Turners & Growers Opens $4m Cool Stores

Turners & Growers Opens $4 Million State of The Art Kerifresh Cool Stores in Kerikeri

As this year’s kiwifruit season gets underway in Northland, Turners & Growers has completed a $4 million state of the art cool store & dry store facility at Kerifresh, Northland’s largest pack house and orchard operation.

The two 430sqm cool stores feature the latest EcoChill® natural refrigeration technology, the first time the technology has been used for kiwifruit in New Zealand.

Turners & Growers CEO Jeff Wesley says that the NZ$4 million investment is not only better for the environment, but also ensures that fruit is in peak condition for export.

“EcoChill® operates at much higher humidity than standard refrigeration systems which is better for produce, meaning fruit for export leave the country in a much better condition. This technology also means we are reducing our energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

“As the country’s leading produce exporter we’re always looking for new innovations and technologies that ensure our New Zealand produce succeeds in competitive export markets.”

The EcoChill® technology from Arneg New Zealand has a very small refrigerant charge in comparison to other systems resulting in a lower quantity of gas. The refrigerant the system operates on is a natural refrigerant as opposed to a synthetic chemical that would normally be used. It also operates with increased levels of electronic technology that helps reduce its power consumption.

Kerifresh General Manager, Alan Kerr says the investment is a boost to the local Kerikeri economy where Kerifresh is the largest employer. The facility, built by Kamo’s A Line Builders includes a new 600 sqm dry store and office extension.

“Kerifresh is a leader in New Zealand’s horticultural innovation. We are investing for the future here in our post-harvest facilities, orchard management techniques, new large-scale plantings and research and development into new varieties for export.”

ENDS

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