
Fruit Cold Storage
If you own a business that requires storing fruits at specific temperatures, or if you are interested in setting up a fruit cold storage to generate income, the most important factor is to provide the right fruit cold storage according to your needs.
This is why we have tried in this article from the Tabadol Gostar Booran website to introduce you to how to establish fruit cold storage, its components, and related costs.
So stay with us until the end of this article to learn more.
Types of Fruit and Vegetable Cold Storages
As you know, fruits and vegetables need specific conditions to maintain their freshness and quality. Cold storages create a controlled environment to provide these conditions. Let’s take a look at the different types of fruit and vegetable cold storages. Typically, fruit cold storages are divided based on the required temperature into positive temperature cold storages and negative temperature cold storages.
Onion Cold Storage
Onion is a product that requires special storage conditions. Conditions that can preserve the quality of this widely used ingredient in Iranian cuisine.
Onion-specific cold storages, by creating an environment with proper humidity and low temperature, prevent sprouting (known as bolting) and spoilage. These conditions help onions stay fresh and usable for longer periods.
- Optimal temperature range for onion storage: 0 to 2°C with 65–70% relative humidity
- Minimum cold storage capacity for profitability: At least 20 to 50 tons
Minimum space required for building an onion cold storage: For a 50-ton capacity cold storage, approximately 200–400 m² (including warehouse, equipment, and auxiliary space) is required.
Dates, like other fruits, require precise storage conditions. Specialized date cold storages use advanced cooling systems to provide stable temperature and controlled humidity. These conditions ensure that dates maintain their flavor and quality for longer periods.
- Optimal temperature range for date storage: 0 to -3°C with 70–75% relative humidity
- Minimum cold storage capacity for profitability: At least 50 to 100 tons
- Minimum space required for building a date cold storage: For a 100-ton capacity cold storage, approximately 300–800 m² (including warehouse, equipment, and auxiliary space) is required.
Apple Cold Storage
Another fruit that requires specific storage conditions is the apple. A year-round fruit that must be stored under controlled conditions to preserve its quality.
Apple cold storages, with proper air circulation and precise environmental control, prevent wilting and loss of freshness. As a result, apples remain fresh and tasty for longer periods.
- Optimal temperature range for apple storage: 0 to 4°C with 90–95% relative humidity
- Minimum cold storage capacity for profitability: At least 50 to 100 tons
- Minimum space required for building an apple cold storage: For a 100-ton capacity cold storage, approximately 300–800 m² (including warehouse, equipment, and auxiliary space) is required.
- 300–800 m² (including warehouse, equipment, and auxiliary space) is required.

Orange Cold Storage
Oranges, like other citrus fruits, require precise storage conditions. Orange cold storages, by maintaining controlled temperature and humidity, prevent mold and quality loss. These conditions keep oranges fresh and juicy for longer periods.
- Optimal temperature range for orange storage: 4 to 7°C with 85–90% relative humidity
- Minimum cold storage capacity for profitability: At least 50 to 100 tons
- Minimum space required for building an orange cold storage: For a 100-ton capacity cold storage, approximately 300–800 m² (including warehouse, equipment, and auxiliary space) is required.
Stages of Fruit Cold Storage Construction
If you decide to build a fruit cold storage, you should become familiar with the process stages.
Planning and Design
The first stage of constructing fruit cold storage is choosing the right location. This planning should consider factors such as access to main roads, proximity to agricultural areas, and availability of energy supply.
Additionally, the design must account for the desired capacity and type of products to be stored. Choosing an optimal layout and internal space optimization is also highly important.
Obtaining Permits
You may need to obtain legal permits from related organizations such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Environmental Protection, and Municipality. At this stage (which may be time-consuming), you must prepare documents and meet technical and health requirements.

Procuring Equipment
After completing the design and obtaining permits, you need to purchase the required equipment. These include compressors, evaporators, condensers, temperature and humidity control systems, and insulation materials. On our website, we provide complete information about each of these components.
Choosing high-quality equipment appropriate for the intended capacity is crucial, as the efficiency and lifespan of the cold storage depend on them.
Financing via Loans
Obtaining a loan for building fruit cold storage is a suitable option for investors and farmers. It helps them cover the costs of construction and installation.
Banks and financial institutions usually offer low-interest, long-term loans for agricultural and industrial projects such as cold storages.
To receive these loans, submitting an economic feasibility study, cost estimates, financial guarantees, and compliance with environmental standards is essential. Such loans can improve agricultural product storage and increase efficiency in the cold storage industry.

Construction of the Building
At this stage, the cold storage facility is constructed. The structure must have insulated walls and ceilings to prevent heat exchange with the outside environment. The floor should be durable and moisture-resistant. Following health standards and using quality materials are essential.
Installation of Equipment
After construction, refrigeration and control systems are installed. This process requires high precision to ensure optimal performance. Proper installation of electrical, ventilation, and temperature-humidity control systems is also carried out at this stage.
Testing and Operation
Finally, after installation, the performance of the cold storage is thoroughly checked. Tests include monitoring internal temperature, evaluating refrigeration equipment performance, and checking security and alarm systems.
After resolving potential issues, the cold storage is ready for operation and can be used for product storage.
Fruit Cold Storage Equipment
Fruit cold storages require advanced equipment to maintain temperature and humidity. Some of these include:
Compressor
Compressor acts as the heart of the refrigeration system. Its main function is compressing the refrigerant gas, which generates the necessary cooling for the cold storage. Choosing the right capacity and high-efficiency compressor can significantly reduce energy costs.
Evaporator
Evaporator is a key component that absorbs heat from the internal environment and transfers it to the refrigerant gas. This process reduces the cold storage’s internal temperature. Proper design and regular maintenance can extend its lifespan.
Condenser
Condenser cools the refrigerant gas and converts it into liquid. This phase change removes thermal energy and completes the refrigeration cycle. Installing the condenser in a well-ventilated area improves system efficiency.
Fruit Cold Storage Temperature Chart
Fruit | Relative Humidity (%) | Storage Temperature (°C) |
---|---|---|
Apple | 90–95 | 0–4 |
Orange | 85–90 | 4–7 |
Date | 70–75 | -3–0 |
Onion | 65–70 | 0–2 |
Kiwi | 90–95 | 0–2 |
Banana | 85–90 | 12–14 |
Grapes | 90–95 | 0–4 |
Peach | 85–90 | 0–2 |
Sour Cherry | 90–95 | 0–2 |
Pear | 90–95 | 0–4 |
Fruit Cold Storage Cost
The cost of building fruit cold storage depends on several factors including storage capacity, type of equipment used, geographical location, and construction and implementation expenses. Constructing a fruit cold storage not only helps maintain product quality and freshness but also increases profitability by reducing product waste.
For consultation regarding costs and selecting the best equipment, you can contact Tabadol Gostar Booran. With extensive experience in this field, the company provides you with the necessary guidance for establishing an efficient and economical cold storage.
Fruit Cold Storage Revenue
The revenue of fruit cold storage depends on factors such as capacity, type of fruits stored, storage duration, and market demand. Cold storages provide storage services to farmers and fruit traders, helping maintain product quality and extend shelf life. During harvest seasons, demand for cold storages increases, which can lead to higher revenues. Moreover, cold storages with advanced technologies can achieve greater income by optimizing product preservation.
Cost of Building a 50-ton Fruit Cold Storage
The construction cost of a 50-ton cold storage can range from 5 to 10 billion tomans. This includes building the structure, purchasing and installing refrigeration equipment, temperature and humidity control systems, and proper insulation. Using high-quality equipment can reduce operational costs in the long term and extend the storage’s lifespan.
Cost of Building a 20-ton Fruit Cold Storage
For smaller cold storages with a capacity of 20 tons, the costs usually range from 3 to 6 billion tomans. These storages are suitable for small and medium-sized businesses or seasonal storage of agricultural products. Selecting quality equipment and materials can play a major role in reducing maintenance costs and increasing efficiency.
For more accurate information about costs and consultation on building cold storage, you can contact Tabadol Gostar Booran. With extensive experience in designing and building fruit cold storages, the company provides the necessary guidance.
Guide to Building Fruit Cold Storage
Constructing fruit cold storage is a smart investment that can help preserve the quality of agricultural products and increase profitability. Choosing the right equipment, precise design, and adhering to fruit storage principles are key factors in project success.
By collaborating with Tabadol Gostar Booran, you can benefit from the expertise of its specialists and build high-quality and efficient cold storage.
So, to start this journey and receive professional consultation, contact Tabadol Gostar Booran.
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Frequently Asked Questions; Clear Answers for You
Answers to the most common questions you ask Tabadol Gostar Booran experts:
1. How long can fruits be stored in cold storage?
The storage duration depends on the type of fruit and storage conditions, but typically fruits can last from several weeks to several months.
2. Do cold storages consume a lot of energy?
Energy consumption depends on the design and equipment, but using high-efficiency equipment can reduce energy usage.
3. Can cold storages be controlled automatically?
Yes, many cold storages are equipped with smart temperature and humidity control systems that operate automatically.
4. Are cold storages suitable for other products besides fruits and vegetables?
Yes, cold storages can also be designed for storing dairy products, meat, and frozen foods.