WASHINGTON - Clarifresh, an AI-powered quality management solution for fresh produce, has joined the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Supply Chain of the Future initiative as an executive sponsor of the Shelf-Life Prediction & Dynamic Incentives Steering Committee.

Clarifresh’s sponsorship reinforces its long-standing commitment to improving the post-harvest quality journey of fresh foods. By joining this effort, the company will contribute real-world expertise in freshness metrics, facilitate consistent quality, and data-enabled decision-making that help reduce shrink and optimize inventory across the supply chain.

"This isn’t just about extending shelf life—it’s about driving better outcomes for everyone across the supply chain," said Todd Fabec, Head of North America at Clarifresh, in a recent press release. "Accurate shelf-life prediction depends on objective, accurate, and real-time quality data from every stage of the value chain—and that’s where Clarifresh makes a difference, delivering an AI-powered Quality Management platform and actionable insights needed to inform smarter, faster decisions."

Clarifresh brings a track record of innovation to the committee’s workstreams, offering hands-on knowledge from collaborating with growers, packers, and retailers to measure and manage produce quality in dynamic environments. Their involvement will support the development of open-source frameworks that enable scalable solutions for real-time freshness evaluation.

"Clarifresh brings fresh thinking and practical insights to this challenge," said Steve Alaerts, Chair of the IFPA Supply Chain Council. "They know firsthand how predictive data, if shared properly, can transform how value moves through the fresh produce chain. We’re thrilled to have their leadership in this next phase of the initiative."

The Supply Chain of the Future initiative is a multi-year, pre-competitive collaboration coordinated by IFPA and Totem, with stakeholders from across the produce ecosystem. It centers around four pillars:

• Harmonized Standards
• Smart Data Escrow
• Shelf-Life Prediction
• Dynamic Incentives

Clarifresh joins other sponsors and collaborators in advancing technical pilots, steering committee discussions, and design sprints to build shared tools and data infrastructure that address persistent industry bottlenecks.

MISSION VIEJO, CA - The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) is proud to welcome the fifth cohort of its Board Leadership Development Program, who were accepted at the end of March. This year, interest in the program reached a new high, with 36 applications submitted and robust support from avocado associations and commissions eager to sponsor promising candidates.

The 13-member BOLD Class 5 represents a cross-section of the global avocado supply chain, including producers and importers eligible for future board service. Through this immersive, yearlong curriculum, participants will gain the insights, tools, and confidence necessary to actively contribute as the next generation of board members, bringing their expertise, energy, and commitment to serve the broader avocado community.

The program’s success is already evident: Nineteen alumni from the first four BOLD classes have served or are currently serving on avocado industry boards, and an additional four candidates are actively participating in current nomination and election processes. These milestones underscore BOLD’s vital role in cultivating informed and engaged individuals equipped to make meaningful contributions across the supply chain.

“BOLD is working, and with fifty program graduates, we anticipate BOLD graduates will be volunteering their time on avocado board service for years to come,” remarked John McGuigan, Director of Industry Affairs for the Hass Avocado Board, in the recent release.

This opportunity is made possible through the generous sponsorships of avocado industry associations. Their investment plays a vital role in cultivating the future leadership of the avocado industry. Through the BOLD program, this support ensures the development of knowledgeable, skilled, and confident individuals who are fully prepared to serve as effective, board-ready candidates. These emerging leaders are equipped to contribute meaningfully to organizations such as the Hass Avocado Board, California Avocado Commission, and the various importer associations, helping to guide the industry’s continued growth and success.

HAB is pleased to announce the thirteen participants of BOLD Class 5, their employers, and their sponsoring avocado boards:

• California Avocado Commission
  • Matias Purcell, Brokaw Nursery
  • Herman Els, Limoneira Company
  • Thomas Browne, Limoneira Company
• Chilean Avocado Importers Association
  • Aurora Rico, Mission Produce, Inc.
• Colombian Avocado Board
  • Carlos Londoño, Jardin Exotics SAS
  • Andrew Gomez, GreenFruit Avocados
• Hass Avocado Board
  • Carson McDaniel, McDaniel Fruit Co.
  • Heather Johnson, PGIM Real Estate/Sunshine Ag Inc./Las Posas Ranch
• Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association
  • Antonio Villasenor, Aztecavo
  • Eduardo Soto, SV Fresh Avocados
  • Ignacio Gonzalez, Agro Gonzamex LLC/Avoselect S.A. de CV
  • Joaquin Urias, Stonehill Produce, Inc.
• Peruvian Avocado Commission
  • Carmen Puerta, Camposol Fresh USA

Learn more about how the program benefits the avocado industry and hear from the participants at HassAvocadoBoard.com/bold-program.