Hazel Tech Hosts Apple Quality Summit Focused on Variety & Variability

CHICAGO, IL – Hazel Technologies, Inc., a USDA-funded technology company delivering new solutions for fresh produce to extend shelf-life, increase sales, and fight food waste, announces its July virtual Apple Quality Summit. A one-hour event will be held on Friday July 16th, the summit will feature keynote speakers from across the industry ahead of the 2021 North American apple season. The event will include a category trends presentation lead by Ann-Marie Roerink of 210 Analytics, a Grower Perspectives Panel including Tom Facer, President of Farm Fresh First of Oakfield, NY and Roger Umlor, Owner of Umlor Orchards, exclusive apple grower for BelleHarvest Sales, of Conklin, MI and postharvest solutions discussions by Hazel Tech’s Enrique Garcia Perez and Mario Cervantes.  

“The apple category size, in addition to the dynamic pre- and post-harvest technologies Hazel Tech® brings to the apple industry, are a few of the exciting reasons to highlight this innovative category at the upcoming Summit,” commented Ann-Marie Roerink, Principal of 210 Analytics and Speaker at the Apple Quality Summit. Roerink will present on the latest category trends and dig into the data on variety performance across retail segments.  

“The learning curve never ends and there is always something new in the farming industry.  At Umlor we keep up on new technologies, varieties, and farming techniques in general, but every year is different,” commented Roger Umlor, Owner of Umlor Orchards. “This forum is a great opportunity to share our experiences and to support the category through the exchange of new information.” Umlor Orchards farms on 600 total acres, with over 340 acres dedicated to apples that are packed and stored for BelleHarvest Sales, one of the largest apple marketers in the  Eastern US and the 2nd largest apple packer in Michigan.

Farm Fresh First, LLC. includes growers and managers across the United States. Specific to apples, the company has invested heavily in advancing NY state growers and markets fruit for over 100 individual growers. “Our industry faces an ever-changing set of challenges. At Farm Fresh First we believe in expanding agricultural research so growers can stay ahead of these challenges, stay in operation and continue to deliver top-quality produce to consumers,” commented Tom Facer, President of Farm Fresh First, LLC.

Hazel Tech’s ability to integrate fruit quality protection technology across the supply chain sets the company apart from other shelf-life extension products. Postharvest Scientist, Enrique Garcia Perez will present on conditioning recommendations and postharvest quality protection for popular varieties. In addition, Mario Cervantes, Senior Business Development Manager at Hazel Tech will discuss the suite of technologies developed by Hazel to meet growers’ diverse needs. Hazel solutions tailored for the apple category include Hazel 100™ bin and box sachets ideal for early season partial application, Hazel CA™ quick-release 1-MCP and Hazel Datica™ cold storage monitoring.

Hazel Tech Quality Summits bring together experts and leaders in postharvest research, qualitative and quantitative market analytics, farming, and shelf-life extension technology to present at their crop focused virtual events. The Apple Quality Summit is a free event. Registration is open to the general industry until July 16th or until capacity is reached.

To learn more about the event and register, visit www.bit.ly/julyapplequalitysummit2021

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About Hazel Technologies, Inc.:

Hazel Technologies is a USDA-funded startup company that develops new solutions to extend the quality shelf life of fresh produce and reduce food waste. Founded in 2015, Hazel Tech® services over 150 of the world’s largest fresh produce packers, shippers, and retailers. Selected as a Finalist for Fast Company’s 2020 World Changing Ideas and winner of “Best Sustainable Packaging” at the 2020 World Food Innovation Awards, the company’s patent-pending technologies have been tested by top academic research programs. In 2020, Hazel Tech products were used with over 3.2 billion pounds of fresh produce, preventing more than 270 million pounds from going to waste.

For more information, visit www.hazeltechnologies.com.

About 210 Analytics: 

210 Analytics, LLC provides customized research and marketing strategies with a specialty in food retailing. Working closely with retailers, wholesalers, suppliers, manufacturers and trade associations, 210 Analytics offers an in-depth perspective on the changing nature of the consumer, shopper and the food retailing business. Its consumer-centric studies often serve as a catalyst for industry growth by providing deep category insight and solutions. Find Anne-Marie Roerink on LinkedIn for frequent industry updates.

For more information, visit www.210analytics.com

About Umlor Orchards: 

Umlor Orchards is a family-owned grower/packer/shipper of apples, cherries, peaches and asparagus based in Conklin, MI. Started in 1999, today Umlor Orchards farms over 600 total acres, and stores and packs apples exclusively for BelleHarvest Sales.

For more information, visit https://www.michiganapples.com/About/Meet-the-Growers/Growers/ID/5/The-Umlor-Family

About Farm Fresh First: 

Farm Fresh First, LLC is an agricultural raw products supply and services company specializing in fruits and vegetables for the processing industry. Formed in January 2007, the ownership of the company is comprised of over 15 growers and agricultural managers. Farm Fresh First’s staff of experienced agricultural managers works very closely with customers to match their needs on a daily basis to the acreage that is produced specifically for the customer. Farm Fresh First focuses on the production of apples, tart cherries, and vegetables for processing.

For more information, visit www.farmfreshfirst.com