Hazel Technologies provides innovative postharvest solutions designed to extend the shelf life of fresh produce, reduce waste, and enhance quality. These technologies benefit growers, packers, and retailers by improving profitability and ensuring that consumers receive fresher, higher-quality fruits and vegetables. Hazel's product suite addresses various aspects of produce preservation, from ethylene management to fungal protection and sprout inhibition, offering comprehensive solutions for a wide range of crops.
Their approach focuses on ease of use and adaptability, allowing seamless integration into existing supply chains without requiring significant capital investment or specialized training. By addressing multiple factors contributing to spoilage, Hazel Technologies helps to minimize losses and maximize the value of fresh produce.
Key Features
Hazel Technologies offers a range of products tailored to specific postharvest challenges. Hazel 100, a slow-release 1-MCP solution, effectively delays aging and decay by blocking ethylene receptors in fruits and vegetables. This technology is particularly beneficial for ethylene-sensitive crops like apples, avocados, and tomatoes, extending their shelf life and maintaining their quality during storage and transportation.
Hazel Endure provides anti-fungal protection, reducing spoilage caused by fungal pathogens. This is crucial for crops susceptible to fungal diseases, such as berries and grapes, where spoilage can lead to significant losses. By inhibiting fungal growth, Hazel Endure helps to maintain the appearance and taste of the produce, ensuring consumer satisfaction.
Hazel Breatheway utilizes modified atmosphere packaging to regulate the flow of gases, creating an optimal environment for preserving freshness. This technology is customizable to the specific needs of different crops, controlling oxygen and carbon dioxide levels to slow down respiration and reduce spoilage. Hazel Breatheway is particularly effective for leafy greens and other produce that are sensitive to atmospheric conditions.
Hazel Root addresses the issue of sprouting in root vegetables like potatoes and onions. Its anti-sprouting formulation inhibits the growth of sprouts, preventing quality degradation and extending the storage life of these crops. Hazel Datica offers CA room detection and analysis, and Hazel Trex provides pre- and postharvest genetic testing to enhance yield and quality.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Hazel 100 Active Ingredient | 1-MCP |
| Hazel Endure Agent Type | Anti-fungal |
| Hazel Breatheway Packaging Type | Modified Atmosphere |
| Hazel Root Target | Sprout Inhibition |
| Hazel Datica Function | Environmental Monitoring |
| Hazel Trex Analysis Type | Genetic |
| Application Method (Hazel 100) | Slow-Release Sachet |
| Application Method (Hazel CA) | Controlled Atmosphere Treatment |
| Shelf Life Extension (Typical) | Varies by crop |
| Storage Temperature | Varies by crop |
| Humidity Range | Varies by crop |
| Ethylene Sensitivity Reduction | Varies by crop |
| Fungal Spore Reduction | Varies by crop |
| Atmosphere Control | Customizable |
Use Cases & Applications
- Extending the Shelf Life of Apples: Apple growers use Hazel 100 to delay ripening and prevent softening during long-term storage, allowing them to sell high-quality apples for a longer period and reach distant markets.
- Reducing Spoilage in Berries: Berry farmers utilize Hazel Endure to protect against fungal diseases that can quickly spoil berries during storage and transit, ensuring that the berries arrive at their destination in optimal condition.
- Maintaining Quality of Leafy Greens: Producers of leafy greens employ Hazel Breatheway packaging to control the atmosphere around the greens, preventing wilting and discoloration and maintaining their freshness and nutritional value.
- Inhibiting Sprouting in Potatoes: Potato farmers use Hazel Root to prevent sprouting during storage, reducing losses and maintaining the quality of the potatoes for processing or direct sale.
- Optimizing Storage Conditions for Avocados: Avocado distributors use Hazel Datica to monitor and control the environment in controlled atmosphere (CA) rooms, ensuring that the avocados ripen at the desired rate and maintain their quality during storage.
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Strengths ✅ | Weaknesses ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Easy-to-use application methods, such as sachet-based delivery, simplify the treatment process. | Pricing information is not publicly available, requiring direct inquiry. |
| Solutions are adaptable to existing supply chains, minimizing the need for significant capital investment. | Effectiveness can vary depending on the specific crop and environmental conditions. |
| Addresses multiple factors of spoilage, including ethylene, fungal spores, and sprouting. | Some products may require careful monitoring and adjustment to achieve optimal results. |
| Offers both pre-harvest and post-harvest solutions, providing comprehensive crop protection. | Limited public information on specific formulations and active ingredients. |
| Sustainable approach by reducing food waste and minimizing environmental impact. |
Benefits for Farmers
Hazel Technologies' postharvest solutions offer significant benefits for farmers, including reduced losses due to spoilage, extended shelf life for fresh produce, and improved profitability. By minimizing waste and maintaining the quality of crops during storage and transit, farmers can reach more distant markets and command higher prices. The easy-to-use application methods and adaptability to existing supply chains further enhance the value proposition, making Hazel Technologies a cost-effective and sustainable choice for modern agriculture.
Integration & Compatibility
Hazel Technologies' products are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing farm operations. The sachet-based application methods for products like Hazel 100 require no special equipment or modifications to existing infrastructure. Hazel Breatheway packaging can be easily incorporated into existing packaging lines. Hazel Datica can be used as a standalone environmental monitoring system or integrated into existing farm management systems via data export. These solutions are compatible with a wide range of crops and storage environments, making them a versatile choice for farmers of all sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How does Hazel 100 work? | Hazel 100 utilizes 1-MCP technology to block ethylene receptors in produce, slowing down the ripening process and delaying aging and decay. The slow-release formulation ensures consistent exposure and prolonged shelf life. |
| What is the typical ROI? | The ROI varies depending on the crop, market conditions, and specific product used. However, customers typically see significant cost savings due to reduced spoilage, decreased waste, and the ability to reach more distant markets with higher-quality produce. |
| What setup is required? | Hazel 100 is designed for easy implementation. Sachets are simply placed in boxes or storage areas with the produce. No special equipment or modifications to existing infrastructure are needed. |
| What maintenance is needed? | Hazel Breatheway packaging requires minimal maintenance. Ensure the packaging is properly sealed and stored in appropriate environmental conditions. Regularly monitor the atmosphere within the package if using advanced monitoring systems. |
| Is training required to use this? | No extensive training is required for most Hazel Technologies products. The application process is straightforward and easy to learn. However, Hazel Technologies provides resources and support to ensure optimal product usage. |
| What systems does it integrate with? | Hazel Datica is designed to be a standalone environmental monitoring system. It provides data logging and analysis capabilities that can be integrated into existing farm management systems via data export. |
| How does Hazel Endure protect against fungal spoilage? | Hazel Endure contains anti-fungal agents that inhibit the growth and spread of fungal spores on fresh produce. This reduces spoilage and maintains the quality and appearance of the produce during storage and transit. |
| Can it be used on organic produce? | The suitability of Hazel Technologies products for organic produce depends on the specific product and regulations in the relevant region. Please contact us via the Make inquiry button on this page to discuss specific product certifications and compliance. |
Support & Training
Hazel Technologies provides comprehensive support and training resources to ensure that customers can effectively utilize their products. Technical support is available to answer questions and provide guidance on product application and usage. Training materials, including videos and documentation, are also available to help customers learn how to optimize their postharvest practices. Contact us via the Make inquiry button on this page.
