What You Need to Know About Upcoming Trends in Commercial Refrigeration

Commercial refrigeration touches many industries from hospitality to travel and healthcare to retail. It helps provide quality products and services to customers around the world. The market is expected to see substantial growth as refrigeration is a basic requirement for an extensive range of business operations. Many trends will impact the market in the near future: concerns about the environment, reducing operational costs, as well as the way we buy food and use data to optimize energy efficiency and performance. Here is everything you need to know about upcoming trends in commercial fridges.

FMCG

Fast-Moving Consumer Goods or FMCG continues to influence markets across the globe. Consumers want cheap and easy products including pre-packaged food and beverages. As a result, demand for self-serve commercial refrigeration will continue to grow. From major grocery chains to fast-food restaurants and corner stores to hotel lobbies, the FMCG trend will increase demand for cold storage. Trends in refrigeration therefore will need to focus on easy access, high-efficiency cold storage that optimizes space, accommodates more inventory and makes it easy for customers to access the products they want.

Eco-Friendly Refrigerants

Growing concern about the environment is also increasing demand for eco-friendly solutions right across the industry. This includes refrigeration which is infamous for contributing to ozone depletion due to the use of refrigerants containing hydrofluorocarbon (HFC).  As a result, natural refrigerants designed to combat climate change like ammonia or CO2 will soon become the norm. An increase in these sustainable options is a must as businesses continue to find ways to meet customer expectations, while also meeting their own environmentally friendly mandates. Lower global warming potential (GWP) will soon become a standard requirement across more provinces, states and countries.

Increased Energy-Efficiency  

In hand with eco-friendly refrigeration options, companies also demand energy-efficient commercial fridges. They contribute to reduced energy waste but also help reduce overhead and food spoilage waste. With the growing demand for more refrigerated goods, inefficient, larger units will add to overhead. The only way to maximize profits from an expanded cold-storage provision is to ensure the units required to store that inventory work efficiently. Energy-efficient systems are vital as they provide profitable solutions and align with eco-friendly business models.

On-the-Go Refrigeration

Increasing global importing and exporting has subsequently  increased demand for on-the-go refrigeration such as cooled van containers and shipping units. Long distance cold storage shipping capabilities will help support the growing international food trade, bringing a more diverse selection to consumers via restaurants as well as grocers. Foodie culture contributes to this demand as more people have become home cooks due to the pandemic. An interest in exotic flavours and ingredients will continue to push demand for foods that cannot be produced locally and affordably.

Emergence of the Asia-Pacific Market

Commercial refrigeration in Europe and North America has dominated demand, but this demand is changing. The Asia-Pacific market is experiencing rapid growth thanks to the rising population in countries such as India and China. On top of this, urbanization around the world is increasing demand for grocery stores and restaurants in Asian-Pacific countries which in turn increases demand for commercial fridges.  

Online Retail

Another result of the pandemic is the growing popularity of the click and deliver or pickup mode of shopping. This leads to new demand for special refrigeration in both delivery and pickup situations. Consumers have adapted to this new convenience which means retailers will need to upgrade refrigeration to accommodate higher volumes of delivery and pickup orders. New models will not just include in-store demand, but new micro-fulfillment centres (MFCs). Other emerging retail trends affecting commercial refrigeration include dark store conversions and fully automated warehouses designed to meet the demand for online grocery orders.

Data-Driven Technology

You’re probably wondering what data could possibly have to do with commercial refrigeration. However, profit margins are impacted by energy efficiency which means more companies will look to energy data to help meet their operational management goals. Not only will businesses be more interested in systems like electrical and HVAC, but also their commercial refrigeration energy consumption. Equipment that helps monitor refrigeration equipment both on-site and remotely will become an important element of energy management. Businesses and facilities at institutions such as schools and hospitals will seek easy ways to collect, access and analyze data. Therefore the internet of things (IoT) and technology will need to adapt platforms and software that allow businesses to optimize equipment performance. This will improve food safety and quality, energy management and equipment total cost of ownership (TCO).

Cold Chain Monitoring

Adding to pandemic driven trends, cold chain monitoring to manage the transportation and storage of vaccines is also in demand. Vaccine storage requirements between -80 and -60 °C has led to logistical distribution and storage issues around the world with the discovery of the Pfizer vaccine. Refrigerated transportation, with labs and storage facilities, requires technologies to ensure safety. Cold chain monitoring affects not just vaccines but the quality and safety of food.

Affordable, Energy-Efficient Commercial Refrigeration

Affordability is often a challenge with higher efficiency models requiring more capital upfront. Companies wishing to benefit from the operational savings through energy-efficient commercial refrigeration will look for affordable units that are high-quality and energy-efficient at a fraction of the price of a new unit. Purchasing the right refrigeration, therefore, has to reduce wasted energy and food spoilage, with energy-efficient products available at a lower cost. Refurbished commercial display refrigerators and freezers provide the best of both worlds. TRUE® commercial refrigerators and TRUE® Refurbished commercial display refrigerators, coolers and freezers are recognized as a durable, affordable, and reliable choice in the food and hospitality industry. Businesses can choose from a wide variety of refrigeration options including glass sliding door coolers, glass door merchandiser refrigerators, floral coolers, novelty coolers and freezers, ice cream display freezers.

For more information about refurbished TRUE® commercial refrigerators, coolers and freezers, call Ancaster Food Equipment at (855) 888-9644 or contact us here.