WP Produce, the largest U.S. importer and distributor of tropical avocados worldwide, announced significant improvements they have made to lengthen the shelf life of their Desbry avocados.
“Tropical avocados typically have a shelf life of 5-6 days,” said Christopher Gonzalez, vice president of sales at WP Produce. “With our new ventilated box designs and ethylene reduction technology, we’re looking at potentially doubling the shelf life by adding up to an additional 4-5 days of freshness.”
Tropical avocados—also known as green skin avocados—are seeing a rise in demand due to the overall popularity of avocados worldwide.
“Consumers and the foodservice industry have been intrigued by the unique and delicious flavor profile and firmer texture that tropical avocados provide,” said Desiree Morales, vice president of WP Produce. “However, the shorter shelf life of these varieties can present a challenge for retailers and foodservice professionals. By taking steps to improve the shelf life of our products, we saw an opportunity to increase supply chain efficiencies, reduce waste at retail and improve user experience for both consumers and chefs alike.”
To combat the shorter shelf life of tropical avocados, WP Produce has begun using ethylene-filtering technology to reduce the amount of ethylene surrounding the fruit, thus slowing down the ripening process. The company has also transitioned to a new shipping carton that enhances air circulation and improves ventilation, further lengthening the shelf life of their products.
Not only do the new cartons extend the shelf life of the brand’s tropical avocados, but they also feature new sleek, modern graphics. The redesigned cartons will be debuting at the Southeast Produce Council Southern Exposure tradeshow’s Innovation Stations, and at WP Produce’s booth #508.
To learn more about WP Produce’s product offerings, visit them at Southern Exposure booth #508 or contact Christopher Gonzalez at sales@wpproduce.com or (305) 326-8333.
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About WP Produce:
Founded in 1984, WP Produce is a family-owned, multi-regional grower, packer and shipper of tropical, exotic produce. WP Produce has been a pioneer in the green skin avocado market since 1992 and are now the largest importer and distributor of Dominican green skin avocados worldwide. With farms and partnerships with growers in Florida and the Dominican Republic, WP Produce offers a wide variety of tropical produce and root vegetables under the Desbry brand. To learn more, visit www.wpproduce.com.
