Key Takeaways
- Verdant Technologies has partnered with Gaétan Bono Fruits et Légumes to expand the distribution of iceless broccoli in Eastern Canada.
- The collaboration utilizes Verdant’s postharvest solution, HarvestHold Fresh®, which extends shelf life and maintains product quality without the need for ice.
- The integration required no major operational changes and provided logistical and safety benefits to Bono’s warehouse environment.
- Retailers working with Bono can now access broccoli pre-treated with HarvestHold Fresh, supporting sustainability and efficiency goals.
- The partnership reflects the broader adoption of Verdant Technologies’ innovations across North America’s fresh produce supply chain.
Verdant Technologies and Gaétan Bono Collaborate to Distribute Iceless Broccoli
Postharvest Technology Enables Streamlined Operations and Extended Shelf Life
Verdant Technologies (Profile) has announced a new partnership with Gaétan Bono Fruits et Légumes, a wholesaler serving the Eastern Canadian market. The collaboration centers on the deployment of HarvestHold Fresh®, Verdant’s flagship technology, to facilitate iceless broccoli shipments and improve product handling throughout the supply chain.
As part of the initial rollout, Gaétan Bono began receiving broccoli treated with HarvestHold Fresh earlier this year through growers already using the technology. The transition, according to both companies, required minimal changes to packaging and distribution workflows.
“The ability to move away from ice has created a cleaner, drier environment in our facility,” said Francis Carruthers, Food Safety Director at Gaétan Bono. “It’s a practical change that supports our focus on quality and operational efficiency.”
HarvestHold Fresh Technology and Benefits
Non-Ice Solution Supports Safety, Efficiency, and Product Quality
HarvestHold Fresh employs a humidity-activated delivery system that gradually releases 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), a compound used to slow produce aging and maintain postharvest freshness. According to Verdant Technologies, the technology helps maintain crispness, color, and texture, while also enabling a shift away from traditional ice-based packing methods.
For wholesalers like Bono, the removal of ice offers operational benefits, such as improved safety by reducing moisture on warehouse floors and simplifying logistics.
Supporting Supply Chain Consistency for Retailers
Ready-to-Ship Broccoli for Iceless Retail Programs
Because multiple growers are now aligned with Verdant Technologies and already applying HarvestHold Fresh, wholesalers like Bono can supply broccoli that is pre-treated and integrated into the cold chain. This setup is intended to help retailers seeking to expand iceless programs or meet quality and sustainability standards.
The early response from retailers has been positive, with improvements noted in both product longevity and ease of handling.
Broader Adoption Across North America
Verdant Technologies Expands Reach Through Supply Chain Partnerships
The partnership with Gaétan Bono is part of a broader trend, as Verdant Technologies continues to grow the adoption of its postharvest solutions across North America. HarvestHold Fresh is being used by growers, wholesalers, and retailers as a tool to improve freshness, reduce spoilage, and simplify operations.
“This represents more than just a single success story,” said Matthew Aronson, Chief Revenue Officer at Verdant Technologies. “It reflects growing alignment across the supply chain toward a future that doesn’t rely on ice for freshness.”
By offering a shelf-life extension technology that integrates easily into existing workflows, Verdant Technologies is positioning itself as a key contributor to emerging practices in postharvest management.
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