I’m Malkeet Padda, the founder of Postharvest Consultancies, dedicated to enhancing product quality, reducing losses, and elevating brand value. With over 20 years of experience, I possess a strong research background and in-depth industry knowledge in postharvest quality management. My expertise covers the entire value chain, including the pre- and postharvest factors that influence quality and the latest advancements in technologies and tools to measure and extend shelf-life.

My professional journey began in India, where my passion for agriculture led me to pursue a Master’s in Horticulture. I later moved to the United States to complete a PhD in Horticulture at Louisiana State University, followed by a Postdoctoral fellowship at UC Davis. I then spent a decade leading Driscoll’s global postharvest function, focusing on the development of technologies and packaging solutions to improve berry quality. After that, I joined Plenty, an indoor farming company, where I worked on enhancing the postharvest quality of leafy greens.

In addition to my postharvest experience, I manage a berry farm, which has given me valuable insights into how preharvest growing practices can impact postharvest quality. Over the years, I’ve shared my work at numerous conferences and served on various industry panels. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports, camping, hiking, and gardening.