Hazel Technologies adds organic line, debuts with Desbry avocados

Hazel Technologies, Chicago, has a new line of the company’s shelf-life extending products approved for organic produce, Hazel O.

The product line debuts in the industry with the Desbry-brand organic avocados from WP Produce, Miami. The tropical avocado grower-marketer is using Hazel O with a 2-count bag launch of Desbry avocados.

Like its counterpart for conventionally-grown produce, Hazel O is a sachet placed in boxes before shipping that reduces “the ethylene sensitivity of fresh produce,” according to a Hazel Technologies news release.

The Desbry avocados are co-branded with a “Fresher with Hazel Tech” slogan on the bags. Shipments have been received at more than 180 retail locations, including Kroger banners, according to the release.

"Incorporating Hazel O into our supply chain is just one of the many steps WP Produce has taken to grow the tropical avocado category for our retail customers," Chris Gonzalez, vice president of sales at WP Produce, said in the release. "Offering consumers across the nation the convenience and food-safety protection of a 2-count bag, plus usage tips and other education, and the ultimate shelf-life, was too prime of an opportunity to pass up."

Aidan Mouat, CEO of Hazel Technologies, said organic produce is growing rapidly, yet the category faces more shelf life challenges than conventional produce.

"Developing a next-generation organic solution to address organic shelf life is one more step in our company’s mission to provide holistic supply chain solutions for the fresh food industry,” he said in the release.

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