A suspended cable-way that gently transports the harvest from the processing area in Predaia to the hypogeal cells in the Rio Maggiore Mine. The plant allows the transportation of 150 tons of apples per hour, therefore avoiding approximately 5,000 journeys by truck.
Watch the videoThe “Apples’ Cable-way” is a 1,340-meter transport system for fruit. The project, developed by the Melinda Consortium, has been financed through PNRR funds dedicated to outstanding initiatives in the field of agri-food logistics.
An innovative project developed alongside the use of former mines as storage facilities for apples. These hypogeal cells help preserve the land and set a significant decrease of CO2 emissions within the valley.
Stretching over 1,340 meters, the “Apple Cableway” is an innovative fruit transport system launched by the Melinda Consortium and financed with PNRR funds promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture to support innovative agri-food logistics projects.
An innovative project developed alongside the use of former mines as storage facilities for apples. These hypogeal cells help preserve the land and set a significant decrease of CO2 emissions within the valley.
The Apples’ Cable-way is the first fruit transportation system of its kind, in the world. Developed by Melinda Consortium and financed with PNRR – Next generation EU- funds promoted by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, which covered 40% of the overall investment. A Made in Italy project, which joins logistic efficiency, sustainability, and workplace safety.
1,3 km of monochord cable-way transporting the apple bins from the processing plant in Predaia (TN) to the access point of the hypogeal cells in the mining area of Rio Maggiore. An innovative transportation line capable of moving hundreds of bins per hour, therefore drastically reducing road vehicle transportation in the valley.
The system is comprised of 11 pillars and 28 cabins, each capable of transporting up to 3 bins per trip, with an operating speed of 5 m/s, and an estimated capacity up to 150 tons per hour. The route overcomes a height difference of approximately 90 meters and continues for another 450 meters through a tunnel until it connects with the underground chambers. At the upper station, the load is automatically collected and directed to the storage areas.
The Apples’ Cable-way is a strategic facility because it ensures a continuous transportation capacity which helps decongest peak season work, allowing a more efficient programming. It also reduces environmental impact avoiding thousands of road trips every year, less emissions, less traffic in the valley. The system is powered by renewable energy and by the energy generated by the weight of the fruit for the descending trip. Furthermore, it increases operational safety thanks to dedicated access routes for personnel working underground, reducing interference with other paths, while improving work organization.
Guided tour of the processing plant
Step into the world of the Consortium, and experience a story built on tradition and passion. Explore our processing plant, discover the different varieties of Melinda apples lovingly grown by our valley farmers. Finally, enjoy the tasting tour where you will experience their different flavors and consistencies. Will you be able to recognize each one of them?
Guided tours of the hypogeal cells
Did you know that in Val di Non we store our apples inside the mountains? We have stored 40.000 tons of apples, 300 meters underground inside the old Rio Maggiore Mine. The apples arrive here via our “Apples’ Cable-way”, an ultra-modern cable-way system. Did we draw your attention? Then come discover this fascinating underground world!
Guided tour of the processing plant and hypogeal cells
Would you like to discover the full journey made by every Melinda apple? Then this is your ideal experience. A complete tour with expert guides unfolding the entire journey made by a Melinda apple after its harvesting. The visit includes the processing plant in one of our cooperatives, a tasting experience of different apple varieties, and the visit of our amazing hypogeal cells in the Rio Maggiore Mine, where all our apples rest inside the mountains.
