Monday, December 29, 2008

FRESH SOLUTIONS LEADER TRANSFRESH DEBUTS NEW LOOK, APPLICATIONS OF TECTROL© NATURAL ATMOSPHERES AT FRUIT LOGISTICA

November 2008, Salinas, CA — It was a dramatic year of growth, new markets and innovative solutions for TransFRESH, the world leader in modified and controlled atmosphere technologies for the fresh food industry. The company — a unit of Chiquita Brands International — is a pioneering and established global brand with 50 years of experience in perishables transport. Today it announced that at Fruit Logistica 2009 — presented by Eurofruit magazine — the company will exhibit a fresh new look while showcasing its expanded service network, new systems and technologies, and customer-focused success stories for the controlled and modified atmosphere and logistic solutions industry that extend “freshness solutions.

Explosive Growth Seen in Blueberries

Peak worldwide demand for fresh blueberries, due in large part to news about their positive antioxidant properties, has driven rapid expansion of production in South America and other growing points and has led to a season of huge volume growth for TransFRESH. Partnering with growers, global shipping lines and retailers worldwide, TransFRESH is consistently delivering natural, proven and customized transport and storage solutions to the blueberry trade in South America, Mexico, North America and Africa through its TECTROL© system of modified or controlled atmospheres designed to extend the freshness and market life of perishables.

TransFRESH, utilizing both its TECTROL© modified atmosphere pallet bag with a proprietary seal and controlled atmosphere reefer containers, have helped the blueberry industry extends its market. Earlier in the year, TransFRESH Vice President of International Services, Teresa Scattini, forecasted that Argentine and Chilean fresh blueberry exports would almost double between the 2007-‘08 and the 2009-‘10 shipping seasons. She now reports that the Chilean fresh blueberry exports did double while Argentinean exports tripled. TransFRESH, with its global presence, has extended this solution into newer blueberry export markets such as South Africa.

“Despite rapid efforts, it will be years until supply equals demand,” said Scattini, noting that her business offers a unique knowledge of proper packaging and temperatures as well as applied atmosphere mixes and humidity levels. “Our technology offers the most beneficial atmosphere for blueberries because our proprietary solution consistently ensures carbon dioxide levels are maintained between 15 and 20 percent.

TransFRESH services containers destined for the US, UK and European markets with Controlled Atmosphere (CA) technology for use in long reefer container voyages. “Because our technology delivers better quality arrivals and allows for longer periods of transit,” said Scattini, “our customers are able to target a wider range of markets expanding volume sales to realize better prices and profits. Further, our ongoing quality control programs provide customers with a consistent value from shipping point all the way through to the consumer.” said Scattini.

Providing a World of Freshness Solutions

Each year, TransFRESH ships more than half a million tons of chilled perishables globally under the protection of its proprietary and exclusive solutions, such as TECTROL© Natural Atmospheres. Recognized for providing the leading systems and solutions to ensure product quality, the company currently has more than 20 leading shipping line partners and 15,000 reefer containers fitted with TransFRESH hardware globally.

Recently, TransFRESH continued to expand its presence by introducing new geographies and service applications. “Our service network now includes production markets for fruits and vegetables into new geographies including Egypt,” said Scattini. “We’ve also leveraged new applications of our post-harvest knowledge and technologies for flowers, allowing TransFRESH to service new markets including Colombia, Kenya and Ecuador.

“This is an excellent opportunity to reach an international audience with the message that we are now serving new markets,” said Scattini. “TransFRESH continues to demonstrate its unique ability to integrate TransFRESH TECTROL© technology along with other technologies, processes and systems that enable the transport and storage of perishable products through complex logistics that deliver bottom line profits.”

Scattini confirmed that the first containers utilizing TransFRESH technology of vegetables from Egypt will ship in November. She also cites growing activity in South America where, in January 2008, the company began providing ocean container shipping of fresh flowers from Ecuador and in September 2008, Colombia. “Over nine billion dollars of fresh flowers are exported around the world today and 99 percent of all these flowers are air freighted,” said Scattini. “By contrast, sea containers provide better temperature control at a substantial freight cost savings, in most cases 40 to 60 percent.” She continued, “Moving perishables via sea transport lowers freight costs and reduces the carbon (CO2) footprint while maintaining the vase-life of products.”

A Fresh Future Ahead

As the 2008 season comes to a close, TransFRESH will continue to work with customers around the world to help ensure they are well positioned for success in 2009 and beyond. With offerings in new markets and increasingly customized solutions to increase profit and sales and reduce costs and shrink, the company’s goal is to help provide customers with new opportunities for dynamic growth.

TransFRESH will also continue to invest in the development of new applications and solutions to expand storage and transport technology options that allow clients to build customer loyalty and improve profitability. The company remains at the forefront of product and hardware research, holding numerous patents related to atmosphere and post-harvest handling systems and continually develops new and enhanced applications for TECTROL© Natural Atmosphere Systems. “More than any other company,” said Scattini, “I believe our strengths and skills in the post-harvest arena provide us the know-how to meet the unique needs and challenges of our customers.”

TECTROL© Natural Atmospheres is the trademarked brand name for the TransFRESH family of proprietary Modified and Controlled Atmosphere Systems and processes developed and owned by TransFRESH. Over its long history, TransFRESH has successfully developed and provided the perishable industry with systems and processes for refrigerated ocean containers and sealed pallet bags. TransFRESH Corporation's TECTROL© Natural Atmospheres and Services were first introduced in 1968. Since inception, continual packaging, equipment and sealing process innovations have established TECTROL© Natural Atmospheres as the industry standard.

For more information, please visit the TransFRESH stand in Hall 25; Number D-07 or www.transfresh.com.