Consulting consortium FreshXperts LLC announced Nov. 17 that Dennis E. Kihlstadius has joined its team of experts advising the fresh-produce and perishable foods industry.
The group describes Kihlstadius as a highly respected authority in postharvest science, ripening technology and fresh produce handling.
“Dennis brings a depth of technical expertise rarely found in our industry,” says FreshXperts founder Anthony J. Totta. “His knowledge of ripening science and postharvest handling is unmatched, and we are excited to offer his capabilities to our clients. He elevates our consortium and strengthens our mission to serve the entire fresh produce supply chain from grower to consumer.”
FreshXperts says Kihlstadius has spent over two decades as an instructor at the University of California–Davis’ Postharvest Fruit Ripening Workshop and served as an instructor at the Produce Academy for 13 years under lead instructor Ronnie De La Cruz. He has also launched or helped launch ripening programs for the National Mango Board and California’s avocado industry, as well as worked in ripening, conditioning and handling programs for tomatoes and pears in California.
Kihlstadius’ areas of expertise and past experience include, according to the group:
- Postharvest assessments and system optimization.
- Ripening-room design, operation and training.
- Reducing shrink and maximizing shelf life.
- Field-to-retail quality control systems.
- Technical education and training for staff at all levels.
- International sourcing, market entry and supply chain alignment, especially cross-border technical support for Asian, North and South American markets.
