Latest News From Packer Tech

AgroFresh Solutions Inc., a company focused on extending the shelf life of fresh produce, has a new consumer research series that identifies factors leading to a consumer’s choice to buy fresh produce.

Hazel Technologies Inc., Chicago, recently invited students to participate in the Agricultural Academy, which the shelf-life extension company plans to host every year.

The Salinas Valley Ag Tech Summit will focus on emerging technologies, including the human aspect, ensuring that workers are prepared to continue innovation in production agriculture.

Companies that use the SmartWash Solutions system to mitigate bacterial cross-contamination in wash water, are getting more than a water additive.

Coyote Logistics, Chicago, has expanded the CoyoteGO digital freight platform, adding on-demand features to better connect shippers and carriers for end-to-end solutions.

Taylor Sokol has been named to the newly created position of director of foodservice for Apeel Sciences, Goleta, Calif. 

Brooklyn, N.Y.-based Gotham Greens has opened a 100,000-square-foot hydroponic greenhouse outside Baltimore. 

Several produce-related companies on the cutting edge of technology and sustainability made Thrives’s Top 50 listings of AgTech and FoodTech, announced by SVG Ventures at the Agricultural Outlook Forum.

For the third year, IFCO Systems is offering grower and retailer customers who use the company’s reusable plastic containers a certificate noting its sustainability initiatives.

Hazel Technologies reported successful trials on kiwifruit at the University of California-Davis and The Oppenheimer Group, which has been shipping treated kiwifruit.

Carrier Transicold has added three new models to its next-generation Supra series of diesel-powered truck refrigeration units.

Table grape breeder Sheehan Genetics LLC, Fresno, Calif., is building a research and development facility for new varieties for growers in California and the Americas.

Researchers at Kansas State University and Purdue University have discovered faster, better ways to detect foodborne pathogens that are especially harmful to people.

Emerson, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., has released Oversight 2, a cloud-based portal for real-time monitoring in-transit information.

More consumers prefer to buy bulk produce over packaged produce, according to new data from The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2020 survey.

Freight Farms has raised $15 million in Series B funding, led by investment firm Ospraie Ag Science.

New Zealand-based kiwifruit marketer Zespri plans to have 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable packaging by 2025.

Catalytic Generators, Norfolk, Va., is promoting its ethylene generators as a ripening technology that can help boost sales through a conditioned pears program.

Arrive Logistics, Austin, Texas, has opened a new division, Arrive Fresh, to expand a pilot program focused on perishable shipments, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and flowers.

The International Pineapple Organization's first-quarter Global Pineapple Conference has a busy schedule, with a day-long series of conference sessions and a tour of Port Everglades.

Tomra and its subsidiaries Tomra Food, Compac and BBC Technologies were busy at the Fruit Logistica exposition, showcasing new equipment at the international show.

The Reusable Packaging Association has launched the 2020 State of the Reusable Packaging Industry Survey.

The Oppenheimer Group is introducing a sustainable packaging for its KeeWee brand kiwifruit.

Itallian packaging and equipment company Sorma Group has a new packaging line that not only reduces overall plastic, but makes recycling of the packaging components easier.

Indoor farming companies made the inaugural FoodTech 500 list, created to rate and celebrate companies showing a successful trifecta of food, sustainability and technology.

Agt3 Holdings, a Laguna Niguel, Calif., indoor vertical growing technology company, has appointed former California Secretary of Agriculture A.G. Kawamura to its board.

Delta Trak, Pleasanton, Calif., is showcasing its data loggers at the Fruit Logistica expo.

Emerson, St. Louis, has released its next-generation GO Real-Time Tracker, which gives companies cold chain data throughout the shipping process.

A company that offers a buying platform for foodservice operators has acquired a stake in Produce Alliance, a network of fresh produce grower-shippers and wholesalers that supply foodservice clients.

Allan Bros. Fruits , Naches, Wash., has installed a new packing line that gives the company detailed analytics on all apples that pass through it.

Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc., Summerland, British Columbia, the grower and marketer of the bioengineered Arctic apple varieties, has been purchased by TS Biotechnology Holdings LLC.

Tim York, president of Salinas, Calif.-based Markon Cooperative, is the keynote speaker for the opening day of the Western Food Safety Summit.

C.H. Robinson, Eden Prairie, Minn., plans to purchase Prime Distribution Services.

Container farm manufacturer Freight Farms and Sodexo have plans to bring hydroponic vertical farms to schools and universities across the U.S.

Manter International B.V. has acquired shares of another Netherlands-based company, Solidtec B.V.

C.H. Robinson, Eden Prairie, Minn., has started an incubator for logistics and supply chain innovations.

New York-based Crisp has introduced a food demand forecasting platform for suppliers, distributors and retailers.

Food safety-sanitation provider PSSI has rebranded sister company Packers Chemical Inc. as PSSI Chemical Innovations.

AgroFresh Solutions Inc., which markets SmartFresh and other products to prolong the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, plans to focus on sustainability and curbing food waste at Fruit Logistica.

Michel Picandet is the new executive vice president and head of Tomra Food, which designs and makes fresh produce sorting and grading equipment.

The 2020 Global Cleantech 100 list is recognizing two indoor leafy greens growers, a produce shelf life extension technology and a company that’s placing “farms” in stores and restaurants.

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association has launched an online Waste Efficiency Tool.

NSF International, Ann Abor, Mich., has hired Lesley Ma as new chief information and continuous improvement officer.

Taylor Farms, Salinas, Calif., is celebrating sustainability milestones in energy independence and waste conservation, with three facilities cutting significant amounts of waste.

Western Growers and energy technology company Concentric Power Inc. are teaming up for the Salinas Valley Energy Forum.

Hazel Technologies Inc., Chicago, has hired Parker Booth as chief operations officer.

GS1 US, Ewing, N.J., has hired Kraig Adams to be its vice president of blockchain, a new role at the company.

The Castellini Group of Cos., Cincinnati, is adopting integrated supply chain technology designed to enhance agility and efficiency for customers and suppliers.

The inventors of a compound that revolutionized fruit and vegetable storage, ensuring apples to maintain crispness months after harvest, are among the 2020 inductees into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Red Sun Farms, Kingsville, Ontario, has a new way for consumers to find where the company’s greenhouse vegetables are available.