ICONIC SA citrus and beverage producer Nippy’s will soon have the ability to provide fresher fruit into Vietnam, China and the domestic market when a new cold storage facility is built.
Presently, Nippy’s sends its citrus from its Waikerie base to Vic for cold sterilisation for the export market, but a $200,000 State Government Regional Development Fund grant will cut the need for interstate transport.
The project involves building 1285 cubic-metres of cold storage capacity, which will enable up to 50 tonnes of packed oranges to be cooled to one degree in a 36-hour timeframe.
The grant will contribute to the $801,615 project to cold sterilise fruit, which is required for some export markets.
Nippy’s Group joint managing director Ben Knipsel said the cooling capacity would improve the quality of fruit for export and result in a lower price.
“Having the capacity to store the finished product to the optimal temperature faster would slow down the fruit spoilage process,” he said.
“(It would) allow us to showcase superior SA-grown produce to customers in Asia and build on the state’s reputation for high quality fruit.”
The cold storage facility will also result in an additional 12 full-time staff joining the Nippy’s team.
Nippy’s processes 40,000 tonnes of fruit annually, sourced from its own orchards and local producers.
Ali Kuchel
Journalist at the Stock Journal, passionate about all things farming and equestrian also doubling as a photographer.
Journalist at the Stock Journal, passionate about all things farming and equestrian also doubling as a photographer.
