Shipping Broccoli Without Ice: A Cooler Approach

The North American broccoli industry is benefiting from a groundbreaking innovation that eliminates the need for ice during transportation, providing a more sustainable and efficient method for preserving freshness. Verdant Technologies has introduced a new in-box sheet called HarvestHold Fresh, which contains an ingredient that has been used in other industries, such as apples and flowers, to extend shelf life. This sheet is placed in produce boxes right after harvest to slow the ripening and maturation process.

Once fruits and vegetables are harvested, they release ethylene, a naturally occurring compound that accelerates ripening and causes spoilage. The active ingredient in HarvestHold Fresh effectively blocks ethylene, helping to preserve the quality of produce without the use of ice.

Empire Company Limited, the parent company of Sobeys, was the first major grocery retailer in North America to implement this ice-less technology. It has been successfully used for packing bunch broccoli in Quebec and Ontario at Sobeys, IGA, Foodland, and FreshCo stores. Both Sobeys and Verdant Technologies are now focused on expanding this method across North America.

“We are now working with growers across North America to expand the learnings to the entire broccoli supply chain. This innovation allows us to reduce water use, minimize spoilage, and reduce the number of trucks needed for transportation, while simultaneously improving the freshness of produce for customers,” said Myriam Tremblay, VP of Produce Merchandise, Sourcing, and Replenishment at Sobeys Inc.

By replacing traditional shipping methods, the technology helps save up to 13,000 liters of water per truckload of broccoli, reduces waste, and decreases energy consumption and carbon emissions, making it a significant step toward a more sustainable food supply chain.