Wootzano Ltd., a company in the post-harvest sector of robotics, is delighted to announce the official launch of its operations in the United States, with the first Avarai robotic system active in August 2023. This strategic move marks an exciting milestone in the company's growth and demonstrates its commitment to global expansion.
With this US expansion, Wootzano aims to utilize industry-leading technology to help resolve the struggling labor force in fresh produce packing sheds whilst simultaneously bringing more exciting employment opportunities in the technology sector. The cutting-edge technology is outfitted with powerful artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision technologies that allow the robots to learn and improve over time. Avarai can carefully handle perishable fresh produce with ease, ensuring minimal food loss due to the embedded electronic skin. This patented feature gives the robot greater environmental awareness and accuracy.
Dr. Atif Syed, CEO and Founder of Wootzano, said: "We are thrilled to announce our expansion into the US. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving growth in this dynamic market. Together with our US partner, we look forward to making a positive impact and delivering a new level of sustainability and quality in the fresh produce industry."
Lee Ann Eager, President/CEO of Fresno County Economic Development Corporation, had this to say: "As the top producing agricultural county in the US, our region is a magnet for innovative commercial solutions. We represent 1% of US farmland yet produce a quarter of the nation's food supply. Wootzano's technology is a perfect fit to address our regional needs. We have been working tirelessly with Dr. Syed and his team to provide a comprehensive introduction to the US in terms of sites, partners, and institutions. We look forward to continuing to support Wootzano as their technology transforms the packing industry."
Joe White, the British Consul General in San Francisco and Tech Envoy to the US, said, "We've been delighted to support Wootzano in their expansion to the US. We are thrilled to see British technology driving innovation in the US. Novel agricultural technology like Wootzano's fully integrated robotic packing system, Avarai, is extremely important in strengthening resilience, accelerating sustainable growth, and promoting food security."
The US-UK trading relationship has a long history, founded on mutual economic interests and common values. "The US is the UK's largest single trading partner, with total trade worth more than £279 billion last year," stated Lord Offord, the Minister for Exports. "It is excellent news that Wootzano is expanding into the US, building on our strong trading relationship by exporting their innovative products, helping to create jobs, pay higher wages, and grow our economy."
For more information:
Deborah Fulton
Wootzano Limited
Tel.: +44 (0) 333 5779 668
Email: d.fulton@wootzano.com