Hazel Tech launches food waste solution for Calavo Hawaiian papayas
Hazel Technologies Inc., a USDA-supported technology company delivering new solutions for fresh produce to extend shelf-life, increase sales, and combat food waste, announces a partnership with Calavo Growers Inc., one of the leading grower-shippers of fresh Hawaiian papaya, tomato, and Hass avocado in the world.
Founded in 1924, Calavo is one of the most recognized brands in the fresh produce category. Originally an avocado grower’s cooperative in Southern California, Calavo has expanded to become one of the world’s largest fresh food producers with global operations. The initial collaboration between Hazel Tech and Calavo focuses on ensuring quality of fresh Hawaiian papaya.
Papayas have become more popular in the US in recent years with US consumption doubling in the past decade. Calavo is the largest grower/shipper of Hawaiian papaya in the United States. More than 75% of the papaya produced in Hawaii are marketed under the Calavo Gold® and Cole® brands. One major challenge limiting further growth is the short shelf-life of papaya. Calavo has partnered with Hazel® to ensure maximum papaya quality, unlock further expansion opportunities and reduce food waste to the fullest extent possible.
In trials, Calavo observed reduced decay and delayed ripening when implementing Hazel 100™ sachets into their supply chain. Calavo’s expectation is for improved arrival quality resulting in lower labor costs and less food waste. Calavo has decided to implement Hazel commercially with shipments of papayas sent by air and sea freight in an effort to meet these expectations.
“We were looking for an easy to integrate solution that would give us more time regardless of the harvest maturity.,” commented Brian Jameson, Vice President of Fresh Procurement, Calavo Growers Inc., “With Hazel 100™ sachets we’re able to reduce cull rate, waste and retain quality of our papayas which is a great benefit. We provide the freshest and most flavorful papayas Hawaii has to offer and by utilizing Hazel Tech we’ll be able to provide more premium quality fruit to valued customers, continue to support Hawaiian agriculture and ensure our supply chain is as efficient as possible.”
“Our trial with Calavo is a perfect example of how Hazel easily fits into the existing supply chain to protect quality, reduce waste and increase profits,” commented Pat Flynn, CMO, Hazel Technologies, “As we continue to work with Calavo, we look forward bringing easy-to-use solutions for longer lasting papayas, avocados and tomatoes to consumers across the globe.”
