Hazel Tech® to host first annual Avocado Quality Summit

Hazel Technologies, Inc., a USDA-funded technology company delivering new solutions for fresh produce to extend shelf-life, increase sales, and fight food waste, announces the launch of their first virtual Avocado Quality Summit. A one-hour event will be held on Friday August 27th and will feature keynote speakers from across the industry discussing the latest on avocado trends and quality research throughout the supply chain.

The event will begin with a data analytics presentation led by Anne-Marie Roerink of 210 Analytics, followed by an Industry Perspectives Panel led by Pat Flynn, co-founder and CMO of Hazel Technologies. Panelists include Desiree Morales, Vice President of WP Produce and CEO of Tropical Fruit Box, Dick McKellogg, Founder of MCK Produce Consulting Inc. and former Director of Produce & Floral Merchandising at Lowe’s Foods, and Thomas McQuillan, Vice President of Sales at Baldor Specialty Foods, Inc. The panel will be followed by a presentation on postharvest best practices for avocados given by Dr. Steven Sargent, Professor and Associate Chair of Horticultural Studies at the University of Florida. The summit will close with a postharvest solutions discussion with Mario Cervantes of Hazel Technologies, Inc.

“Avocados are a prime example of how consumer education can pay off in areas such as selection knowledge, ripening at home, and new consumption occasions,” commented Anne-Marie Roerink, Founder & Principal of 210 Analytics, “I look forward to sharing more about the first half performance in 2021 and opportunities for continued growth.”

“With over thirty years as a produce retailer, I’ve seen the avocado category expand and grow unlike any other fruit or vegetable,” commented Dick McKellogg, Founder of MCK Produce Consulting Inc., “I think this conversation will be really interesting as we get to hear insights from across the avocado supply chain.”

“Getting to hear perspectives from growers, retailers, and foodservice representatives is invaluable when it comes to working in the agriculture industry,” commented Pat Flynn, co-founder and CMO at Hazel Technologies, “At Hazel® we look to serve the needs of the entire produce supply chain when developing our technologies. At the summit we strive to delve into key factors in sustaining postharvest avocado quality, reducing waste, and increasing sales.”

“This forum is a great opportunity to share research on avocado postharvest quality best practices,” commented Dr. Steven Sargent, Professor and Associate Chair of Horticultural Studies at University of Florida, “I look forward to presenting on different methods to extend the shelf life of avocados and proven advancements in postharvest technology.”

The Avocado Quality Summit is a free event. Registration is open to the general industry until August 27th or until capacity is reached.

To learn more about the event and register, visit bit.ly/avocadoqualitysummit2021