With a presence in more than 60 countries and a leading portfolio of post-harvest solutions, AgroFresh continues to consolidate its expansion in Latin America with a clear focus: delivering innovative solutions based on technology and science that seek to minimize losses, maximize crop profitability and contribute to a better avocado consumption experience in the world's most demanding markets.

Carlos Flores, Technical Manager at AgroFresh, leads developments in this and other crops for Chile and Colombia, where fruit has become a strategic asset for agricultural exports. “I’ve been with AgroFresh for over six years, always involved in research and development. Today, my role focuses on leading registration trials and the development of new products, supporting our clients, and maintaining direct contact with consultants and researchers to disseminate our technologies,” he explains.

AgroFresh's central objective is clear: to provide the end consumer with fruit that tastes as if it were freshly harvested, maintaining its quality and condition even after long periods of transit. To achieve this, AgroFresh offers solutions that combine innovation, technology, automation, and state-of-the-art equipment.

One of AgroFresh's flagship solutions is SmartFresh™, a 1-MCP-based technology that inhibits the action of ethylene, delaying the ripening process. “SmartFresh has been the second revolution in the post-harvest industry, after conventional refrigeration. It allows us to manage shipping logistics and ensure that the fruit arrives fresh and in good condition, even to distant markets,” says Flores.

This solution is complemented by fungicides, sanitizers, and smart application technologies, which allow for more efficient pathogen control, especially relevant in humid climates like Colombia's. “In Colombia, frequent rains favor the development of pathogens. Our portfolio includes integrated solutions that help control and reduce the microbial load, thus improving the final condition of the fruit,” he explains.

One of AgroFresh's major investments in recent years has been the incorporation of peripheral equipment designed to reduce environmental impact and improve operational efficiency in processing plants through the Control-Tec™ line of equipment. Among these, the EcoWasher stands out, a machine that allows avocados to be washed, disinfected, and rinsed using up to 90% less water thanks to a high-pressure, low-volume nozzle system. “This technology is already being used in Chile, Peru, and Mexico, and is now available to our customers in Colombia. Even in countries with abundant water resources, we believe it is essential to migrate to more efficient processes,” says Flores.

In addition, the Control-Tec™ line has international certifications for use in ecological production and sustainable water conservation, and includes intelligent fungicide and sanitizer applicators, and environmental sanitization systems for chambers and process lines.

A strategic ally for the future of the industry

AgroFresh's approach is not limited to selling products, but rather to acting as a long-term strategic partner for producers and exporters. “We are a company with more than 25 years of experience. We have five global innovation centers and are constantly searching for new solutions to the challenges facing the industry,” says Flores.

In recent years, AgroFresh has strengthened its portfolio and global presence with key acquisitions: the equipment company Tecnidex™ in 2017, the sulfur dioxide generator line Tessara in 2023, and most recently Pace International, another post-harvest expert. “All of this allows us to offer a robust, integrated portfolio that covers the diverse needs of our customers, from small producers to large exporters,” he notes.

In Colombia, where avocados are the second most important crop, the company is preparing for a key stage: the official launch of SmartFresh™ following its imminent approval by the ICA (Colombian Agricultural Institute). “This will further strengthen the Colombian industry and give it the tools to be more competitive in global markets,” concludes Carlos Flores.

AgroFresh™'s message to the industry is clear: they are not alone in facing post-harvest challenges. “Learn about our technology, our structure, and the experience of our technical team. We want to be that partner that supports and responds. If we don't have a solution today, we will develop it. That is our commitment,” emphasizes Flores.

With a clear vision and proven technological support, AgroFresh™ positions itself as the global leader in post-harvest solutions, accompanying Latin American avocados on their journey to the most demanding markets in the world.