Mission Produce Inc. announced the launch of a premier post-harvest program AvoLast Powered by Hazel, featuring a quarter-sized biodegradable and food-safe packaging insert that blocks ethylene receptors while minimizing operational impact to the supply chain. AvoLast was exclusively developed with Hazel Technologies Inc., a USDA-funded agricultural technology company aimed at reducing food waste and increasing the efficiency of produce supply chains. Mission and Hazel Technologies announced their partnership in 2019.
“As consumers adapt to new habits and behaviors during this time of uncertainty, AvoLast is the perfect solution to support the longevity of avocados on the shelf or behind the counter. With AvoLast retailers and foodservice businesses can reduce shrink and continue or enhance their avocado ripening programs without compromising on consumer experience due to overripe fruit,” said Mission Produce’s Senior Director of Business Development Patrick Cortes. “After testing the solution in various environments throughout our supply chain, AvoLast avocados had an extended ripe shelf life of two to three days.”
By increasing the shelf-life of both hard and ripe Hass avocados, Mission’s retail and foodservice customers can reduce throwaways, in turn increasing profit and minimizing inventory stress, while creating more positive consumer experiences that drive category growth. Above all, AvoLast can also reduce global food waste, an increasing environmental, ethical and financial threat.
“AvoLast is the rare win/win solution that delivers a better consumer experience and substantial environmental benefits,” said CEO of Hazel Technologies Aidan Mouat. “In the U.S. alone, food distribution waste consumes about 6% of our total energy budget, 24 percent of our fresh water, and generates somewhere around 300 million metric tons harmful carbon emissions. As the market demands efficiencies to reduce this waste, Hazel’s technology is increasingly vital.”
In all, AvoLast provides many in demand solutions such as extending shelf-life, improving customer experience, decreasing shrink, and reducing global food waste. “AvoLast is just one way Mission continues to invest in innovation and provide value to our customers,” added Cortes.
Mission Produce plans to launch and discuss AvoLast at the virtual PMA Foodservice Delivered event beginning on July 20, 2020. To find out more information on AvoLast and its benefits to both retail and foodservice industries, visit the Company’s PMA Foodservice Delivered virtual booth.
