JD Cooling has announced it will install sixSoftripechambers and two new heat recovery chillers at Worldwide Fruit’s site in Spalding.
A UK-first, the new system will be used for ripening avocados with the capacity for 132 pallets in total, equivalent to 220 pallets of conventional ripening due to shortened ripening times.
According to JD Cooling, which is the UK’s largest independent supplier of bespoke cooling, power and control systems, the Softripe technology ensures better fruit quality and flavour, as well as delivering energy efficiencies.
Softripe, which won silver in the Fruit Logistica Innovation Award in 2019, has a 40 per cent shorter ripening cycle when compared to conventional ripening systems.
The company's specialist services director James Tumber said: “The first in our country, this evolutionary newSoftripe system is a leap forward for the UK fruit market.
'Results and consumer feedback from trials have been outstanding, withSoftripe avocados testing better than conventionally ripened ones across the board from taste, texture, quality consistency and shelf life.
“This contract is also a true demonstration of our Group’s ability to provide a full in-house solution as well as 24/7 365-days-a-year support to make it easier for the customer.”
JD Cooling have been contracted by Worldwide Fruit to provide a full-service solution, with full installation, ongoing maintenance and specialist cleaning services.
Work on the new project will start on 11 February, with the sixSoftripechambers estimated to be operational by mid-May.
“We were impressed with the quality of avocados and are excited by the prospect of being the first provider to distributeSoftriperipened avocados,' said Worldwide Fruit's operations director Neal Collishaw.
Softripetechnology is exclusively available in the UK through JD Cooling.
