How Much Does It Cost to Build a Kiwifruit Cold Storage? (CA Storage, Capacity & Temperature Guide)

Cost & Capacity Overview

For long-term kiwifruit storage, controlled atmosphere (CA) cold storage is the industry standard.

• Estimated Investment (300–500 m² CA cold storage): $85,000 – $160,000
• Storage Capacity: ~240 – 625 metric tons (4–5 m³ per ton for fruit)
• Temperature: 32–34°F (0–1°C)
• Humidity: 90% – 95% RH
• Gas Control: O₂ ~3% / CO₂ ~5%
• Storage Time: Up to 4–5 months

👉 Suitable for exporters, packing houses, and fruit distributors.

Why CA Cold Storage Is Used for Kiwifruit

Kiwifruit is a climacteric fruit (continues to ripen after harvest).

Without proper storage:

• Rapid softening
• Water loss and shrinkage
• High spoilage rate

👉 CA cold storage works by:

• Reducing oxygen (slows respiration)
• Increasing CO₂ (delays ripening)
• Maintaining stable low temperature

👉 Result: longer shelf life + better market price

How Much Kiwifruit Can You Store?

Based on standard fruit storage density:

• 4–5 m³ per ton

Typical configurations:

• 300 m² CA cold storage:
  → ~240–375 tons
• 500 m² CA cold storage:
  → ~400–625 tons

👉 Designed for palletized storage and export logistics.

Recommended Storage Conditions

For commercial kiwifruit storage:

• Temperature: 32–34°F (0–1°C)
• Humidity: 90–95% RH
• Oxygen (O₂): ~3%
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂): ~5%
• Temperature fluctuation: within ±1°C

👉 Under these conditions:

• Storage life reaches 4–5 months
• Maintains firmness, color, and nutritional value

Commercial Handling Process (Simplified)

Harvesting

• Harvest in cool conditions (morning or cloudy weather)
• Avoid rain and direct sun exposure

Sorting

• Remove damaged, diseased, or overripe fruit
• Grade by size and quality

Pre-Cooling (Critical Step)

• Rapid cooling after harvest
• Reduces field heat and respiration

👉 Faster pre-cooling = longer storage life

Storage Management

• Keep temperature stable
• Maintain gas balance (CA system)
• Avoid mixing with ethylene-producing fruits (e.g., bananas, apples)

Where Your Investment Goes

A CA cold storage project includes:

Refrigeration System

• High-efficiency compressors
• Air coolers and temperature control

CA System (Core Difference)

• Gas-tight cold room
• Oxygen and CO₂ control equipment
• Gas monitoring system

Insulated Structure

• PU panels with high airtightness
• Specialized sealing design

Monitoring System

• Real-time temperature, humidity, and gas monitoring
• Data recording for quality control

Investment Example (Overseas Project)

Project Overview

• Location: Santiago, Chile
• Facility Size: 400 m²
• Storage Type: Kiwifruit CA cold storage
• Total Investment: $120,000
• Capacity: ~500 tons

Results After Installation

• Extended storage from weeks → 5+ months
• Reduced spoilage rate significantly
• Enabled off-season export sales
• Improved overall profit margin

Payback Period

1.5 – 3 years, depending on turnover and export pricing

Plan Your Kiwifruit Cold Storage Project

Kiwifruit storage is not standard refrigeration — it requires controlled atmosphere technology.

Each project is custom-designed based on your production scale and export needs.

To get a tailored solution, send us:

• Storage capacity (tons)
• Daily throughput
• Project location

👉 We’ll provide a custom layout and quotation within 24 hours.