BIG interview with Leonard Felix: from grapes to 1-MCP — what's next in post-harvest science? 

Ensuring grape quality and freshness is a constant battle. Harvest too early, and the fruit lacks flavor. Wait too long, and quality declines. And once harvested, keeping grapes fresh becomes another challenge. To address these issues, Felix Instruments recently introduced two groundbreaking devices: the F751 Grape Quality Meter and the innovative 1-MCP Measurement Device. 

The F751 Grape Quality Meter delivers precision in assessing grape quality, helping producers maintain consistent standards from vineyard to market. Meanwhile, the newly developed 1-MCP Measurement Device finally offers the industry a reliable method to monitor 1-MCP levels, removing guesswork and significantly enhancing storage efficiency. 

We spoke with Leonard Felix, President of Felix Instruments, to learn more about how these innovative devices are transforming grape quality management.

Fructidor: Leonard, could you tell us more about the F751 Grape Quality Meter and the 1-MCP Measurement Device? 

Leonard Felix: Absolutely. The F751 Grape Quality Meter is specifically designed to provide table grape growers and packers with precise, non-destructive quality data — such as Brix, pH and titratable acidity — allowing them to make better-informed harvest decisions and accurately assess the quality of incoming grape lots arriving at packhouses. It incorporates all the advanced features from our existing quality meters, such as GPS, SD storage cards, Wi-Fi connectivity, and the ability to upload data to the FruitMaps crop mapping application. While the product was initially driven by demand from the U.S. market — especially table grape producers — grapes are an important commodity worldwide, making it a globally relevant solution. 

Fructidor: So, is the grape meter specifically tailored for grape-focused users rather than a general agricultural audience? 

Leonard Felix: Yes. Our experience shows growers and packers prefer tools designed specifically for their crops. If the instrument directly addresses their needs, it’s a much more simple and straightforward task to integrate it into their operations. 

Fructidor: What about the 1-MCP Measurement Device — how did that come about? 

Leonard Felix: Our innovation journey began with fruit-quality assessment and post-harvest gas monitoring in modified atmosphere environments. During that time, we recognized the importance of accurately measuring 1-MCP (1-methylcyclopropene), widely used to extend the shelf life of fresh produce. Previously, the industry lacked a device capable of separately analyzing 1-MCP from ethylene. We developed the 1-MCP Measurement Device precisely to address this need, using specialized sensors that allow for separate, accurate measurement of 1-MCP. 

Now, growers and storage managers can independently analyze 1-MCP data, a capability that can greatly enhance their post-harvest strategies. 

Fructidor: Why is accurate 1-MCP measurement so crucial? 

Leonard Felix: Usually, 1-MCP application is handled by external service providers, leaving storage facilities with limited control or direct oversight over the precise quantities used. This lack of visibility often leads to uncertainty around the effectiveness of treatments, potentially compromising produce quality and shelf life. By providing reliable, real-time measurements, our 1-MCP Measurement Device empowers postharvest personnel to precisely monitor and optimize the application of 1-MCP. With accurate data at their fingertips, storage managers can adjust treatment strategies, ensuring maximum effectiveness in extending shelf life and maintaining optimal freshness and quality during storage. Additionally, service providers and organizations that apply 1-MCP gain greater confidence by knowing they are using the exact amounts needed, eliminating waste, reducing costs, and ultimately ensuring customer satisfaction. 

Fructidor: Who will benefit most from this device? 

Leonard Felix: Primarily, large-scale growers and companies providing 1-MCP services — exactly the groups who requested such a solution. They have been looking for ways to verify and improve the effectiveness of their 1-MCP treatments, and this instrument meets that need. 

While it's a niche device, we see significant potential in helping our customers confidently manage post-harvest processes. 

Fructidor: What's next for Felix Instruments? 

Leonard Felix: Unfortunately, I’m not currently at liberty to talk about our next major initiative. But I can say that we are continuously focused on enhancing our users ability to collect vital crop data and use this data to make more informed decisions. Suffice it to say, I’m very excited about our next steps! 

Find out how the F751 Grape Quality Meter and 1-MCP Measurement Device can benefit your business — send your inquiry for a free trial!