Miami-based WP Produce is shipping Desbry brand avocados in a box it designed to lengthen the fruit’s shelf life.
“Tropical avocados typically have a shelf life of 5-6 days,” Christopher Gonzalez, WP Produce vice president of sales, said in a news release. “With our new ventilated box designs and ethylene reduction technology, we’re looking at potentially doubling the shelf life by adding up to an additional 4-5 days of freshness.”
The company imports the green-skinned avocados from the Dominican Republic and also markets avocados grown in Florida.
WP Produce has begun using ethylene-filtering technology to slow the ripening process, according to the release. The company also created a new carton to enhance air circulation and improve ventilation, further lengthening the shelf life. The new cartons feature updated graphics.
“By taking steps to improve the shelf life of our products, we saw an opportunity to increase supply chain efficiencies, reduce waste at retail and improve user experience for both consumers and chefs alike,” Desiree Morales, vice president of WP Produce, said in the release.
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