Naturo

Naturo Technologies is an Australian food innovation company tackling significant preservation challenges in the food supply chain. The firm was co-founded by agricultural engineer Jeff Hastings and Frank Schreiber. Hastings, who serves as the inventor and CEO, grew up in Papua New Guinea and was inspired by the lack of access to fresh, healthy milk, a privilege he had experienced in his native New Zealand. This formative experience drove his ambition to develop technologies that make natural, healthy foods more accessible globally.

The company's business model centers on developing and patenting food preservation technologies, which it then licenses to food processors and manufacturers worldwide. Naturo also manufactures the specialized equipment required to implement its processes, such as the "Avocado Time Machine" (ATM), creating a comprehensive technology and equipment package for its clients. Its primary clients are in the food service, restaurant, and hospitality industries, who benefit from reduced food waste and increased usability of ingredients like avocado.

Naturo's first major technological breakthrough is the Natavo™ process, a patented, all-natural method to prevent cut avocados from browning. This technology uses pressure fluctuations generated by steam to "switch off" the enzyme responsible for oxidation, extending the refrigerated shelf life of sliced and pulped avocado for up to 10 days, even after the package is opened. The process also includes a certified pathogen kill step, ensuring food safety without the use of chemicals, additives, or preservatives. This provides a significant advantage over High-Pressure Processing (HPP), which does not prevent browning in cut avocados after the packaging is opened. The company offers a range of frozen IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) avocado products, including slices and chunks, which are now used in over eight countries.

Building on its success, Naturo developed Haelen® Technology, a non-thermal milk processing method considered a significant development in the dairy industry. Invented by Hastings, this process extends the shelf life of fresh milk to 60 days, retains more essential nutrients like vitamins and enzymes compared to pasteurization, and is easier to digest. Having received regulatory approval, the Haelen® technology enables the sea freight of fresh milk, opening up new international markets. Keywords: food technology, avocado preservation, non-browning avocado, milk processing, Haelen Technology, Natavo, Jeff Hastings, IQF avocado, food waste reduction, natural food preservation, extended shelf life, food service supply, agricultural engineering, dairy innovation, pathogen kill step, Avocado Time Machine, food processing equipment, food licensing, all-natural food, food supply chain solutions