New distributor partnerships and leasing programme set to fuel growth in coming years
Catalytic Generators, the Norfolk, Virginia-based specialist supplier of ethylene application systems for fruit ripening, continues to strengthen its presence in Europe.
The company now has local distributor partnerships in the Netherlands, Italy and Greece and is now eyeing the Spanish market. “We believe in local support and fast service – if ripeners need us, we’re nearby” said vice president and COO Steve Page.
Catalytic Generators is also launching a leasing programme in select countries, giving eligible companies access to its generator technology with minimal capital investment and a fast exchange programme for ongoing service. With approval for Ethy-Gen II already in place in several countries, including Germany, and pending in Spain, Portugal and others, the company is optimistic about continued growth.
“Our expectations for the coming year are clear: more approvals and more sales,” said president and CEO Greg Akins. “We’ve spent time in the markets, showing ripeners the real cost and performance benefits of our system. That personal commitment is building lasting relationships.”
Unlike multi-gas suppliers, Catalytic Generators focuses exclusively on ethylene. The company’s flagship Easy-Ripe generators, fueled by Ethy-Gen II concentrate, are designed to deliver high-purity ethylene without the use of inert gases to mitigate the risk of dangerous concentrations. “Our system is inherently safe and cannot produce explosive ethylene levels, said Akins. “The result is better ethylene levels at a lower cost.”
Ethy-Gen II starts as a visible liquid, enabling ripeners to verify the quantity received, monitor usage and minimise the risk of running out – something not possible with gas cylinders. “Our clients like that they can see what they’re working with,” said Akins. “After a 24-hour ripening cycle, they simply check that the generator is empty to confirm application. It’s a simple visual check, not a guess based on pressure gauges or tank weight.”
The generators produce ethylene inside the ripening room, eliminating the risk of gas escaping from the tube delivery system, which can happen with external cylinder systems. Customers can set the generator’s ethylene output upon initial use with in-room ethylene measurement.
After adjusting the output to achieve the desired level, further measurements are rarely needed as the generator’s performance has been repeatable and reliable for many years. “It’s set-and-forget reliability,” said Akins. “That’s a huge benefit for busy ripening operations.”
Catalytic Generators will showcase its portfolio at next month’s Fruit Attraction in Madrid at Hall 10, Stand 10A25.
