Inside CO2 vs HFC — The Differences At A Glance
Today, regulations are driving retailers to transition from HFC (synthetic) refrigerants to Low GWP refrigerant systems. Yet, for many, the decision to switch is clouded by many questions about the hidden differences between the two and how a low GWP system (e.g. CO2) may impact store design and product application, among other considerations. This document contains answers and information critical to helping retailers understand the refrigerant nuances and make more informed transitions away from synthetic HFCs and toward natural refrigeration systems. What is possible with one system may not apply or even be possible with the other. What can be [...]
Proposed Rule 26 – Listing of Substitutes under the SNAP Program in Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration.
On May 1, 2023, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan signed a proposed rule titled, “Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Listing of Substitutes under the Significant New Alternatives Policy Program in Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration.” This proposed action lists new alternatives for commercial and industrial refrigeration, specifically for retail food refrigeration (new), commercial ice machines (new), industrial process refrigeration (new), cold storage warehouses (new), and ice skating rinks (new). This action also would update use conditions for the refrigerant R-290 (propane) when used in self-contained commercial ice machines and stand-alone retail refrigeration equipment (new) and would allow for a transition period between [...]
Self-contained vs. Remote Display Case — Which One Suits Your Business Best?
For grocery stores and supermarkets, refrigerated display cases are critical assets for everyday operations. When looking for a display case for food retail stores, choosing the right equipment that caters to retailers’ needs, like size, functionality, and installation requirements, is essential. Because retailers have different purposes for getting a food retail display case, their checklist of needs must be fulfilled when deciding which specific merchandiser to get. When it comes to refrigerated display cases, self-contained and remote are the two basic types of cases that are commonly used in the industry today; and this can cause a dilemma for retailers [...]
Why Brick-and-Mortar Stores Remain Relevant Amid E-commerce Proliferation
In a time of ultra-modernization, shopping for material things and groceries has been commonly conducted online. With the acceleration of the use of online platforms, such as e-commerce, online shopping has been the most convenient way for customers to purchase. However, despite the proliferation of e-commerce platforms in the food retail industry, brick-and-mortar stores remain relevant. As the rush of online ordering of groceries and other essentials slowly wanes, customers can once again be found shopping more in-store. Here are some of the reasons why physical stores remain relevant in today’s food retail era: Attract and Retain Customers As customers [...]
Embracing Technology in Food Retail this 2023
Technological advancements have pushed food retailers to continuously innovate to improve their overall store operation and provide an enhanced customer experience. With the ever-changing climate and customer behavior in the food retail landscape, technology has been a primary driving force for food retailers to adapt to the developing industry’s needs. As we enter this exciting new year 2023, the use of technology in retail stores is poised to define which grocers will stay afloat versus those who remain on the sidelines. To keep up with the times, food retailers should adopt innovative tools built specifically to achieve business objectives. Here [...]
Four Issues Surrounding Food Retail That Will Challenge Grocers In the New Year
Given the ever-changing nature and complexity of the food retail industry, challenges and difficulties are not a novel thing. However, with lingering, pandemic-induced effects still in evidence accelerated adoption of technology in the food retail landscape, and supply chain issues continuing to take their toll, the challenges in the upcoming year have the potential to be particularly taxing to grocers. As we look ahead into this year, trends, as well as challenges in food retail, are poised to shape how we do things in the industry. Let’s take a look at four issues surrounding food retail that will surely challenge [...]
Four Reasons Why Self-contained Cases Are Great for Any Store Format
Finding the right display case is crucial for any food retail store, especially since display cases are essential for most merchandising strategies. Refrigerated display cases maintain product integrity, provide easy product access to customers, and enhance the overall customer shopping experience; that’s why choosing the suitable merchandiser tool is essential for any store operations. Aside from the conventional remote refrigerated display cases, self-contained cases are becoming well-liked by a lot of food retailers for various reasons. Here are four features of self-contained cases that make them a great choice for any store format: Convenient Self-contained display cases are integrated refrigeration [...]
How to Get Ahead in the Food Retail Industry in 2023
As an industry, we have seen a long trail of both challenges and improvements throughout the years. When it comes to competition, the retail food industry can be one of the more cut-throat spaces due to different existing food retail formats, retail channels, and now the proliferation of e-commerce platforms. With 2023 just around the corner, it is best to prepare early to continue to be on top of the competition. Trends, emerging technologies, and innovative, operational food-retail strategies — what should be adopted and what should be left behind? What are some keys to getting ahead in the food [...]
EPA AIM Act Proposed Rule
A new proposed rule from the US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) would have the following impacts on equipment sold and used in the food retail industry if approved: Beginning January 1st, 2025 Equipment containing >200 lbs. of refrigerant must use a refrigerant with <150 GWP Example: Centralized or distributed refrigeration racks Equipment containing <200 lbs. of refrigerant must use a refrigerant with <300 GWP Example: Condensing units and split systems Self-contained equipment must use a refrigerant with <150 GWP As of today, the only viable solutions for food retail are R-290 (propane) and R-744 (CO2). On December 15th, 2022, the [...]
The Rise in Demand for Cold Storage and Its Impact on the Food Retail Industry
For many years, cold storage has been the pillar of many industries, such as food retail and pharmaceutical, to maintain the integrity of temperature-sensitive products. It has been a key tool to keep the cold supply chain intact and help cool products in large volumes efficiently and effectively. Today, cold storage facilities are indispensable in the food retail industry due to the growing demand for perishable food products, the need to meet the complexities of the supply chain, and changes in consumer behavior and demographics. According to Grand View Research (a U.S.-based market research and consulting firm), the demand for [...]