Key Takeaways
- Verdant Technologies’ HarvestHold Fresh® was adopted by Harps Food Stores following a successful broccoli pilot.
- The pilot, conducted with Ocean Mist Farms, showed improved broccoli quality and higher retail sell-through in an iceless supply chain.
- HarvestHold Fresh is applied at harvest to maintain quality throughout distribution.
- Harps reported reduced shrink and stronger in-store performance.
- Associated Wholesale Grocers is working to expand HarvestHold Fresh across its retail network.
Verdant Technologies Supports Harps Food Stores with Postharvest Freshness Solution
Verdant Technologies announced that Harps Food Stores is moving forward with HarvestHold Fresh®, its postharvest freshness solution, after a successful broccoli pilot conducted in collaboration with grower partner Ocean Mist Farms. The pilot delivered measurable improvements in broccoli quality and retail sell-through across Harps’ iceless broccoli supply chain.
HarvestHold Fresh is placed in broccoli boxes at the time of harvest and is designed to help preserve peak quality throughout transportation and retail handling. According to Harps, the trial demonstrated improved product appearance and higher in-store sell-through rates.
Mike Roberts, Vice President of Produce Operations at Harps, said: “We care deeply about feeding families, not landfills. This HarvestHold pilot demonstrates that investing in produce freshness delivers real value for the business. We saw better-looking broccoli and higher sell-through in stores. This is exactly the kind of innovation we look for.”
Verdant Technologies Advances Freshness and Shrink Reduction in Retail
The announcement reflects a broader industry focus on maintaining produce quality in iceless supply chains, where temperature management alone may not be sufficient to preserve freshness. Verdant Technologies stated that HarvestHold Fresh helps extend shelf life, reduce shrink, and improve overall retail performance.
Matthew Aronson, Chief Revenue Officer at Verdant Technologies, said: “Harps continues to set the bar for how retailers can use innovation to improve freshness, reduce food waste, and drive stronger performance in the produce department. Iceless broccoli itself isn't new, but the tradeoffs in quality have become clearer over time.”
Following the broccoli pilot, Harps Food Stores is exploring additional produce categories where extended freshness may deliver similar operational benefits. In parallel, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Harps’ distribution partner, is working to introduce HarvestHold Fresh across its retail network.
The update comes ahead of the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure trade show, where growers, retailers, and solution providers will examine supply chain innovations aimed at improving produce quality from field to store.
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