Hazel Tech® and WP Produce Expand Program By 35 Percent
CHICAGO, IL - Retailers left and right are capitalizing on the immense growth surrounding the avocado category. As more consumers flock to the unique flavor of the delicious fruit, Hazel Technologies’ partnership with WP Produce has resulted in significant growth during the peak season of the grower’s Dominican Republic tropical avocados.
“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.”
The tropical season saw exceptionally strong sales, according to a press release, with outstanding quality and program growth. Hazel Tech began this partnership with WP Produce in 2020 with 2-count consumer bags. Since then, WP Produce has expanded its distribution of shipments protected by Hazel™ by over 35 percent, and the grower now serves customers throughout Canada and North America.
“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 show great potential for growing the avocado category,” said Chris Gonzalez, VP of Sales at WP Produce. “Hazel Tech has been an important part of our expansion, assuring our premium-quality fruit stays fresh all the way to the Pacific coast from Florida and the Dominican Republic. Our customers tell us we are the only supplier that can do so.”
Many major retailers have become motivated by the increased demand for the flavor and diverse cooking uses for tropical avocados, leading them to implement new merchandising programs dedicated to the category’s growth. In addition, popular restaurant chains have also incorporated the Hazel-protected Desbry Tropical Avocados into their menus.
“Investing in new technology that ensures premium quality and extended shelf life is vital to our business,” added Gonzalez. “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.”
As more exciting innovations lead to success in the fresh produce industry, AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
