Thirteen years after sales of SmartFresh™ first started on kiwifruit in the Southern Hemisphere, the technology is now available in all key producing countries on green and yellow varieties. AgroFresh continues to invest and optimize growers’ returns on new varieties.
13 years of investments with SmartFresh on kiwifruit
Although known mainly for its use on apples, plums and pears, SmartFresh is also widely used on kiwifruit to protect them from the effects of ethylene during storage, export and distribution.
With more than ten years' R&D and commercial experience, SmartFresh contributes to growers’ success for supplying kiwifruit meeting market’s expectations.
Strong partnership with local industry and researchers
This success of SmartFresh is the result of the strong partnership with the local industry and researchers. As the leader of the 1-MCP science, AgroFresh undertakes in-depth research to correlate pre and post harvest factors and provide recommendations for different maturity stages and storage technologies. For example, fruit samples analysis allow an understanding of firmness distribution in rooms to guide storage length according to market destinations.
Year after year, AgroFresh has built a huge technical data base allowing it to share knowledge with customers, and offering new on-line services through its AgroFresh Information Center.
“To reinforce even more our support and long term commitments to customers, AgroFresh has recently opened a service center close to Bologna with state of the art laboratory facilities” said Jochen Kager, Commercial Director South Europe.
Proven benefits and new marketing opportunities for growers
AgroFresh has developed robust use recommendations over time. Expert advice includes the adaptation of storage conditions and calibration of applications time to optimize effect in relation to storage length and market request. Users find value in the fruit coming out of storage firmer with a fresher ‘green’ look. The fruit does not lose condition during packing and transport which gives more confidence in the inventory being packed and received at destination at optimum firmness, resulting in less waste.
Used according to AgroFresh recommendations, SmartFresh provides proven returns on investments and opens up the possibility for new routes involving longer distance shipments.
Looking ahead
AgroFresh is keen to continue to work closely with kiwifruit market leaders and researchers to achieve the best results while ensuring full consumer satisfaction. Research is ongoing on new yellow varieties. The ultimate goal? To contribute to increased kiwifruit consumption around the globe.
For more information, please visit www.AgroFresh.com.