Catalytic Generators marks strong start to 2026 with global expansion strategy and smart ripening innovation

Catalytic Generators, the expert in ethylene application systems for fruit ripening, has closed 2025 on a strong trajectory and advanced its global growth plans at Fruit Logistica 2026, engaging with key European and international customers. Building on growing adoption in Europe and accelerating demand in key international markets, the company is advancing a strategy that combines geographic growth, deeper customer partnerships, and a significant new digital innovation designed to make ethylene application even simpler and more reliable.

Greg Akins, President & CEO of Catalytic Generators,  said:

“Fruit Logistica is always a valuable checkpoint for understanding where the ripening industry is heading, particularly in Europe. This year’s event was fantastic. We joined our Dutch distributor, Fresh Produce Instruments, and welcomed many visitors to our stand, both current and prospective clients. Existing customers gave positive feedback, appreciating that we focus solely on ethylene application, unlike other vendors that sell multiple gases. As we begin 2026, we’re seeing clear momentum, not just in sales, but in how customers are rethinking about reliability, visibility, and control in their ripening operations. That aligns perfectly with where we’re investing as a company.”

Closing 2025 with momentum across global markets

Catalytic Generators finished 2025 with increasing global sales of its ethylene generators and Ethy-Gen ® II concentrate, driven by expanding adoption in Europe and China, alongside continued growth in Latin America. The year marked a further shift from awareness-building to customer acceptance in Europe, as more ripeners evaluated and adopted Catalytic Generators’ alternative ethylene delivery method.

In Europe, the company secured regulatory approval for avocado ripening in the Netherlands and is advancing approvals for additional products in other member states. Through distributor collaboration, on-site visits, and trade show engagement, Catalytic Generators reinforced its core value proposition: a system designed to make ethylene application the easiest, safest, and most predictable part of the ripening process.

Akins commented:

“Once customers see how simple and dependable our system is in day-to-day use, the conversation quickly moves from ‘why change’ to ‘how fast can we implement’.”

Europe as a strategic anchor in global growth strategy

As 2026 begins, Catalytic Generators’ growth strategy is focused on extending its global reach while strengthening performance in the world’s most demanding markets. Europe plays a central role in its approach, not only as a commercial opportunity, but also as a region where regulatory approvals of ethylene application are demanding and require significant time and investment. The company is working with an EU task force to ensure that ethylene is reregistered as a legal and safe plant protection product while pursuing the necessary product approvals. The company’s commitment to obtaining these approvals and establishing ethylene as an effective, safe solution demonstrates its dedication to safety, quality and operational discipline for ripening operators in Europe and around the world.

Akins said:

“Europe challenges suppliers to be better – more precise, more reliable and more committed. “We chose to invest here because to be the best, you have to make challenging decisions. This demanding market requires significant effort and resources, and that investment demonstrates our commitment to prioritizing reliability and operational integrity. It shows that we can meet the highest standards, which gives European ripeners and customers around the world confidence in our ability to be a proven, reliable and trusted ethylene partner.”

2026 roadmap: smarter ripening with digital control

Looking ahead, Catalytic Generators’ 2026 roadmap centers on three priorities: continued geographic expansion, stronger presence in Europe and Latin America, and the introduction of digital control and remote monitoring capabilities for ethylene application systems.

In the fourth quarter of 2026, Catalytic Generators plans to introduce a new digital platform that wirelessly connects its ethylene generators to a secure cloud-based interface. Through a dedicated web portal, customers will be able to view generator status in real time, confirm when ethylene application starts and ends, or is interrupted, monitor Ethy-Gen ® II levels, and receive alerts if performance is affected. This gives operators confidence that ethylene application is correctly occurring during the critical 24-hour application period. Generators can also be adjusted remotely and integrated with room control systems for optimized ethylene levels.

Akins explained:

“This innovation gives ripeners peace of mind when it matters most. Ethylene already works quietly in the background. Digital visibility will take one step further by removing uncertainty and reinforcing our promise that ethylene should be the easiest part of ripening.”

Akins concluded:

“We’ve spent more than 50 years simplifying ethylene. “In 2026, we’re building on that foundation by scaling globally, strengthening our European presence, and introducing smarter tools that help ripeners focus on what matters most: delivering consistently high-quality fruit.”

About Catalytic Generators

With over 50 years of experience, Catalytic Generators is a family-owned company dedicated exclusively to ethylene application systems and known for making ethylene easy, safe and cost-effective. Based in Norfolk, Virginia, USA, it operates across the globe, supplying fresh produce companies, grocery distribution centers, and growers with the tools to ripen avocados, bananas, tomatoes, and more. It helps customers simplify operations and achieve consistent, predictable results with its high-purity ethylene solutions backed by professional support, local distribution, and customized services. Catalytic Generators’ commitment to quality and customer partnership ensures a reliable and timely supply of ethylene for customers worldwide.

Photo caption: From left to right: Steve Page, Greg Akins and Michael Landry of Catalytic Generators at Fruit Logistica 2026.