Verdant Technologies, a leader in postharvest innovation, is partnering with Gaétan Bono Fruits et Légumes, a respected wholesaler of fresh produce based in Montreal. The collaboration marks another key milestone in Verdant’s expanding iceless broccoli offering, leveraging its flagship postharvest solution, HarvestHold Fresh. 

For wholesalers like Bono, the shift to iceless shipping brings a host of operational benefits. Without melting ice, there’s less moisture accumulation on warehouse floors, helping create a drier, safer environment for employees and equipment. HarvestHold Fresh also helps Bono further elevate the quality of its broccoli, with the added benefit of extended shelf life. Early feedback from retail partners has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the value of HarvestHold Fresh across the supply chain.

“HarvestHold Fresh was straightforward to integrate into our program and immediately brought improvements to how we handle product day to day,” said Francis Carruthers, food safety director at Gaétan Bono Fruits et Légumes. “The ability to move away from ice has created a cleaner, drier environment in our facility, which supports both employee safety and more efficient workflows. It’s an innovative, but incredibly practical change that aligns with our ongoing focus on quality and operational excellence.”

HarvestHold Fresh uses a humidity-activated delivery system to gradually release 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), a proven technology that slows the aging process while preserving the natural ripening rhythm of produce. This innovation extends shelf life, maintains crisp texture, and ensures vibrant colour, while also eliminating the need for traditional iced packing methods that can introduce inefficiencies and risk. By removing the need for ice, it simplifies logistics while maintaining product integrity from harvest to retail.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the team at Gaétan Bono Fruits et Légumes, said Matthew Aronson, chief revenue officer at Verdant Technologies. “This represents more than just a single success story. It is a clear signal that the entire produce supply chain is rapidly aligning behind a truly iceless future for broccoli, and wholesalers are playing a critical role in making that vision a reality. With more and more growers adopting HarvestHold Fresh, partners such as Gaétan Bono are ensuring that retailers receive a consistent supply of fresher, longer-lasting produce — from the grower, all the way to the consumer.”

For more information on Verdant Technologies and HarvestHold Fresh, visit https://harvesthold.com/.

Source:  Verdant Technologies April 1, 2025 news release