CHICAGO, IL - A new collaboration was recently established between Hazel Technologies and McFarland, California-based Jakov Dulcich & Sons, a family-owned and operated table grape grower/packer/shipper with 60-plus years of experience and over 3,000 acres of vertically integrated fresh table grapes under management. With the Hazel® flagship technology, Hazel 100™, table grapes arrive with greener stems across multiple varieties even after extended time on the water.

“Investing in Hazel 100 is definitely a step worth taking, especially during these trying times in the supply chain,” said Mike Rubidoux, Director of Sales Strategy at Hazel Technologies. “By using Hazel 100, exporters will have peace of mind that their grapes will arrive to their destination with greener stems, leading to [fewer] adjustments upon inspection and greater returns overall.”

Dulcich & Sons is best known for its Pretty Lady brand and is recognized as a leader in quality and taste in the table grape industry. The team exports green, red, and black varietals globally through its worldwide marketing arm, Sunlight International Sales.

‍

According to the Giannini Foundation of Agricultural Economics, noted the release, California table grape exporters experienced at least a 16 percent decrease in export volume in 2021 relative to 2020. While many exporters turned to air freight, this choice came with a hefty price tag. Determined to provide premium-quality grapes, Dulcich & Sons plans to continue its 2022 export program with Hazel Tech.

“Not only have I seen the benefits of Hazel 100 with my own eyes, but my customers are seeing it too,” said Nick Dulcich, Co-Owner and President at Dulcich & Sons. “One of our customers in Malaysia raved about seeing greener stems from our Hazel 100-treated grapes. This is just one of many examples of why we’re planning on using Hazel 100 on all of our export and storage grapes in 2022.”

Founded in the 1960s, Dulcich & Sons started off as a small vineyard run by husband-and-wife team, Jakov and Antoinette Dulcich. Their hard work and passion for grapes were passed down to their two sons, Peter and Nick, who run the operation today.

While the company has grown tenfold over the last half-century, its values are still rooted in creating high-quality products with great taste. The operation exports its wide array of varietals, like global favorites Adora®, Autumn Crisp®, Green Emerald®, Midnight Beauty®, Scarlotta®, and Sugar Drop®, to countries including Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Korea.

‍