Brazil permits SmartFresh™ on watermelons

The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, has recently given AgroFresh permission to use their SmartFresh™ post-Harvest tech on the countries watermelons. The technology involves applying 10- methylcyclopropene, which keeps the fruit fresh and maintains the flavor over longer transport and storage times.

The technology is also registered for use on apples, avocados, bananas, limes, guavas, mangoes, plums, persimmons, tomatoes, papayas and kiwifruit in Brazil. This is an important move for Brazil considering it is among the top growers and exporters of melons in the world.

“With the recent approval for watermelons, Brazilian suppliers will now have the tools to export more high-quality fruit to the growing European and Asian markets.” said Jeferson Nunes, Latin America Commercial Director for AgroFresh.

Brazil exported 206,000 metric tons of melons in 2015. According to Abrafrutas, the Brazilian association of producers and exporters of fruit, the country is looking to continue to meet the increased international demand for tropical fruits, including melons.

Donna Greiner
AgroFresh Solutions, Inc.
Tel: +1 610-244-6665
http://www.agrofresh.com/
DAGreiner@agrofresh.com