Church Brothers Farms

Susanne Klose

Cold Chain Authority

Susanne Klose serves as Vice President of Research and Development at Church Brothers Farms, where she leads new product development, process improvement and technology innovation. Drawing on decades of scientific and industry experience, she focuses on using data-driven insights to enhance quality, efficiency and sustainability.

Cultivating Quality beyond the Field

Fresh produce begins in the field, but the journey from harvest to the consumer is shaped by countless decisions along the way. At Church Brothers Farms, I see innovation as an opportunity to strengthen every stage of that process. Combining scientific expertise, real-time data and practical improvements allows us to deliver quality and freshness while preparing for the evolving needs of agriculture.

My approach to innovation is rooted in a career built on scientific research and hands-on industry experience. I began my academic career in Germany, earning two PhDs in soil science and natural sciences. In 2002, I joined the University of California, Davis, where I spent more than six years in plant science research. A move into the produce industry followed in 2008 with Fresh Express, where I managed the leafy greens portfolio, overseeing variety trials and introducing new varieties with improved yield, disease resistance and sensory quality.

Experience across pre-harvest operations, processing, post-harvest practices and packaging eventually led me into R&D leadership roles. In 2014, I moved to Mann Packing, where I expanded my focus beyond leafy greens to include fresh-cut vegetables.

In 2021 I joined Church Brothers Farms as Senior Director of R&D. Today, I lead new product development with a focus on process improvement and technological innovation. Digitalization and data analytics remain central to my work because data should serve as a decision-making tool for process changes, packaging improvements and variety selection.

That emphasis has become increasingly important as the fresh produce industry navigates a more complex operating environment. Shifting climate conditions are creating new stresses for vegetable crops. Pests and pathogens, heatwaves and rising temperatures are affecting the growth, quality and shelf life of cool-season vegetables. Challenges related to water availability and fertilizer regulations are driving the need for new growing practices and more resilient varieties. Labor availability and evolving workforce regulations are also reshaping production methods, increasing the need for automation and more efficient processes.

Protecting Freshness through Science

Temperature management plays a critical role in preserving product quality and shelf life after harvest. One of the projects I am most proud of involves the automated product cooling monitoring and optimization using the InteliCool system developed by Inteligistics Inc. Product temperatures can be monitored continuously from harvest through cooling, cold storage and distribution. My team initiated that effort and continues to support its adoption as Church Brothers Farms acquires new processing facilities.

Our research team also evaluates advanced packaging materials developed in Europe and by universities in the United States. Some of these materials are being assessed for their potential to inhibit microbial growth, extend shelflife and reduce food waste. Another promising area of research is the use of bacteriophages as non-chemical antimicrobial agents in food safety.

These initiatives reflect a broader focus on improving product quality, extending shelf life and enhancing food safety throughout the production process. Automation remains another major priority. Robotics for harvesting, processing, palletizing, and loading and innovative wash systems designed to reduce cross-contamination risks are among the areas where we continue to pursue improvements. Every initiative undergoes rigorous validation, a core responsibility of the R&D team.

Making data more accessible to the various departments through the automation of data collection and visualization in another important area that my team supports. Historically, data was collected in spreadsheets and applications but often became trapped in PDF reports, requiring manual reentry before analysis. Our systems now generate automated dashboards and daily or weekly reports that allow senior management to monitor key performance indicators across departments in real time.

Building Innovation through Collaboration

Every project begins with a clear plan and the early involvement of key stakeholders. Growers, operations, packaging procurement, quality and food safety, warehousing and distribution, business intelligence and analytics, sales and marketing, and leadership team and customers, all contribute to the process. Understanding concerns and barriers help us develop solutions together rather than forcing changes onto different departments. Shared ownership creates stronger alignment and supports the validation of process changes.

Looking ahead, I believe science-based and datadriven decision-making will continue to shape fresh produce innovation. Educating the broader workforce in post-harvest physiology and packaging technologies will become increasingly important. Supporting growers, harvesting teams and quality control groups through defect identification and disease management will strengthen product quality and workforce capabilities. Strong partnerships with universities and industry organizations will also play a critical role in finding solutions and fueling change.

These efforts are closely tied to evolving market expectations. Customers are placing greater emphasis on packaging solutions that reduce environmental impact without compromising product quality, shelf life or food safety. Sustainable packaging solutions are becoming increasingly important in the fresh-cut industry, and we continue to explore solutions that address these needs.

Cultivating the Future of Agricultural R&D

For professionals interested in leading agricultural R&D, a strong scientific foundation remains essential. I encourage aspiring leaders to pursue a master's degree in food technology, food science, agriculture, plant breeding or food safety. Industry experience is equally important. Research should extend beyond the laboratory and include the design and execution of projects in collaboration with industry.

Having a strong scientific background allows us to evaluate claims behind new technologies, understand their mechanisms and design trials under different operating conditions. Strong expertise in data analysis and statistics is essential to transform data into actionable, objectives decisions and recommendations.

Humility matters just as much as technical expertise. Learning from experienced professionals and developing an understanding of other areas of the business have been invaluable throughout my career. Those experiences have reinforced my belief that meaningful innovation depends on continuous learning, cross-functional collaboration and a willingness to challenge established practices.

Agriculture has always evolved through curiosity and shared knowledge, and that spirit continues to inspire me. At Church Brothers Farms, every improvement we pursue reflects a commitment to combining science, practical experience and continuous learning to help fresh produce meet tomorrow's challenges while delivering the quality consumers expect today.