Apr 6, 2016

Janny MT tests cold storage bins with Michigan apples

JMT US hosted an event to present the successful results of a quality test of their storage modules using Michigan grown apples.

JMT US, a subsidiary company of the French company Janny MT, now located in the Michigan Food Innovation District (MI FID), stored Michigan apples in their JMT modules in Michigan State University (MSU) refrigerated storage food lockers for six months. The purpose of this study was to compare the apple quality in the controlled atmosphere modules compared to regular cold room storage. The JMT modules reduce dehydration and decrease the respiration rate of the apple by controlling oxygen and carbon dioxide levels through the innovative cold storage lid. The Michigan apples in the JMT modules had less weight loss than the apples in regular cold storage.

The test included two apple varieties – Golden and Ida Red – with a total of six bins. Each module can hold up to 17 bushels of apples. The apples were harvested just before they reached peak ripeness and placed in JMT cold storage containers at the Michigan State University (MSU) Horticulture Teaching and Research Center.

Randy Beaudry, professor in the horticulture department at MSU, has been coordinating with Léa Deberry, an international trainee for business development at Janny MT.

Janny MT joined the MI FID through a close working relationship with the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) in December 2015. Since then, the MI FID and LEAP have helped Janny MT in launching and growing their business in Michigan.

For more information, visit the Janny MT website or the Michigan Food Innovation District website.