“We are excited to bring the game-changing technology for cut flowers to Ecuador”, says Johan Möllerström, CEO of OptiCept. Lately, they have entered into an agreement with EQR in Ecuador for the evaluation of OptiBoost for cut flowers, a technology that uses vacuum infusion to extend the vase life of roses by 50% on average.
Johan Möllerström
Results at Swedish supermarkets
Over the last year, OptiCept has been busy testing their technique in supermarkets in Europe. In an article published last year, Executive Chairman Ulf Hagman shared that their treated roses lead to 50% higher gross profit and 25% lower waste at the retail level. One of their goals was to have machines installed at the growers themselves and are therefore glad about their collaboration with EQR.
EQR Equatoroses
Located in Lasso, Ecuador at the foothills of the Cotopaxi Volcano, EQR grows and sells flowers for a worldwide market. Their 8 farms are located at an altitude of almost 10,000 ft and with a total extension of 140 acres. Today EQR is growing 160 varieties of roses, 22 varieties of Spray Roses, and White Calla Lilies. Approximately 110 million roses are produced annually of over 180 different varieties. In addition, EQR has distribution in Miami under its own auspices and its main market is the United States.
Innovative and sustainable mindset
EQR produces flowers that arrive in perfect condition, in a timely fashion. Their focus on protecting the environment matches their commitment to the well-being of their employees. That is why the evaluation of the OptiBoost technology is a step in this innovative mindset, explains Möllerström. “The collaboration will give a lot of insight into both production in Ecuador and the impact OptiBoost has on roses of the highest quality, as well as a step into the market in the USA.”
EQR also supplies large wholesalers and retailers in the US with roses and the agreement includes evaluation of OptiBoost treated roses for delivery to one of these customers. In addition, the intention is to evaluate the long-term impact of the technologies' influence on overall sustainability and life cycle management.
Great potential to conquer South America
According to Möllerström, there is great potential in this agreement. “We now have the opportunity to enter the large South American market with OptiBoost. But also, we can enter the American market, which is huge when it comes to cut flowers.
Global expansion
In late 2021 it was announced that the global flower company Syngenta entered a collaboration with the Swedish company OptiCept, the innovators behind the OptiBoost technology, to market the technology globally.
For more information:
OptiCept Technologies
www.optifreeze.se