Hazel Technologies expands to West Coast

(Hazel Technologies Inc.)

 Hazel Technologies Inc., a USDA-funded technology company delivering new solutions for fresh produce to extend shelf-life, increase sales, and combat food waste, today announced its first major corporate expansion beyond its Chicago headquarters – a new Fresno, CA research center and west coast customer support office located adjacent to Fresno’s Yosemite International Airport.

The announcement of the strategic Central Valley hub follows Hazel Technologies’ recent $70 million Series C funding round.
 
Producing roughly 25% of the United States’ food supply1, California’s Central Valley is one of the world’s most productive agricultural regions and home to many of Hazel Technologies’ customers. The new west coast hub and research center will help service increasing customer demand and further advance the research and development of new technologies and solutions. Hazel’s recognition among a rapidly expanding customer base of over 250 commercial agribusinesses has been echoed by agriculture industry observers; the company was recently recognized a 2021 “Tech Pioneer” by the World Economic Forum and was one of Fast Company magazine’s “World Changing Ideas” in 2020.
 
“Planting Hazel’s flag in California’s produce-rich Central Valley is a milestone moment for our company,” explained Adam Preslar, co-founder and CTO of Hazel Technologies. “But even as we grow, our focus remains the same: customer-centric innovation which results in lower waste and higher profits for our customers.” 
 
Indeed, Hazel is on track to treat 6.3 billion pounds of fresh produce in 2021, saving over 500 million pounds of produce from going to waste. Currently working with over 250 of the world’s biggest food producers across 12 countries, Hazel’s new state of the art facility will continue its focus its research on crops such as avocados, grapes, cherries and over fifteen other produce items sold every day on retail shelves across the world.
 
The company has already started an aggressive recruitment push to staff the new West Coast facility. The new office will house a wide range of personnel including scientists, R&D, and commercial team members.

 

Latest News

Sustainable California Initiative charts progress in ag sustainability and equity
Sustainable California Initiative charts progress in ag sustainability and equity

GrubMarket says its initiative made strides in 2023, including the planting of 100,000-plus trees and aiding farmers in organic transition.

Oppy hits the slopes with competitive skier partnership
Oppy hits the slopes with competitive skier partnership

Ski-cross athlete Emeline Bennett will share food tips, highlights and more through Oppy’s social media channels.

World Variety highlights combo pack of dragon fruit at AWG showcase
World Variety highlights combo pack of dragon fruit at AWG showcase

With more than 1,500 options among its offerings, World Variety Produce had plenty of options to highlight at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

AgroFresh bolsters postharvest solutions with Pace International purchase
AgroFresh bolsters postharvest solutions with Pace International purchase

The company says the acquisition will expand its postharvest portfolio and that it plans to collaborate with Valent BioSciences to develop future products to boost produce freshness.

Wonderful Citrus highlights Organic Halos, Seedless Lemons
Wonderful Citrus highlights Organic Halos, Seedless Lemons

Wonderful also promoted its No Shells pistachios, including its new Jalapeño Lime flavor, at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase.

NGA makes marketing hire, promotes government relations staffer
NGA makes marketing hire, promotes government relations staffer

The National Grocers Association has welcomed Caroline Sar as its manager of marketing and member engagement and promoted Max Wengroff to senior manager of government relations.