BelOrta starts top fruit season with renewed storage system

ULO storage is now the standard storage system. Starting this season BelOrta will go one step further. First, by measuring the respiration of fruit stored in a cell with a revolutionary ULO controller. Second, through dynamically controlling the atmosphere in a storage unit filled with top fruit. This means that customers can enjoy crisper and tastier fruit in the upcoming winter and spring months. BelOrta is the first company in Belgium to begin using this progressive technology from Ab Coolservice, Aucxis and Van Amerongen.

BelOrta installs first ACR storage system in Belgium

BelOrta has invested in a revolutionary ULO regulator, 'My Fruit', with ACR control (Advanced Controlled Respiration). 'My Fruit' measures the respiration of the stored fruit and automatically increases or decreases the amount of oxygen based on respiration characteristics. This continuously adapting system is called DCA (Dynamically Controlled Atmosphere) because it dynamically adapts to the situation of the fruit.

How it differs from conventional storage

With a classic ULO storage system each cultivar is preserved throughout the entire stored season through constant gas conditioning. The recommended gas condition is the same for each batch of fruit from the same cultivar. A DCA starts with an advised gas condition for each cultivar, with help from the 'My Fruit' software. Then the DCA system will decrease the oxygen level after the 'My Fruit' software 'approves' it for the fruit. A lower concentration of oxygen means that the fruit's metabolism will slow down and the fruit will not wear out as quickly.

Advantages

This concept offers significant advantages over the classic ULO storage system. The first advantage is an energy saving of up to 30 to 40%. Also, this renewed storage system offers a longer storage period while retaining quality, including longer shelf life. An additional advantage is the possibility of various storage conditions for different batches of the same cultivar, dependent on their sensitivity to lower oxygen levels. Moreover, there could be a differences in the storage season.

Tested and passed

Testing Belgian Jonagold pears in the DCA refrigerated storage unit have shown that the fruit stays hard longer when in a dynamically controlled atmosphere. Starting this storage season the ULO cells of two important storage departments in BelOrta will be equipped with this innovative system. Henceforth, our producers can opt for this advanced storage system if they would like.

For more information:
BelOrta
Sofie Lambrecht
Divisiehoofd Marketing
Tel: +32 (0)15 56 52 92
sofie.lambrecht@belorta.be
www.belorta.be