Philadelphia-based AgroFresh Solutions Inc., which is publicly traded on the Nasdaq under the name “AGFS,” has opened an innovation center in Rancagua, Chile.
The company provides digital technologies and services to enhance the quality and extend the shelf life of fresh produce, according to a news release.
Researchers and operations teams will staff the center to support growers, packers, shippers and retailers throughout Latin America with customized operational and technical support services, as well as postharvest solutions to help keep produce fresh longer, reduce food waste and conserve precious natural resources.
Chile exports more than 2.6 million tons of fruit annually to more than 100 countries, making it one of the top produce exporters globally, according to the release. The country was also the first to commercialize SmartFresh, AgroFresh’s ethylene management solution, more than 20 years ago.
The center will allow customers throughout the Latin American region to tap into the problem-solving expertise and capabilities of AgroFresh’s scientific and operational experts.
Having experts working on solutions in Chile will help the company better meet growing produce demand in the region, Vice President of Operations Edgardo Castaneda said in the release. And “with its new state-of-the-art research and lab capabilities and increased capacity, the Rancagua innovation center will serve as a technical hub for the region and the globe,” Castaneda said.
AgroFresh will use the innovation center to continue to develop its produce freshness product and digital solutions, such as Harvista, ActiMist and FreshCloud. Also, the center will support the Control-Tec ECO application equipment, which has helped cherry customers in Chile reduce water usage by up to 60% during the packing process, according to the release.
The Rancagua global innovation center is one of seven centers of this type that AgroFresh has on four continents in key fruit growing regions. More than 40 scientists collaborate worldwide with universities, customers and research partners to analyze more than 2 million pieces of fruit each year, according to the release.
These AgroFresh scientists gather their key findings and share the useful information with stakeholders around the world.
