Integrated Cold Store Network
SAFT is in the fortunate position to operate a group of cold stores.
When we contract with a client, we never decline their intakes. Should we run into the fortunate position of not having sufficient capacity at the main contracted cold store, we can divert fruit to any of the other cold stores in the group.
While others can't guarantee space to contracted clients, our Cold Store network offers clients peace of mind.
Integrated systems throughout our cold stores and sharing of management expertise links up to make us a strong partner in the cold store.
Precooling of warm fruit received
SAFT has a combined cold storage capacity of 12800 pallets of which 5680 pallets are allocated as precooling capacity. Some fruit received requires a short recool period, while other produce is received at ambient temperatures directly from the producers. Cooling times for ambient produce vary between the various facilities and also depends on the produce and its type of packaging.
In general we use the following as a guideline:
PRODUCE | COOLING TIME |
|---|---|
Stone fruit | 24 to 48 hours |
Grapes | 48 to 72 hours |
Pome fruit | 48 to 96 hours |
Subtropical fruit | 12 to 24 hours |
Soft Citrus | 24 to 48 hours |
Hard Citrus | 24 to 48 hours |
Client protocols and sensitive commodities are taken into consideration when delivering this service.
Specialised precooling for in-transit sterilisation shipments (Cold Steri)
All our Cape Town cold stores are approved for inspection, cooling and shipping fruit to most steri destinations. We have dedicated staff facilitating these shipments making it as hassle free as possible. At ColdHarvest we have a fully USDA approved inspection facility making this a one stop shop for your USA containerisation
All shipments are precooled according to NDA/PPECB guidelines to ensure that we meet the Sterilisation requirements of the destination countries. Fruit for these shipments are monitored via a computerised system throughout the entire process, backed up by staff on duty 24/7, giving you full traceability while under our watchful eye. The loading of each container destined for a Steri market, is supervised by a PPECB inspector.
Peace of mind and hassle free Sterilisation shipments is just a phone call away.
Refrigerated Storage
SAFT has a combined refrigerated storage space of just over 12800 pallets. This storage space is conveniently located to service most mayor areas.
We have two port facilities, CFT and Cold Harvest Bayhead, located in very close proximity to their respective container terminals, Cape Town and Durban, giving us the advantage when it comes to containerisation.
Cold Harvest Bayhead is geared to offer refrigerated storage services for both frozen produce and export fruit. Cold Harvest Bayhead runs a 12 month operation on various frozen produce, while handling citrus fruit from February to October.
In close proximity to the Port of Cape Town we have SAFT Maitland ideally located as a consolidation facility to feed specialised reefer (conventional) shipping terminals, yet close enough to act as a containerisation facility. Fruit is sent to SAFT Maitland for this purpose from areas as far as the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape.
ColdHarvest offers its services in the beautiful Paarl region, making it possible for producers to deliver their fruit in small or large quantities to this facility virtually on their doorstep. ColdHarvest also has a private railsiding and can receive or dispatch fruit by rail.
Click on any of the facility names to view them in more detail.
Controlled Atmosphere(CA) cold room storage
Our ColdHarvest cold store boasts with 12 controlled atmosphere chambers with a total capacity of 8880 bins. Quick loading and precise gassing to the correct atmosphere will ensure the optimum outcome. Constant monitoring is done via a computerised system, backed up by staff on duty 24/7.
Controlled Atmosphere(CA) container conversions (MAXtend)
MAXtend is the trademark for an atmosphere control product that is installed in any normal reefer container converting it to a CA container for the duration of the voyage. Any combination of O2 and CO2 can be maintained throughout the voyage. These atmosphere settings are based on our own experience or can be specified by the customer.
See our section on MAXtend for more information.
Inspection facilities
All our cold stores are equipped with inspection facilities in strict compliance with PPECB / NDA standards. We have dedicated staff facilitating our inspections and liaising with the relevant inspection authorities. We have facilities for PPECB and the NDA, which is also used by various exporters for post cooling inspections. In addition to the normal inspections facilities, we have an USDA approved inspection facility at our ColdHarvest cold store.
De-greening facilities for Citrus
During degreening the chambers are operated at about 23°C. Ripegas, containing ethylene and nitrogen, are used to colour the fruit. During the process concentrations of carbon dioxide are kept very low and relative humidity high. The colour is monitored every 6 hours until it meets the client’s requirements. It is then removed from the degreening chambers and placed under normal refrigerated conditions. This process normally takes a maximum of 36 hours.
