Growth and innovations in the ripening and refrigeration sector: BIG Interview with Massimiliano Castagna, Cold Energy

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Massimiliano Castagna, General Director of Cold Energy. Cold Energy is an international company specializing in industrial refrigeration, with a strong focus on the ripening of fruits. With 2024 well underway, we wanted to delve into key trends in the ripening and cold storage industries, including the rising demand for sustainable produce, energy efficiency innovations, and the impact of new European regulations on natural refrigerants.

Fructidor: How is 2024 shaping your strategic growth so far?

Massimiliano Castagna: 2024 has been a great year for us so far, with exciting projects in the ripening field. We've been working in a range of different countries, including Italy, France, Spain, Sweden, Romania, and even as far as Uruguay. Our growth is not limited to just one region—our reach is truly international this year.

Fructidor: Could you provide more details on the regions you are expanding into in the future? How do market conditions and customer needs influence your portfolio development?

Massimiliano Castagna: In addition to the countries I just mentioned, we're also exploring new opportunities in Ecuador and Kazakhstan. Every market we enter presents its own unique challenges and customer demands, but there are common themes across them all—ripening quality, energy consumption, and an environmentally friendly approach are key factors in shaping our portfolio. We always aim to meet these demands while ensuring our solutions are efficient and sustainable.

Fructidor: Do you anticipate any emerging trends in the ripening or cold storage industries that could influence your strategic direction?

Massimiliano Castagna: Yes, definitely. One of the key trends we’re focusing on is the automation of loading and unloading the ripening rooms. This innovation will not only save time but also reduce the need for manual labor, streamlining the entire process. It's the next logical step for our industry and something we're keen to develop further.

Fructidor: What role do regulatory changes and sustainability goals play in shaping the future of cold storage and ripening technologies?

Massimiliano Castagna: Regulatory changes, particularly in Europe, align well with our long-standing values. We’ve been using natural refrigerants like ammonia for a long time, so the new European regulations around environmental sustainability were something we were already prepared for. On the other hand, CO2, while often seen as a green alternative, isn't the ideal solution for the specific temperature control required in ripening systems. We’ve always taken a forward-thinking approach to sustainability, so these changes are in line with what we’ve been doing for years.

Fructidor: How is the rise in demand for sustainable and organic produce impacting the way ripening facilities operate?

Massimiliano Castagna: Our systems are perfectly capable of managing organic fruit because the ripening process itself remains largely the same. That said, organic fruit is much more delicate, so the expertise of the ripener becomes even more critical. Applying the right ripening process for different types of organic fruit ensures that quality is maintained from farm to table.

Fructidor: What trends are you seeing in energy management systems that could have a significant impact on reducing operational costs for ripening and cold storage facilities?

Massimiliano Castagna: Energy efficiency is one of the top priorities in our decision-making process. With our advanced technology, we can guarantee the lowest energy consumption in the ripening process. This not only reduces operational costs for our clients but also helps minimize environmental impact, which is something we’re very committed to.

Fructidor: What will you be demonstrating at Fruit Attraction?

Massimiliano Castagna: At Fruit Attraction, we will once again showcase our RESS (Ripening Energy Saving System). This system can be integrated into all of our new ripening rooms, but it’s also available as a retrofit kit for older rooms. It’s an exciting technology that significantly reduces energy consumption in the ripening process, which is crucial for both cost-saving and sustainability.

Ready to optimize your ripening process? Schedule your meeting with Cold Energy at Fruit Attraction by sending inquiry.

Visit the team at Hall 6, Stand C08.