In the post-harvest supply chain, spoilage is not just a biological process—it is an economic loss. Mold formation, soft rot, and moisture loss together account for 15–45% of total post-harvest waste in fruits and vegetables globally, depending on the crop, storage conditions, and market cycle. While traditional cold storage slows down deterioration, it does not eliminate the root causes of decay: respiration, microbial activity, and dehydration.
This is where CA (Controlled Atmosphere) storage systems, such as those implemented by CASS, demonstrate substantial strategic value—not just reducing loss, but preserving commercial quality and extending the product’s profitable selling window.
1. Understanding the Decay Mechanism
After harvest, produce remains biologically alive. Three primary post-harvest risks occur:
| Cause | Mechanism | Result |
|---|---|---|
| High Respiration Rate | Produce consumes oxygen and breaks down sugars | Softening, loss of sweetness, reduced shelf life |
| Microbial Proliferation | Mold and bacteria thrive in moist, oxygen-rich environments | Mold spots, rot, spoilage |
| Moisture Loss | Water evaporates from cells into surrounding air | Shrivel, loss of weight, degraded appearance |
Traditional refrigeration only slows respiration, but does not sufficiently suppress microbial growth or dehydration. The visual difference can be significant after just 5–10 days.
2. How CA Storage Works in CASS Facilities
CASS CA technology modifies and stabilizes the storage environment across several parameters:
| Parameter | Controlled Level | Effect on Produce |
|---|---|---|
| Oxygen (O₂) | Reduced to ~1–5% | Lowers respiration and aging |
| Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) | Elevated to 5–15% | Inhibits mold and microbial growth |
| Relative Humidity (RH) | Maintained at ≥ 90–95% | Prevents dehydration and weight loss |
| Temperature Stability | Fluctuation ±0.5°C | Avoids condensation and stress damage |
This multi-layered control environment creates a metabolic “sleep state” in produce, preserving firmness, freshness, aroma, and nutrient value.
3. Direct Benefits: What Changes in the Produce?
| Quality Indicator | Without CA Storage | With CASS CA Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Firmness | Rapid softening | Maintained cell structure |
| Weight Loss | 5–12% after 20 days | < 2% weight loss under same period |
| Mold Growth | Appears commonly within 5–14 days | Suppressed for weeks to months |
| Color & Aroma | Fades over time | Preserved closer to harvest state |
Example:
Mango, longan, lychee, and citrus stored in CA facilities can maintain market-grade quality for 3–8× longer compared to standard cold storage.
4. Impact on Business Performance
| Business Factor | Result from CA Storage |
|---|---|
| Reduced loss rate | From 20–40% → < 5–7% |
| Stable product quality | Easier to meet export requirements |
| Greater pricing control | Ability to sell during peak price cycles |
| Extended market reach | Allows export to distant markets without damage |
In other words, CA storage shifts the business model:
From “Sell immediately to avoid damage” → to “Sell strategically to maximize profit.”
Conclusion
Mold, rot, and moisture loss are not inevitable—they are manageable biological risks.
By applying CASS CA storage, produce is not just preserved; its commercial value is protected and extended. This capability transforms storage from being merely a protective cost into a revenue-generating strategic asset.
Post-harvest protection is not the final step in the supply chain—it is the foundation of sustainable, profitable agricultural trade.
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CÔNG TY TNHH BẢO QUẢN RAU QUẢ CASS
• Hotline/Zalo: 0931790829 – 0931780829
• Email: cass@cass.vn
• Website: cass.vn
• Fanpage: CASS – Kho bảo quản nông sản tươi bằng công nghệ CA
• Địa chỉ kho (trước sáp nhập): Lô F5, Đường số 6, KCN Hoà Bình, Huyện Thủ Thừa, Tỉnh Long An
• Địa chỉ kho (sau sáp nhập): Lô F5, Đường số 6, KCN Hoà Bình, Xã Thủ Thừa, Tỉnh Tây Ninh
