ensures the juice is safe for consumption while retaining as much of its nutritional value as possible. The juice can be safely stored for up to 12 months in good storage conditions, minimizing waste and allowing farmers to sell their products throughout the year.
The processing occured at the Department of Food Science and Technology (FST) of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulure and Forestry. The processing center at the UHF campus is fully equipped for product creation and offers this at reasonable rates to farmers in Himachal Pradesh. The product creation was also enabled to allow for students of FST department to participate in this study and learn about the process of Sustainable Value Chain product creation.
Link to True Price Determination Modeling Study
A key aspect of this value chain development is the True Price Determination Modelling Study, which helps in understanding how costs are distributed across the value chain and how they influence the final product price. The price of the cold-pressed apple juice is influenced by factors such as the procurement cost of apples, transportation, processing costs, packaging, and logistics. The goal of the modelling study is to ensure that the final price reflects these costs in a way that is fair to the farmer, processor, and consumer. Additionally, as the apples are grown under agroecological practices, the price determination also takes into account for Social and Ecological Capital returns. The methodology then allows for decisions to be taken in terms of compensating farmers for these capital returns either within the price of the product or through other policy related interventions. As of writing of this blog, the Modeling studies are underway.
Through this study, we can determine the most efficient way to price the juice while maintaining the sustainability of the supply chain. By incorporating factors like transportation challenges, storage costs, and the market price for Naturally grown produce, the model helps in setting a price point that is both competitive and sustainable for all involved. Additionally, understanding the breakdown of costs and how they contribute to the price allows for the development of strategies to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and optimize the supply chain. This ensures that the price of the product is not only True but also reflective of the value-added at each stage of the supply chain. This study is also part of the Sustainable Food Systems Platform for Natural Farming (SuSPNF), housed at the Directorate of Extention Education (DEE) at UHF. DEE is also the nodal institution which represents as a partner under the Global ACROPICS program. The at Spiti (apple source) is also housed under DEE.
The Outcome of the Value Chain
The outcome of an efficiently designed value chain is the creation of a high-quality, chemical-free cold-pressed apple juice that retains all of the natural nutrients of the apple. By using a cold-pressing method, we avoid heat degradation, ensuring that the juice maintains its natural flavor and health benefits. The juice is packaged in glass bottles to preserve its quality and is clearly labeled with CETARA-NF certifications and a QR code for traceability.
Moreover, the established value chain offers multiple benefits to all stakeholders involved. Farmers benefit from higher returns, as apples that were once considered waste are now being put to use. The value chain also provides a pathway to market expansion and consumer trust, ensuring that the juice reaches a wider audience who value organic and sustainable products.
Conclusion
The establishment of a sustainable value chain for cold-pressed apple juice addresses the dual challenges of minimizing farm losses and promoting natural, chemical-free products. By involving key stakeholders, from farmers to retailers, the project creates a system that is economically viable and socially responsible. This pilot based on a real marketing and value chain product creation, also shows that it is possible to create Marketable products for Agroecological crop production systems. The products are also sustainable and support the local circular economy. The traceability and transparency in price determination also ensures that the farmers have viable opportunities in developing such products for better value return.
The Price Determination Modelling Study plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the final price of the juice reflects the value added at every stage of the value chain while maintaining fairness and sustainability. This study helps in optimizing the value chain and ensuring that both the producer and the consumer benefit from a high-quality, ethically produced product.
As we move forward, this value chain model serves as an example of how agriculture can evolve to meet the needs of both the farmer and the consumer while adhering to sustainable practices. The future of apple juicing—and other value-added agricultural products—lies in the development of such sustainable, fair, and transparent value chains.
The final study report is underway during the writing of this blog and is expected to be available in public domain in 2025.