Cold Storage for Apples: The Indian Market Perspective

India stands as one of the largest apple producers globally, with an annual production of close to 2 million metric tons. Despite this impressive output, approximately 30% of fruits and vegetables in India go to waste due to insufficient cold storage facilities. Let’s explore how cold storage solutions specifically benefit the Indian apple market.

Major Apple Growing Regions in India

Kashmir leads as the largest apple producer in India, followed by Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. These regions contribute significantly to India’s apple economy:

• Kashmir Valley: Produces 70% of India’s total apple demand, exporting more than 20 lakh metric tons yearly

• Himachal Pradesh: Known for varieties like Himachali, Golden, and Kinnaur apples

• Uttarakhand: Another important apple-growing state

While India exports most A-grade apples, the fruit is widely consumed in major metropolitan cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.

Cold Storage Requirements for Indian Apples

Temperature and Humidity Control

Indian cold storage facilities typically maintain apples at specific conditions:

• Temperature: Between 30-32°F (-1.8 to 0°C)

• Humidity: Around 85%

• Storage Duration: 3-5 months in standard cold storage

These parameters may vary slightly depending on the apple variety, but maintaining this temperature range helps preserve flavor, texture, and nutritional value.

Post-Harvest Management

The journey of Indian apples from farms to markets involves several critical steps:

1. Pre-cooling: Immediate placement in cool, ventilated spaces to remove field heat

2. Cleaning: Removal of dirt and moisture before grading

3. Grading: Classification based on size, color, shape, and appearance

4. Storage: Placement in appropriate cold storage facilities

5. Packaging and Transportation: Proper handling to maintain quality

A delay of just one day at 21°C after harvest can shorten storage life by 7–10 days, while a three-day delay may reduce it by 30 days.

Controlled Atmosphere Storage: A Game-Changer for Indian Farmers

Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage has revolutionized apple preservation in India, particularly in Kashmir. These facilities:

• Maintain precise oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen levels, humidity, and temperature

• Extend storage life up to 10 months compared to regular refrigerated storage

• Allow farmers to sell produce according to market demand

The impact has been significant for farmers. As Farooq Ahmad, an apple grower from Kashmir’s Shopian district notes:

“For a 16 kg apple box I used to get Rs 550–650 compared to Rs 1,200–1,500 through cold stores.”

Current Market Trends

As of April 2025, the Indian apple cold storage market is showing positive signs:

• Demand for stored apples has increased, with growers releasing stock earlier to maximize profits

• A standard 10-kilogram apple box sells for approximately $16–$18 (₹1,300–₹1,500)

• 16-kilogram boxes fetch about $22–$24 (₹1,800–₹2,000)

By October 2024, cold storage facilities in Kashmir’s Pulwama and Shopian districts reached full capacity in anticipation of better market rates. Approximately 300,000 metric tonnes of apples are stored in CA units across the Kashmir Valley.

Varieties Stored in Indian Cold Storage Facilities

Domestic Apples

• Kashmir Apple

• Himachali Apple

• Golden Apple

• Kinnaur Apple

• Green Apple

• Shimla Apple

Imported Apples

• Washington Apple

• New Zealand Red Delicious

• Royal Gala from USA, Italy, New Zealand and Chile

• USA Granny Smith Apple

• Japan Apple Fuji

• Many other premium varieties

Economic Impact and Business Potential

Cold storage for apples in India offers significant business opportunities:

• Helps control economics of apple supply and demand

• Reduces post-harvest losses and increases farmer income

• Stabilizes prices throughout the year

• Creates employment in rural areas

The Valley has approximately 40 cold storage facilities, with most located in the southern districts of Pulwama and Shopian. These facilities not only preserve apples but also provide employment to hundreds of people, including laborers who work year-round packing apples.

Rinac’s Cold Storage Solutions for the Indian Apple Market

Rinac, established in 1994 and headquartered in Bangalore, has emerged as a leading provider of cold chain infrastructure in India. With over 27 years of experience, Rinac offers specialized solutions for the Indian apple market:

• Custom-designed controlled atmosphere (CA) storage facilities

• Temperature and humidity control systems optimized for Indian conditions

• Energy-efficient refrigeration systems suitable for India’s climate

• Prefabricated construction with RPUF cold room panels for rapid deployment

Rinac’s expertise spans across India with thirteen branch offices and international operations in neighboring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Their solutions help Indian apple growers and distributors reduce wastage and improve profit margins through world-class cold storage and controlled atmosphere facilities.

Conclusion

As India’s apple production continues to grow, investing in proper cold storage infrastructure remains crucial for reducing waste, stabilizing prices, and ensuring year-round availability. With companies like Rinac providing specialized solutions, Indian apple growers can better preserve their harvest, increase their income, and meet consumer demand throughout the year.

For apple growers, distributors, and entrepreneurs looking to enter the cold storage business, partnering with experienced providers like Rinac can help create storage facilities that meet the specific requirements of Indian apples while maximizing return on investment.