Science-driven innovation to strengthen fresh produce preservation and sustainability across Asia Pacific
08 May 2026, China: AgroFresh, a company in post-harvest solutions, has inaugurated its new Asia Pacific Research & Development Center in Yangling, one of China’s leading agricultural innovation hubs.
The new facility marks AgroFresh’s continued investment in advancing fresh produce management through science-led innovation, practical post-harvest solutions, and sustainability-focused initiatives. The company said the center has been designed as a collaborative platform bringing together partners, scientists, and industry experts to improve the protection, preservation, and delivery of fresh produce across the region.
The state-of-the-art R&D center will focus on post-harvest plant physiology, preservation technologies, and digital solutions aimed at reducing food waste, extending shelf life, and improving produce quality. Research activities will target key regional crops, including apples and kiwifruit in Northwest China, as well as tropical fruits across Southeast Asia.
The facility will also support major Asia Pacific markets such as China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and India.
“This strategic investment in Yangling reflects our deep commitment to innovation and how we continue to differentiate and bring value to our customers,” said Han Kieftenbeld, CEO of AgroFresh. “By combining our global reach with deep local expertise, we’re accelerating science-based solutions that reduce waste, extend freshness, and create value across the supply chain.”
“This is about turning science into impact,” said Duncan Aust, Chief Technology Officer of AgroFresh. “We’re building solutions that help deliver measurable results – longer shelf life and better quality for consumers.”
In addition to research activities, the center will function as a regional hub for knowledge exchange, training, and industry collaboration, helping connect scientific innovation with practical, on-ground applications for the fresh produce sector.
AgroFresh has partnered with growers, packers, and retailers in more than 50 countries for over four decades, continuing its focus on science-based solutions and sustainable fresh produce management worldwide.
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