Hazel Tech teams with Divine Flavor to protect table grape quality

Hazel Technologies, Inc., developer of USDA-funded ag-tech products designed to protect and extend produce quality, has partnered with produce distribution company Divine Flavor on the Nogales, Ariz.-based company’s grape program.

Divine Flavor is the U.S.-based marketing and distribution arm of one of Mexico’s largest produce agricultural companies, Grupo Alta. With over 5,000 acres of table grape vineyards, Divine Flavor is the largest grower of grapes in Mexico and the largest importer of Mexican grapes into the U.S., according to a release. The company has warehouses in California, Texas and Pennsylvania that provide a wide variety of produce to retail chains across the country.

When Divine turned to Hazel Technologies to explore which of its solutions could most benefit its produce and operations, the two companies found that Hazel’s flagship technology, Hazel 100 sachets — in-box, postharvest technology designed to extend shelf life and protect quality —  was a fit for Divine Flavor table grapes, its signature commodity. 

“As producers of fresh fruits and vegetables, it will always be our priority to offer our clients and their customers exceptional quality, sustainable products which contribute to their long-term health,” Alan Aguirre, president and CEO of Divine Flavor, said in a release. “Innovation is an integral component of today’s industry and it’s important to recognize sustainable solutions which have beneficial impacts to both the shelf live and the quality of our produce. We look forward to seeing how Hazel Technologies will continue to benefit our grape programs.” 

This season, Divine Flavor implemented more than half a million Hazel 100 sachets with various grape presentations and different varieties. One of the main reasons of using these sachets was due to its ability to preserve the stems of the grape bunches which ultimately preserves the shelf life of the fruit, said the company.

“We’ve been experimenting with these sachets for a few seasons and the results are very positive,” Alvaro Muñoz, head of quality control at Grupo Alta, said. “We are seeing well maintained and very green rachis which last through the post-harvest process — avoiding dehydration and, undoubtedly, preserving the appearance of the grape. Hazel 100 is much added value which gives results.”  

Hazel Technologies, Inc. is a USDA-funded startup company that develops new solutions to extend the shelf life of fresh produce and reduce food waste. Founded in 2015, Hazel Tech services over 300 of the world’s largest fresh produce packers, shippers and retailers.

“We’re extremely excited to help Divine Flavor keep their fruits fresher for longer here in the States,” Mario Cervantes, director of business development at Hazel Technologies, said. “Our teams are aligned in our missions to make food accessible while advocating for the environment. We anticipate our collaboration will have a major impact on global food waste reduction.”