Hazel Technologies and Miami-based WP Produce, who work with tropical avocados, report that outstanding quality and program growth occurred during the peak season for Dominican Republic tropical avocados. The tropical season saw exceptionally strong sales, which were a clear indicator that the tropical variety will continue to see increased penetration—coast to coast—in the growing avocado category.
“Investing in new technology that ensures premium quality and extended shelf-life is vital to our business,” commented Chris Gonzalez, VP of Sales at WP Produce, “Consumers expect freshness and flavor, and by protecting our Desbry® Tropical Avocados with Hazel™ O we are delivering the highest possible quality and shelf-life to our retail and foodservice partners.”
Since the start of the WP Produce and Hazel Tech partnership with 2-count consumer bags in 2020, WP Produce has expanded their distribution of shipments protected by Hazel™ by over 35%, now servicing customers throughout North America and Canada, including retailers such as Kroger. Increased consumer demand for the fruit’s flavor and diverse cooking applications has motivated major retailers to implement new merchandising programs dedicated to Tropical Avocado category growth. Popular restaurant chains have also incorporated Desbry® Tropical Avocados protected by Hazel™ into their menus.
Right: Aidan Mouat, CEO of Hazel Technologies.
“We’ve always had strong distribution along the East Coast, but over the past few years we’ve worked hard to introduce Desbry® Tropical Avocados in California, Nevada, Texas and other western states where the research and data shows great potential for growing the avocado category,” said Gonzalez. “Hazel Tech has been an important part of our expansion, assuring our fruit stays fresh all the way to the Pacific coast from Florida and the Dominican Republic.”
Right: Chris Gonzalez.
“Hazel’s mission is to increase the efficiency of the supply chain through innovative, easy-to-use solutions,” said Aidan Mouat, CEO of Hazel Technologies, “The Hazel™ O technology utilized in Desbry® Tropical Avocados is proven to protect the internal and external quality of both organic and conventional programs. Less food wasted means higher retail sales and a smaller environmental footprint.”
For more information:
Jaime Kedrowski
Hazel Technologies
Tel: +1 (559) 321-2146
Email: jaime@hazeltechnologiesinc.com
www.hazeltechnologies.com