TransFRESH Corporation, a subsidiary of Chiquita Holdings Limited, announced the acquisition of Hazel Technologies, a company known for its post-harvest freshness preservation technologies. The deal brings Hazel Technologies’ proprietary Breatheway technology and scientific expertise into the TransFRESH organization, strengthening its position in freshness and shelf-life solutions for the global fresh produce supply chain.
The acquisition represents a strategic investment in next-generation post-harvest technology. TransFRESH plans to immediately focus on enhancing its Tectrol pallet bag capabilities for the berry industry by incorporating Hazel Technologies’ modified atmosphere packaging solutions. The company said this integration will improve atmospheric control within pallet packaging, helping optimize freshness, reduce waste, and increase supply chain efficiency.
According to TransFRESH, the integration of the Breatheway system will provide several benefits for berry producers, shippers, and retailers. These include enhanced shelf life and product quality through membrane technology that regulates oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, precision atmosphere control tailored to the respiration characteristics of fresh produce, temperature-responsive performance that adapts package breathability during transit and storage, and improved supply chain consistency through smart membrane technology that responds to environmental changes in real time.
Beyond berries, Hazel Technologies also brings solutions for bananas and other tropical fruits. TransFRESH noted that the technology is particularly well suited for long-term banana storage and ripening management, creating potential opportunities across the broader Chiquita organization to improve quality, efficiency, and sustainability throughout its tropical fruit supply chain.
Harrison Co. served as the exclusive financial advisor to Hazel Technologies in the transaction.
KEY QUOTES:
“This acquisition represents a pivotal milestone in our strategy to develop and operate the industry’s most advanced freshness technologies. By integrating Hazel Technologies into the TransFRESH organization, we are strengthening the future of our berry operations through proven, scalable scientific innovation. In addition, Hazel’s established solutions for bananas and tropical fruits create valuable opportunities for the broader Chiquita organization to further enhance quality, efficiency, and sustainability across multiple commodity categories.”
John P. Olivo, President, TransFRESH Corporation
