China cold storage solution provider
Cherries are one of the most visually attractive and high-value fruits in the global market. However, due to their thin skin, high juice content, and high respiration rate, fresh cherries can only be stored 7–12 days at room temperature. This short shelf life severely limits the marketing and export season.
For cherry growers, exporters, and distributors, the most effective solution is controlled atmosphere (CA) cold storage, which can extend cherry storage time to up to 4 months while maintaining color, firmness, and nutritional quality.
Why Use Controlled Atmosphere Cold Storage for Cherries?
Controlled atmosphere cold storage combines precise temperature, humidity, and gas composition control to slow fruit respiration and inhibit microbial growth.
Compared with ordinary cold rooms, CA cold storage can:
- Extend cherry storage life from weeks to months
- Maintain bright skin color and green stems
- Reduce weight loss and decay rate
- Improve off-season selling prices and export flexibility
Cherry Cold Storage Process & Technical Requirements
1. Pre-Cooling (Critical Step)
Pre-cooling reduces respiration intensity and internal temperature differences.
- Recommended pre-cooling temperature: 2°C
- Delayed pre-cooling significantly increases mold and rot risk
2. Controlled Atmosphere Storage Conditions
Optimal CA storage parameters for cherries:
- Temperature: –0.5°C to 0°C (±0.5°C stability required)
- Relative Humidity: 90%–95%
- Oxygen (O₂): 3%–5%
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): 10%–25%
Cherries tolerate relatively high CO₂ levels, which strongly suppress fungal growth and decay.
Under these conditions, cherries can be stored for approximately 4 months with minimal quality loss.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Cherry CA Cold Storage?
Construction cost depends on:
- Storage size
- Insulation thickness
- CA control system
- Refrigeration capacity
- Country of installation
Typical Investment Range
For international markets, a cherry CA cold storage generally costs:
USD 280–400 per m² (complete system, turnkey)
This includes:
- Insulated PU panels
- Refrigeration units (–0.5°C design)
- Controlled atmosphere system (O₂ / CO₂ control)
- Humidity control equipment
- Monitoring & control system
How Much Cherries Can a Cold Storage Hold?
Cherry storage capacity is calculated by volume and stacking method.
Standard Design Example
- Storage area: 1,000 m²
- Usable height: 5.5 m
- Total volume: 5,500 m³
- Effective utilization rate: ~70%
Usable Storage Volume
➡ 3,800–4,000 m³
Cherry Storage Capacity
- Average density: 250–300 kg per m³
➡ Total capacity: 950–1,150 tons of fresh cherries
Investment Return Example
Project Location: Chile (Cherry Export Region)
Cold Storage Type: Controlled Atmosphere Cherry Cold Storage
Temperature: –0.5°C to 0°C
Total Volume: 5,500 m³
Storage Capacity: 1,000–1,100 tons of cherries
Refrigeration System: Haocool CA refrigeration & gas control system
Total Investment: USD 380,000
Average Energy Consumption: 80–90 kWh per day per 100 m²
Estimated Payback Period: 1.5–2 years (based on off-season price increase & export premium)