Hazel Technologies Inc., has announced a new partnership with Specialty Crop Co., the world’s largest fig grower and producer of pistachios, almonds, pomegranates, citrus, kiwi and persimmons.
According to Specialty Crop estimates, in the next 5 years the fresh fig market will grow by 60%. This healthy expansion in the category can be attributed to quality advancements that extend shelf-life across long distance transit. Increased applications include use of fresh figs in health-based functional foods, inspiration for chefs and foodservice operators with menus that have sweet and savory Mediterranean ingredients, and growing popularity with foodie influencers.
Founded in 1989, Specialty Crop Co. ships California-grown figs globally and prides itself on improving the packaging and distribution process, lengthening the growing season, and cultivating new varieties. Annually, California produces 10 to 12 million pounds of fresh figs with Specialty Crop farming over 4,000 fig acres or half of the state’s figs. The Specialty Crop Company farms over 10,000 acres overall across all farming operations. Specialty Crop grows just about every variety on the market, ranging from category leaders like Black Mission to novelty Tiger figs.
One persistent challenge with shipping figs long distances is the extremely high level of perishability. “We are excited to incorporate Hazel Technologies’ products into our supply chain to protect our diverse and delicate fig varieties,” said Erik Herman “Hazel Tech sachets are easy-to-use and will allow us to reach our customers with higher quality fruit across both global and domestic markets.”
“At Hazel Tech we see figs as a key category to make a global impact,” commented Aidan Mouat, CEO of Hazel Technologies. “The demand shift from dried to fresh, expanding distribution capabilities, and an innovative strategy amongst Specialty Crop and other growers toward trialing new technologies all bring us one step closer to achieving our company’s mission to provide holistic supply chain solutions for the fresh food industry.”
