AFFI Features Press Release, Oct. 24, 2023 — 2023 Power of Frozen in Retail Shows Shopper Trends, Identifies Opportunities for Retailer Success. Austin, Texas – New research finds that frozen foods maintain their relevance to grocery shoppers and offer a suite of valuable benefits that meet their mealtime needs. The third edition of the Power of Frozen in Retail, released [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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. [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]