DormFresh, TASC International launch US$704,880 potato storage research facility in Germany

GERMANY – DormFresh Ltd. and TASC International (Germany) GmbH have officially opened a €600,000 (US$704,880) Trial and Research Center in Rosche, Lower Saxony.

The facility aims to support the industry’s move away from banned chemical sprout inhibitors by offering controlled conditions for testing alternative solutions.

The 310-square-meter center houses six gas-tight storage chambers fitted with fully automated systems for regulating temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels. With a total capacity of 36 tons, it allows for precise and repeatable storage trials.

Focus on EU-approved alternatives

The center comes at a time when the European Union has tightened rules around sprout control. The long-time use of chlorpropham (CIPC) is no longer allowed, prompting the need for safer methods that meet approval standards.

DormFresh and TASC will use the facility to conduct trials under Good Experimental Practice (GEP) and ISO guidelines, both of which are necessary for getting new products approved in the EU.

Lars Willem Köpp, Managing Director of TASC International (Germany) GmbH, said the center will help speed up development while ensuring solutions work in real-world settings.

“This joint facility allows us to align product innovation with the practical needs of our storage and trading partners,” he said.

DormFresh, known for its 1,4SIGHT® product, has built a reputation for helping growers and traders extend the shelf life of potatoes without depending on harsh chemicals.

The partnership with TASC is expected to improve product quality and streamline storage operations across Europe.

Trials underway and expansion in Lüneburg

The first trials at the Rosche site have already started. The data collected will guide product development and help partners comply with new EU regulations.

“This joint work strengthens both companies’ ability to meet market and regulatory needs,” Köpp added. “It’s an important step toward improving supply chain coordination and sustainable storage.”

DormFresh Ltd., founded in 2000, operates globally as part of the 1,4GROUP, Inc. TASC International (Germany) GmbH, a key player in potato trading, brings deep expertise in quality control and logistics.

In addition to the new research center, TASC International has completed a new potato handling and packing facility in Lüneburg. This site will support better processing and storage, helping the company meet growing demand across the region.

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