The Migiva Group, owner of South America fresh produce grower-exporter Agricola Andrea, has partnered with Chicago-based Hazel Technologies to trial Hazel Tech post-harvest application for grapes on a commercial scale.
Over the last year, Migiva Group has been sampling Hazel’s product in numerous trials in Peru, and has seen positive results, according to a news release.
In particular, the release said Hazel Tech has shown to favor the post-harvest quality and condition of table grapes, thereby prolonging shelf-life, reducing dehydration and improving the fruit’s visual appearance.
Following positive trials last season, the product is being trialed commercially this season, according to the release. Hazel Tech post harvest application will be used on exports of Agricola Andrea’s table grapes from Peru destined for Asia primarily, as well as Europe, the United Kingdom, the U.S, Canada and other destinations.
“In this business, and especially for the high-end markets that we serve, nothing is more important than the perfection of the fruit and its eating experience,” Eduardo Mazzini, commercial director of Migiva Group, said in the release. “Based on our trial results we believe that Hazel Tech’s product favors the grapes post-harvest. The fruit keeps fresher for longer; the stems look greener, as if they were not long ago harvested. This is key because the condition of the stems is a known indicator of freshness in grapes.”
