Advances in formulation, functionality, and application of edible coatings on fresh produce and fresh-cut products: A review

•Innovative and advanced postharvest preservation techniques like edible coatings should be adopted.•Advanced edible coatings adopted by agriculture sector can improve intercontinental distribution and demand for fresh produce.•A shift from chemical coatings to bio preservative, renewable, natural and biodegradable edible coatings.•Effect of suitable concentrations of edible coating materials on shelf life & quality of fresh/fresh cut produce.•Edible coating materials are carrier for functional ingredients to serve multiple quality and safety-related purposes.•Nanoparticle-enhanced edible coatings can enhance sensory and physical properties of fresh/fresh cut produce. With the increasing population of the world food demand is also increasing but unfortunately, many countries in the world are lacking suitable and economical postharvest preservation techniques to minimize increasing postharvest losses. To ensure food security advanced production technologies, distribution systems and minimum losses should be ensured to give accessibility of food to all population groups. Innovative preservation techniques should be adopted by the agriculture sector to meet intercontinental distribution and demand for fresh produce. The application of the edible coating is a novel technique in postharvest preservation due to its simple application, ecofriendly nature, and effectiveness. Edible coatings can also improve the quality and safety aspects of fresh produce and thus extends shelf life. This review aimed to update information about recent advances in edible coating formulation and application mainly on fresh-cut /minimally processed fruits and vegetables. This information will be helpful for processors to select the best coating material and its effective concentration for different fresh and minimal processed vegetables.