Smart Coolstore Cuts Apple Export Processing Time by 25%, Set to Anchor New Property Fund Targeting $1bn

New High-Tech Facility Improves Apple Export Quality

A new post-harvest logistics model developed by one of New Zealand’s largest apple exporters is helping to cut export processing time by 25%, boosting quality and shelf life for premium apples bound for Asia and the Middle East.

The system has been implemented at Mr Apple’s new 7,000m² smart coolstore in Hawke’s Bay, capable of handling around 3,000 bins daily. The site is set to drive international demand for high-value varietals where appearance, firmness and freshness directly impact export margins.

Valued at $24 million, the high-tech coolstore will also serve as the foundation asset in a new $1 billion wholesale property fund managed by Erskine Owen. The Veritas Property Fund will target energy-efficient and export-aligned infrastructure across New Zealand.

Innovation Speeds Up Post-Harvest Flow for Apple Export

Michael Caccioppoli, head of coolstores, logistics and engineering at Mr Apple, says the new system helps preserve fruit integrity by reducing the delay between picking and cooling.

“The faster turnaround supports export quality. We’re getting apples from orchard to coolstore and through the packhouse 25% quicker than before,” he says.

The result is longer shelf life, fewer quality complaints and an enhanced eating experience for global consumers—critical factors in establishing demand for varietals such as Dazzle, Posy and NZ Queen.

Efficient Design Meets Sustainable Practice

Innovative design choices include shorter row depths for rapid bin access, a continuous product flow layout to prevent bottlenecks and advanced system integration for precise environmental control.

Despite processing thousands of bins per day, the site operates with just eight staff, thanks to automation and real-time monitoring capabilities that maintain consistent quality standards.

“We’ve matched refrigeration capacity to room size and volume of warm fruit, lowering CO2 levels and maximising efficiency,” says Caccioppoli.

Backing a Billion-Dollar Investment Strategy

Alan Henderson, director at Erskine Owen, says the coolstore embodies the kind of high-performance asset the Veritas Property Fund is targeting—sustainable, export-aligned and underpinned by long-term tenant stability.

“This is not just another industrial building. It’s a core logistics facility serving a globally competitive horticulture business under a 20-year triple net lease,” he says.

The fund aims to scale to $1 billion in diversified assets across logistics, healthcare, manufacturing and office sectors within five years. The first raise is now open for the Groome Place coolstore.

“We believe these export-aligned assets will continue to deliver income and growth even during volatile periods,” says Henderson.

Mr Apple, a subsidiary of NZX-listed Scales Corporation, exported 3.03 million TCEs in 2024—an 11% increase on the previous year. Premium varietals now account for more than 70% of apple export volume.

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*The Erskine Owen Veritas Property Fund is open only to wholesale investors under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013.  The Fund is not suitable for retail investors, and there is no product disclosure statement.  This above is not an offer or invitation to invest in the Fund. It does not consider any investor’s personal circumstances and is general in nature. No guarantees are made as to the performance of the Fund or any repayment of capital or income. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Investors should obtain independent advice before investing.