AgroFresh Solutions, Inc. is a global leader in post-harvest freshness solutions, providing science-based technologies and digital innovations that help extend the shelf life, quality, and sustainability of fresh produce. With a rapidly expanding footprint in Asia, AgroFresh is actively advancing post-harvest management practices in China through strategic collaborations and localized R&D initiatives.
Core Business
AgroFresh operates at the intersection of agricultural science and post-harvest technology. The company offers a comprehensive suite of solutions to reduce food waste, maintain fruit firmness, improve appearance, and optimize storage and transport conditions for produce. AgroFresh’s mission is to support the global produce supply chain from harvest to consumption by delivering measurable quality improvements and cost reductions.
Product and Service Offerings
AgroFresh’s product portfolio includes:
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Ethylene Management:
- SmartFresh™: A flagship technology that blocks ethylene perception, extending freshness of apples, bananas, avocados, and more.
- EthylBloc™: Ethylene control for floral and ornamental products.
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Coatings:
- VitaFresh™ Botanicals: Plant-based edible coatings for tropical and citrus fruits.
- Teycer Originals & Pace Coatings: Wax and polymer-based coatings to reduce dehydration and shrinkage.
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Fungicides:
- ActiMist™, ActiSeal™, and Pace Fungicides: Applied in packhouses to prevent post-harvest fungal diseases.
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Smart Packaging:
- Berrisys™, Florasys™, Lichisys™, Tomasys™, and Uvasys™: Tailored packaging for specific fruits and flowers, embedded with freshness-preserving agents.
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Equipment:
- Control-Tec™ and Pace ecoFOG™: Advanced delivery systems for applying AgroFresh solutions uniformly and efficiently.
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Digital Solutions:
- FreshCloud™ Platform: Data-driven platform offering real-time quality metrics, predictive analytics, and blockchain-enabled traceability.
- Modules include:
- Harvest: Optimize timing for maximum shelf-life.
- Inspection: Quality tracking throughout the supply chain.
- Storage: Climate control and monitoring.
- Strella™: Non-invasive ethylene sensing devices for apples and pears.
Specialization and Core USP
AgroFresh’s core competency is its integration of chemistry, data science, and engineering to create post-harvest ecosystems that reduce spoilage and maximize yield. The company’s SmartFresh™ Quality System is adopted in over 25 countries and helps reduce global food waste by extending the marketable life of fruits by up to 3x.
AgroFresh is also a pioneer in digital post-harvest management, with FreshCloud™ processing millions of quality records to inform decisions from field to retail.
Financial and Market Footprint
AgroFresh Solutions, Inc. is publicly traded on the NASDAQ (AGFS) and reported the following:
- Revenue (2023): $158 million
- Adjusted EBITDA (2023): $38.1 million
- Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities: $27.3 million
- Global Market Reach: Operates in 50+ countries and serves over 3,500 customers, including growers, packers, and retailers.
In China, AgroFresh is significantly expanding its presence through its collaboration with Pagoda Group, one of China’s largest fruit retail chains. This partnership, announced in October 2023, aims to co-develop post-harvest innovation centers and pilot new freshness solutions tailored to Chinese crops and climate conditions.
Capabilities
- R&D Hubs: Operates research and development centers in the U.S., Spain, and now expanding into China.
- Global Distribution Network: Partnered with local agribusiness distributors and cooperatives for market penetration.
- Regulatory Compliance: Registered products across all major agricultural regulatory jurisdictions, including China’s MARA and the EU’s EFSA.
Certifications and Compliance
- Products comply with:
- China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA)
- U.S. EPA
- European EFSA and REACH
- GRAS status for food contact where applicable
- All manufacturing facilities follow ISO 9001 quality management systems.
Target Market
AgroFresh targets:
- Large-scale fruit growers and exporters seeking post-harvest quality assurance.
- Retail chains and importers focused on reducing shrinkage and improving produce presentation.
- Packhouses and logistics companies aiming for data-driven freshness tracking.
In China, key segments include apples, bananas, citrus, and increasingly durian and tropical fruits where ripening control and shelf life are critical for profitability.
Major Achievements
- Over 25,000 SmartFresh™ installations globally.
- Partnered with Pagoda Group (China) to pilot fruit preservation R&D programs.
- Reduced food waste by over 400,000 metric tons in 2022 through its product usage.
- Recipient of SEAL Award 2023 for Sustainable Innovation in Agriculture.
- Launched FreshCloud Quality Inspection in Asia-Pacific, including pilot trials in Chinese apple storage facilities.
AgroFresh continues to drive innovation in the agri-post-harvest sector with a unique blend of chemistry, digital intelligence, and global market knowledge—positioning itself as the go-to partner for produce preservation in China and beyond.
