Who is Ripe Rite Ltd?

In 1981, Fred Clarke heard of an intriguing invention that was revolutionising the banana industry in the US. For many years, ripening of tropical fruit was a dangerous task, as the way of introducing ethylene into a fruit ripening room could be difficult and unsafe. So, Mr. Clarke set out to change British ripening. He arranged for all the necessary registrations and introduced the ethylene products of Catalytic Generators to the United Kingdom, under the name Ripe-Rite Ltd (initially “Banana-Rite”).

40 years have passed since Ripe-Rite Ltd began, and Fred’s son Paul has grown the company into a service-oriented business that continues as a family operation. Paul’s daughter Reah is learning the ropes and the company plans to be a third-generation company. “We are committed to serving the UK market,” says Paul Clarke, the firm’s managing Director. He points out that they have supported most of the UK’s ripening facilities for decades, and says “our track record is one of stability, dedication and commitment.”

“Not only do we have thousands of boxes of Ethy-Gen® II in stock to provide quick delivery, but we also provide maintenance on Easy-Ripe® ethylene generators,” says Paul. “While our generators are dependable, whenever service is required, we can exchange them and provide our customers with fast delivery and uninterrupted ripening.”

Who is Catalytic Generators?

Fruit ripening by ethylene application used to be a risky business. Bulky cylinders and awkward lecture tubes made the entire process difficult, unpredictable and sometimes dangerous, which is why we started Catalytic Generators, LLC. We knew there had to be a better way.

After extensive research and experimentation, our vision became a reality. In 1973, the Catalytic Generator and Ethy-Gen® Ripening Concentrate were invented, patented, and introduced to the world. Suddenly fruit ripeners had a safe, easy method for applying ethylene.

Initiating the natural and controlled degreening/ripening process in fruits became a much simpler job. Rather than storing large quantities of compressed ethylene at a fresh produce warehouse, our on-site process of producing ethylene as it is needed made sense to fresh produce companies. Word quickly spread, and our ethylene systems are now found across the globe.  

Just like a piece of ripening fruit, our generator has changed over the years, inside and out. From the awkward 70’s years to the stainless steel 80’s model, all the way to the current sleek version, our generators are constantly changing and improving.