Verdant Technologies announced a partnership with Gaétan Bono Fruits et Légumes. The collaboration marks another milestone in Verdant's expanding iceless broccoli offering, leveraging its flagship postharvest solution, HarvestHold Fresh®, to drive operational efficiency and improved product quality throughout the supply chain.
As part of the initial rollout, Bono began sourcing broccoli shipments with HarvestHold Fresh earlier this year through one of an increasing number of growers already using the solution. Because several growers are now actively integrating HarvestHold Fresh into their operations, the process requires no significant changes to packing or shipping processes. For retailers seeking to expand iceless programs or meet quality and sustainability goals, Bono offers immediate access to broccoli with HarvestHold Fresh.
For wholesalers like Bono, the shift to iceless shipping brings operational benefits. Without melting ice, there's less moisture accumulation on warehouse floors, helping create a drier, safer environment for employees and equipment. HarvestHold Fresh also helps the wholesaler elevate the quality of its broccoli with the benefit of extended shelf life. Early feedback from retail partners has been positive.
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"HarvestHold Fresh was straightforward to integrate into our program and immediately brought improvements to how we handle product day to day," said Francis Carruthers, food safety director at Gaétan Bono Fruits et Légumes. "The ability to move away from ice has created a cleaner, drier environment in our facility, which supports both employee safety and more efficient workflows. It's an innovative but practical change that aligns with our focus on quality and operational excellence."
HarvestHold Fresh uses a humidity-activated delivery system to gradually release 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP)--technology that slows the aging process while preserving the natural ripening rhythm of produce. This innovation extends shelf life, maintains crisp texture, and ensures vibrant color while also eliminating the need for traditional iced packing methods that can introduce inefficiencies and risk. By removing the need for ice, it simplifies logistics while maintaining product integrity from harvest to retail.
"This is a clear signal that the entire produce supply chain is rapidly aligning behind a truly iceless future for broccoli, and wholesalers are playing a critical role in making that vision a reality," said Matthew Aronson, chief revenue officer at Verdant Technologies.
For more information:
Verdant Technologies
https://verdant-tech.com/
https://harvesthold.com/