According to Recycle Track Systems, a waste management solutions company based in North America, U.S. retail stores produce about 16 billion pounds of waste every year. Grocery stores, in particular, throw away approximately 30% of their food stocks, and the revenue the retail industry loses in food waste is estimated to be double the profit realized from food sales.
Food spoilage is a primary contributing factor to food waste in the retail end of the food supply chain. Minimizing food waste is therefore essential, and an effective supermarket refrigeration system is key to accomplishing that.
Considerations When Planning Supermarket Refrigeration
Consider the following factors when planning a refrigeration system for a supermarket, grocery, or retail store:
Space and Capacity
Assess the amount of space you have and your storage capacity requirement to determine which refrigeration system is suitable. Naturally, a small convenience store selling milk, ice cream, cold beverages, and similar items probably doesn’t need (and likely doesn’t have enough space for) a cold storage room. Refrigeration cabinets are a more practical choice.
In contrast, a large supermarket with a sizable real estate footprint and significant amounts of food inventory, including frozen meats, fish, and processed foods, definitely must have a walk-in freezer room. Refrigeration cabinets are still a requirement, of course, for products meant for storage and display on the supermarket floor.
Layout
You must consider not only the amount of space available but also the layout. It’s even better if you can start from scratch, planning your retail store layout to ensure you have enough space for designated sections and necessary equipment (including refrigeration cabinets and cold rooms, if any).
Naturally, you want an optimal and efficient flow of in-store foot traffic for an excellent customer experience. You also need to make sure your product displays (including your refrigeration units) are enticing and effective at maximizing cold storage, visual impact, and revenue.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Energy efficiency is also a concern. Your refrigeration system must run 24/7, even when your store is closed, or your food stocks will spoil.
Refrigeration cabinets, condensing units, and cold storage rooms operating 24/7/365 consume a lot of energy and cost you significantly. It’s important that you compare your options according to their energy efficiency. All things being equal, you want a system that consumes less energy.
Beyond electricity costs, sustainability is another consideration. Carefully plan your refrigeration system to ensure it will have the least possible adverse impact on the environment. Prioritize solutions that use environmentally friendly refrigerants from carbon-footprint aware and progressive manufacturers, particularly those that value transparent and accountable governance and actively work on their environmental and social impact.
Maintenance
You need to obtain your refrigeration cabinets, condensing units, and other cold storage equipment from a company that provides reliable after-sales support, particularly responsive repair and maintenance services, as needed. Downtimes will lead to food wastage.
Make sure, moreover, that your refrigeration equipment is easy to maintain. In particular, make sure the units (and their components) are easily accessible when they require servicing. This pertains to both system design and installation. Rely on a provider with deep experience in supermarket refrigerator distribution, maintenance, and installation for indispensable guidance and expert insights.
Future Expansion
Consider not only your current capacity but also projected future demands. Incorporate expansion plans into your current refrigeration infrastructure.
You don’t have to procure refrigeration displays and cabinets that you don’t need yet. However, make sure your current system is designed for easy expansion. This can mean opting for solutions that can be readily upgraded and will integrate seamlessly with future tech. It can also signify planning your refrigeration system layout to ensure there will be space for additional units when they’re finally needed.
Refrigeration System Options for Supermarkets
You have many supermarket refrigerator and freezer options, including:
- Modular or plug-in units: Modular or plug-in refrigerators and freezers are self-contained. They’re the most similar to your refrigerator or freezer at home. Find a good place for them, plug them in, and they’re ready to serve your cold-storage needs. They are the most agile option, and they’re very easy to install.
- Open display cases: Designed to maximize product visibility and promote easy customer access, open display refrigerators provide cold storage for items that require excellent visibility and easy access. You’ll often find chilled products (bottles of water, juice, cheeses, and yogurt) in these barrier-free units.
- Centralized refrigeration systems: Engineered for large-scale operations, centralized refrigeration systems have a unified compressor network that regulates the temperature in multiple sections of the store.
- Reach-in units: Reach-in units are most suitable for small spaces. They often come in upright and under-counter form factors, facilitating rapid access to high-turnover stock, such as frozen foods.
- Walk-in units: Walk-in units, also known as cold storage rooms, can keep products chilled or frozen, depending on their configuration. They’re perfect for the high-volume storage requirements, so they’re standard in large supermarkets and supermarket chains.
- Refrigerated displays: You’ll often find these in the deli section or near the cashier (to encourage impulse buys). They provide temperature regulation while enhancing the visual appeal of cakes, breads, fresh deli, and pastries.
Choosing a Refrigeration Solution for Your Retail Store
Supermarkets, grocery stores, and retail stores that carry chilled and frozen food products require a refrigeration system. Consider your requirements and your refrigeration options before choosing a suitable system for your store.
