Florida Tomato Man of the Year goes to Gene Akins

At the annual Florida Tomato Committee Conference beginning of October, Gene Akins of Catalytic Generators was named Florida Tomato Man of the Year.

For more than 40 years of dedicated service to the tomato industry and Florida tomato farmers, board members of the Florida Tomato Committee have honored Akins with this award. David Neill, "long-term" tomato grower and member of the Committee, spoke on behalf of the Florida Tomato Committee saying, "Gene Akins and Catalytic Generators have been a constant supporter of our industry and we thank him for this long-term support."

When awarded, Akins spoke to conference participants sharing, "This award is an honor to accept. Our business and employees will continue to promote Florida tomatoes and mature greens. It is also our pleasure to help the industry apply ethylene effectively to support the fruit's natural degreening and maturation. Mature green Florida tomatoes, handled properly along the cold chain, are some of the best-selling and highest quality tomatoes worldwide!"

Akins will step down after serving on the Florida Tomato Exchange Board for more than 25 years. Catalytic Generators will continue to support Florida Tomato as a post-harvest tool for tomato handling and successful application of ethylene.

Catalytic Generators will be exhibiting at PMA Fresh summit (October 18-19, Anaheim, CA, USA) booth # 2634.


About Catalytic Generators, LLC

Catalytic Generators discovered and patented the process of producing ethylene in ripening rooms in 1973. The system consists of a catalytic-type generator that transforms a liquid concentrate called Ethy-Gen® II into safe levels of ethylene, a natural plant hormone generated by many fruits including bananas, tomatoes, avocados, mangos, and pears. Catalytic Generators provides its customers timely service and delivery across the globe with a global distribution network.


Contact:
Greg Akins, President & CEO
Catalytic Generators, LLC
+1-757-855-0191
info@catalyticgenerators.com