Transfresh acquires Hazel Technologies

TransFRESH Corporation, a Chiquita Holdings Limited subsidiary, has acquired Hazel Technologies, a company specializing in post-harvest preservation technologies. While the financial terms remain undisclosed, this acquisition brings key technological assets, notably Hazel's Breatheway technology, into the fold. It serves to enhance TransFRESH's capabilities in offering freshness and shelf-life solutions within the global fresh produce supply chain.

The strategic acquisition aims at significantly bolstering TransFRESH's offerings in the berry industry. The integration of Hazel Technologies' modified atmosphere packaging will optimize TransFRESH’s Tectrol pallet bag capabilities. This technological advancement is expected to improve atmospheric control in packaging, thereby enhancing freshness, reducing waste, and boosting supply chain efficacy.

Key benefits touted by TransFRESH include extending shelf life and maintaining product quality through regulated oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, customized atmosphere control based on the respiratory characteristics of produce, and a system that adapitates to temperature changes during transit. This innovative approach is designed to yield benefits for producers, shippers, and retailers, enabling more consistent supply chain performance.

The acquisition also opens up new opportunities outside the berry segment. Hazel Technologies has solutions applicable to bananas and other tropical fruits, which could be notably beneficial for Chiquita's broader operations. TransFRESH expects these technologies to improve long-term storage and ripening management, which could translate into enhanced quality and sustainability efforts across various commodity categories within Chiquita's portfolio.

Harrison Co. acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Hazel Technologies in this transaction. As the industry watches, TransFRESH is poised to leverage this acquisition to advance its market position. The integration will demand careful implementation to ensure the seamless merging of technologies, but promises potential advancements in systematic freshness solutions within the sector.