Hazel Technologies, a USDA-funded company developing new shelf-life extension technologies for fresh produce, announces a new partnership with AMR Agro, one of the largest packers and exporters of green-skin avocados in the Dominican Republic. The partnership will initially focus on one of Hazel’s most recent innovations in post-harvest quality technology, Hazel® Avocado. After successful commercial trials with Hazel® Avocado, AMR has adapted its use across a variety of their export programs from the Dominican Republic in order to maintain excellent quality products with minimal waste during transport.
The Dominican Republic, once 8th in global avocado production as recently as 2011, is now 2nd globally in total production by volume, behind Mexico. AMR Agro, originally founded in 2007, exports to international markets including the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, Spain, Holland, France and U.K.
“Over the past decade, AMR Agro has grown to be a premier packer and exporter of agricultural products from the Dominican Republic,” said Raul Reyes, general manager at AMR Agro. “Through our dedicated partnerships and investments in new, proven technologies such as Hazel® Avocado, we are able to provide higher quality fruit to our customers, increase profits, and reduce waste.”
Hazel® Avocado is a small packaging insert that is placed in the box during packing to reduce respiration rate and increase resistance to ethylene, resulting in longer fruit shelf-life and a higher quality presentation following shipping. In the past year, more than 100 prominent fresh produce shippers have partnered with Hazel®, including DFI Marketing for use with melons, and Agritrade Farms for use with okra.
“International interest in Hazel Technologies products has increased faster than anticipated,” said Aidan Mouat, CEO and co-founder of Hazel Technologies. “We look forward to building our relationship with AMR Agro and continuing to build traction in the United States and Latin America in the coming months.”
About Hazel Technologies, Inc. Hazel Technologies Inc. is a USDA-supported company based in Chicago, IL. Hazel Technologies helps growers, packers, and shippers of produce extend the shelf-life of their fruits and vegetables, which reduces produce rejections, can extend seasonal availability, and expand geographic markets. Hazel Technologies develops products in the form of packaging inserts that slow ripening of produce due to ethylene and use a blend of essential oils to reduce to inhibit microbial growth.
About Amr Agro Amr Agro is a group of dedicated growers of cocoa, avocado, lemon and orange in the Dominican Republic. Established more than a decade ago, Amr Agro strives to be a leading company in exports of Dominican Republican products by efficiently serving its customers with high-quality products consistently.
