FAQs When Purchasing and Operating Commercial Refrigeration Systems
So, you have your food retail business set up, merchandise all planned out, and in-store promotions are ready, but do you have the right refrigeration solution in place? Commercial refrigeration systems are part and parcel of grocery stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores. A refrigeration system consists of the equipment needed to make “cold” and the refrigerated display cases using that “cold” to store products and keep them fresh or frozen. That is why choosing the right refrigeration solution and being knowledgeable of the nuts and bolts of commercial refrigeration systems, in general, is of paramount importance to store owners. Before [...]
Top 3 Reasons Why R-290 Self-contained Cases Are a Good Choice for Grocery Stores
Refrigeration has long been a resource for the food retail industry for preserving products and keeping them fresh during transport and in stores. However, with current and upcoming federal and state laws and/or regulations in place to limit or phase out the use of HFCs in commercial refrigeration systems. Retailers are looking to substitute those refrigerants with natural refrigerant alternatives. R-290, also known as refrigeration-grade propane and one of the few natural refrigerants readily available, is understood to be a top, viable alternative to HFC refrigerants for freezer and cooler applications, especially in some merchandisers, such as self-contained cases. Though [...]
Here’s What to Prepare for Summer in Your Grocery Stores
Summer is the season for outdoor grilling, festivities, and gathering with friends and family. People are excited to satisfy their cravings for some bright and light dishes for entertaining that have been on hold due to the ongoing two-year-long pandemic. Now that most social restrictions have been lifted and people are planning to gather for some celebration and entertainment, let’s look at some of the popular food products that are sure to be in demand in the next few months. Ingredients for charcuterie boards If you think charcuterie boards have reached a saturation point, you might be wrong. People are [...]
Four Things to Ask Before Hiring Refrigeration Technicians to Service Your Store
Refrigeration systems are one of the most important investments made when building and operating a food retail business. The performance, effectivity, and efficiency of these systems used to store, maintain, and display food products, are critical to the success of a food retail business. That is why when looking for refrigeration service providers to make repairs, installation, and maintenance in your retail store, it is important to be thorough about your vetting process involving the proficiency of the provider’s technicians. Asking the right questions before making a final decision in contracting any service provider can lead to long-term benefits. To [...]
Public Hearing to Consider Proposed Amendments to the Prohibitions on Use of Certain Hydrofluorocarbons in Stationary Refrigeration, Chillers, Aerosols-Propellants, and Foam End-Uses Regulation
The California Air Resources Board (CARB or Board) will conduct a public hearing at the time noted below to consider approving for adoption the Proposed Amendments to the Prohibitions on Use of Certain Hydrofluorocarbons in Stationary Refrigeration, Chillers, Aerosols-Propellants and Foam End-Uses (Title 17, California Code of Regulations, section 95371 et seq.) (HFC Regulation). DATE: December 10, 2020, TIME: 9:00 a.m. More Information > List of Refrigerants List of high-GWP refrigerants and their 100-year GWP value: High GWP Refrigerants and their 100 GWP Value Applicable Rules Applicable Rules: N.J.A.C. 7:27E – Subchapter 2 REGISTRATION AND REPORTING FOR REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS Record [...]
How Sustainability Impacts Food Retail Operations in Real-life Setting
When we hear the word “sustainability”, and consider how it affects us, what often comes to mind are the ideas of a greener environment, a healthier planet, and a continuous supply of natural resources. However, in the food retail sector, it’s more than that. These days, sustainability has taken on a broad and somewhat more vague definition. Often, it is used loosely enough in the industry that some retailers are not fully aware of sustainability’s major impacts on their overall retail operation. This has the effect of resulting in the minimal and incomplete implementation of sustainable efforts on their part. [...]
Smaller Can Be Better—Small-format Stores Are Increasing in Numbers
Most people have heard the phrase, “Good things come in small packages.” This phrase does not just direct its meaning towards products, it also applies to the food retail industry as small-format retail stores are rapidly growing. Small-format stores, such as Lidl and Trader Joe’s, are some of the leading neighborhood stores in the country and have been quite successful in that niche. Other food retail businesses are following suit, hoping to maximize sales and target customers in their locality. But what makes these small-format retail stores so successful, even to the point of outperforming some much larger traditional grocery [...]
Questions to Ask Before Buying Refrigeration Systems for Your Food Retail Business
Refrigeration systems and display cases are undeniably essential equipment for various businesses. This is especially true in the food retail industry where investing in refrigeration systems and equipment is necessary for displaying and storing perishable food products. However, when you don’t have enough know-how on which refrigeration products best suit your business needs, procuring these assets can be tricky. Here are some questions to ask before buying refrigeration systems and equipment for your food retail business: What Is the Application? Before deciding to acquire products to meet your refrigeration needs, be it complete refrigeration systems or retail display cases, knowing [...]
Factors Affecting Food Integrity from Farm-to-Table
Before our food reaches the dinner table, it travels and passes through different stages of distribution from procurement to processing, and finally to our local grocery stores. The freshness of the meat we prepare at home, or the quality of the salad and sandwich we eat for brunch, depends on a lot of factors. When it comes to food integrity, factors such as food production, cold chain, merchandise display and storage, and food preparation each have a role to play. Here’s how these factors affect the food we consume: Food Production Most food nowadays is either produced on farms or [...]
Solving the Shortage of Refrigeration Technicians Through Recruitment and Training
Refrigeration has been an integral part of our daily lives since the day that we were born. Gone are the days when heating and cooling for buildings, commercial spaces, and residences is not necessary. Today, HVAC units are one of the first things installed when constructing establishments or residential units. If you look around, you can see property constructions and improvements or remodeling in almost every corner of our neighborhood or city. This is driving demand for HVAC solutions and refrigeration technicians that is expected to continue to rise in the years to come. However, the gap between the high [...]