Food Retailers’ Roles for a More Sustainable Future
Whether for the protection of the earth’s ozone layer and or the conservation of our finite natural resources have started to diminish, regulations on environmental protection continue to emerge. Starting with the Montreal Protocol down to the Paris Climate Agreement, a number of policies have been implemented to promote sustainability across different sectors. In our industry, sustainability and climate change present long-term challenges for food retailers across the globe especially regarding the type of refrigerants being used to operate the equipment in their stores. Food retailers are expected to play larger roles in promoting greener operations and here are some [...]
Natural Refrigerants Cutting Energy Cost Around the World
Rising temperatures, climate change, and the recent pandemic are among the health and environmental challenges facing many industries. The refrigeration industry is one of the industries affected by these issues through, among other changes, sustainable and stringent refrigerant regulations to protect the environment. This year, 2021, is a pivotal year for the refrigeration industry when it comes to new regulations. In other parts of the globe, several commercial and industrial spaces have already adopted the use of natural refrigerants in accordance with their respective country’s regulations to help curb the effects of climate change. In Santiago, Chile, Comersur, a [...]
How Retailers Can Take Advantage of the Surge in Demand for Alcoholic Beverages
The pandemic has caused a lot of disruption and change in the consumers’ minds and behaviors in the food retail industry. One prevalent trend that has sprung throughout the coronavirus pandemic is the surge in demand for alcoholic beverages. Though the increase in alcohol sales was unexpected by some retailers, consumers are clearing out shelves buying beer, wine, and spirits throughout the lockdown period. According to Nielsen’s market data, total alcohol sales outside bars and restaurants increased about 24% during the pandemic. Several factors have come into play supporting an increase in demand for alcoholic drinks, including a shift in [...]
Why Using Propane as a Refrigerant in the Food Retail Industry is a Way Forward
As the food retail industry seeks alternative refrigerants beyond HFC’s due to environmental concerns, it is sensible to focus our attention on the increasingly viable alternative which is R290, or commonly called Propane. As a refrigerant, R290 has not caught on as quickly in North America, but it is frequently used in other parts of the world. For example, in Europe, they have been widely using R-290 as a refrigerant since the 1990s and are continuing to do so. Because of its proven environmental and business bottom-line impact around Europe, food retailers here in the US have started considering using [...]
New CARB Regulations Push Rise in Demand for Natural Refrigerants
The new California Air Resources Board (CARB) refrigerant regulations approved in December 2020 are expected to lead to increased adoption of natural refrigerants in the industry. Given the nature of the new regulations, which encourage the use of refrigerants with a low Global Warming Potential (GWP), natural refrigerants fit the bill. The new CARB regulation is in accordance with CARB’s goal to reduce HFC emissions by 40% below 2013 levels by 2030. This will affect the industrial refrigeration and food retail industry, especially supermarkets and grocery stores. Likewise, the new regulation will also put limitations on GWP use on ice rinks [...]
How Existing and Upcoming Refrigeration Regulations Will Affect Your Business Operations
Rising sea levels, the slow erosion of the earth’s ozone layer, and the threat of global warming have enacted environmental policies in different industries around the world. The commercial refrigeration industry is no exception. Ever since the Montreal Protocol and Kyoto Protocol were put in place to protect the stratospheric ozone layer and reduce greenhouse gas emissions respectively, several states and national refrigeration regulations have emerged. Currently, the earth’s global warming levels have increased and the earth’s ozone layer needs to be protected. Without the proper policies in place to regulate the use of refrigerants with high Global Warming Potential [...]
Health and Wellness Food Products Will Continue Trending This Year
The height of the pandemic has pushed people to look for food alternatives either for convenience or health reasons. As a result, several food trends have emerged over the past few months since the outbreak. Trends like easy-to-prepare meals, chef-inspired meals, and seafood have seen a significant rise in demand. But, out of all the food trends we have seen this year, health and wellness top the list. According to ReportLinker, the global market for health and wellness foods is projected to grow to $1 trillion by 2027. Health and wellness foods are expected to dominate the food trend this [...]
Food Trends: What to Expect in 2021
The year 2020 was challenging for all of us. For the food retail industry, last year was a time for retailers to quickly pivot, shift their business strategy, and consistently innovate and get creative to keep up with the ever-changing customer demand. Though it has been difficult to keep things afloat, our industry has managed to push through. As we enter 2021, several changes in consumer food trends, shopping behaviors, and consumer spending will likely continue to alter how we keep our operations up and running. Here are some trends that food retailers could expect to gain market share over [...]
Transcritical CO2 System in South America Found to Offer Superior Energy Efficiency
By Franco Sebastián D'Aprile, Jan 12, 2021, 05:00 GMT-5. A transcritical CO2 (R744) system installed last year at an existing distribution center in Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia, South America (near Medellín), has so far reduced energy consumption by 45% compared to a new conventional fluorinated system, according to the equipment distributor for Columbia, which installed the system. Given this savings, and lower maintenance costs, the transcritical CO2 system’s manufacturer ,Hillphoenix, estimates a four-year return on investment (ROI) for the premium paid for the CO2 system over the conventional system, said Mauricio Baena, Sales Manager Industrial South America, Dover Food Retail, owners [...]
Transcritical CO2 System in South America Found to Offer Superior Energy Efficiency
By Franco Sebastián D'Aprile, Jan 12, 2021, 05:00 GMT-5. A transcritical CO2 (R744) system installed last year at an existing distribution center in Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia, South America (near Medellín), has so far reduced energy consumption by 45% compared to a new conventional fluorinated system, according to the equipment distributor for Columbia, which installed the system. Given this savings, and lower maintenance costs, the transcritical CO2 system’s manufacturer ,Hillphoenix, estimates a four-year return on investment (ROI) for the premium paid for the CO2 system over the conventional system, said Mauricio Baena, Sales Manager Industrial South America, Dover Food Retail, owners [...]