Check what you need to know before building a cold store
10th November 2025
Potatoes are a crop that keeps on demanding your attention, even after harvest. When stored correctly, they can maintain quality, reduce losses, and give growers the flexibility to sell at the right moment.
But as any potato grower knows, successful storage isn’t a given – it starts with making the right choices before a single wall or panel is built.
Omnivent specialises in storage technology that gives growers peace of mind. It designs, builds and supports ventilation and cooling systems for customers all over the world – from the UK and Western Europe to Canada, India and South Africa.
And while no two stores are the same, some of the most common challenges the company sees often start at the planning phase.
Here are a few practical tips to help you get the most from your investment.
1. Match the system to your business goals
This may sound obvious, but Omnivent says it ofteen meets growers who’ve inherited a setup that doesn’t fit their current operation.
The best storage system isn’t necessarily the most powerful. It’s the one that matches your volumes, varieties and plans. Want more flexibility in selling your product to the market? Or do you want to store carrots or onions alongside potatoes?
These goals influence everything from ventilation system choices to storage settings.
2. Don’t underestimate storage design
The store layout, dimensions and how boxes are placed all affect airflow and product quality. Early design input from a specialist can prevent issues that can’t be fixed later with technology alone.
Think about future expansion or crop rotation too, flexibility in design can pay off in years to come.
3. Invest in energy efficiency
Energy prices may fluctuate, but efficiency always pays off in the long term. Look for ventilation systems that minimise airflow resistance and energy loss.
A well-insulated building, efficient fans and selecting the right coolant can make a bigger difference than you think, especially across multiple storage seasons.
4. Plan for support
A technical issue during storage season can be stressful. Make sure your supplier offers solid support and understands the urgency of your crop.
UK-based service partners and remote monitoring are not luxuries, they’re essentials when the pressure is on.
5. Think beyond the fan or chiller
Most systems are sold based on ventilation or cooling capacity. But it’s really about how the system works as a whole. That includes the application and sensors to control and monitor your store.
Select a system where all devices are completely synced with each other. This helps you to manage temperature, CO2 and relative humidity accurately, even remotely.
Your crops need constant conditions to avoid weight loss and rot. With an automated system, you can easily avoid big changes in the storage conditions.
Do you have plans for your storage? Talk to Omnivent at the British Potato event.
Omnivent will be present at the British Potato event. If you are planning a new storage facility or considering a renovation, the company would be happy to share its expertise and show you how it works.
Whether you’re growing for seed, crisping, or ware markets, the right potato storage setup can make a real difference for your business.
Find Omnivent at stand 166 – British Potato 2025.
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