Successful trial for new melon freshness technology

Hazel Technologies, Inc. announced what it said was a successful trial season with Dan Andrews Farms, LLC, a third generation melon grower in San Joaquin Valley, California. Dan Andrews Farms tested the Hazel® Melon this season in export containers to Hong Kong with excellent arrival results.

Originally specializing in protecting the quality of honeydew melons, Hazel said it has now developed technologies for cantaloupe varieties and specialty mixed melons. According to the company, the aim is to increase product marketability and help prevent fungal growth for fruit in transport for several weeks. Earlier this season, Dan Andrews Farms said it sent trial containers of melons with Hazel® Melon to Hong Kong with positive feedback from customers.

“Asia is collectively the United States’ 2nd largest market for export fresh fruits behind Canada, so it is crucial that U.S. crops arrive at optimal freshness and are able to maintain that quality,” said Aidan Mouat, CEO and co-founder of Hazel Technologies. “We are excited to partner with a well-established grower and shipper, like Dan Andrews Farms, to show Hazel® Melon as a proven solution for expanding melon exports, reducing food waste, and ultimately increasing sales with better arrival quality.”

With more than 30 percent of harvested crops going to waste, Hazel® products condition the storage atmosphere to reduce respiration rate and increase resistance to ethylene, which it says protects fresh produce throughout the supply chain. According to the company, it has received positive feedback from importers and exporters since entering into the fresh produce industry.

“We are dedicated to providing high-quality products to our customers around the world. With this new partnership, we are able to continue to deliver products at that standard,” said Dan Andrews, owner of Dan Andrews Farms, LLC. “We are thrilled to partner with Hazel and to consider expanding our export program with better control of product arrivals.”