The AvoLast program uses a quarter-sized biodegradable and food-safe Hazel® packaging insert that extends Avocado shelf Life
Mission Produce Inc., the world’s most advanced avocado network, in partnership with Hazel Technologies Inc., announced the launch of AvoLast by Hazel®, a ground-breaking shelf-life extension program that keeps avocados at an optimal level of ripeness for three extra days on average. Integrating Hazel® technology across Mission’s global supply chain, AvoLast makes it easier than ever for consumers to shop for and enjoy the perfect avocado.
The AvoLast program uses a quarter-sized biodegradable and food-safe Hazel® packaging insert that temporarily blocks an avocado’s ethylene receptors and slows the ripening process. With more shelf-life, the consumer reaps the benefits of a longer timeframe to enjoy an avocado with ideal freshness, quality and taste. What’s more, by increasing the shelf-life of both hard and ripe Hass avocados, retailers can reduce throwaways, in turn increasing profit while creating more positive consumer experiences that drive category growth.
AvoLast is being introduced at an especially critical time for consumers: in today’s environment of social distancing, food insecurities are heightened and many shoppers are making fewer visits to the grocery store, so the ability to purchase ripe avocados with confidence that they will last longer is significant.
“As consumer trips to the grocery store decrease, AvoLast is the perfect solution to support avocados on the shelf. With AvoLast, retailers can continue or enhance their avocado ripening programs without compromising customer experience due to overripe fruit,” said Mission Produce’s Sr. Director of Business Development Patrick Cortes. “After testing the solution in various environments throughout our supply chain, the AvoLast program extended the shelf-life of ripe fruit by an average of three days. Partnering with Hazel Technologies on this application demonstrates one of many ways Mission continues to invest in innovation and provide value to our customers.”
AvoLast uses technology exclusively developed by Hazel Technologies, Inc., a USDA-funded agricultural technology company aimed at reducing food waste and increasing the efficiency of produce supply chains. The two companies first announced a partnership in 2019 after a successful pilot phase. Expanding that partnership across Mission’s global supply chain was made easy due to Hazel’s drop-in solution which minimizes any operational impact.
