By Ross McAllister
The commercial refrigeration market has seen great innovation in recent years. From advances in compressor protection controls and the introduction of new digital compressors, to reconfigured kitchen space to meet changing eating habits, our industry has met the needs of changing consumer and economic demands with constant innovation.
Here are some trends we can expect to see in the commercial refrigeration industry for 2015.
Support for changing kitchen spaces with modular commercial refrigeration units
While traditional island suites and large commercial refrigeration units are ubiquitous in commercial kitchens around the world, they simply are not versatile. As food tastes evolve, dining concepts change and kitchen staff turn over, new kitchen space needs arise. For this reason, we can expect to see more modular kit, including commercial refrigeration products, on the market this year.
Mirroring trends in high-end residential kitchens, more companies are raising the bar on keeping food fresher longer while conserving energy in these modular units. New, smaller, modular units keen air temperature more evenly distributed, humidity levels appropriate and ensure no odour flavour transfer. We’ve also seen the introduction of glass door exterior with stainless interior units that are as beautiful as they are functional.
Expect to see the continued roll-out of kitchen designs featuring two sinks in separate, dual work zones, with the refrigerator located between the two.
Commercial refrigeration products evolve to keep up with food consumption trends
Overall demand for commercial refrigeration equipment for food businesses has grown significantly, driven by a significant increase of consumers dining out more often and the ongoing expansion of retail chains across the UK and Europe.
In 2015, we’re seeing commercial refrigeration products continuing to evolve to meet the demands of these changing food consumption trends such as the increase in people dining out.
For example, this year the food industry is preparing for a massive growth in seafood exports worldwide and a reduction overall in meat consumption as meat’s general sustainability and environmental impacts continue to come under fire in America and Europe. As a result, expect to see commercial refrigeration products introduced that are able to handle more seafood and produce than before.
Continued advances in energy efficiency
We will continue to see the introduction of new, innovative air flow management systems for commercial refrigeration products. With features like open-front design and multi deck display cabinets, these new units reduce overall energy consumption, improve temperature stability and allow for appealing merchandising for consumer facing products.
With refrigeration costs running on average 15% of total operational expenses for most commercial food-related businesses, saving money and energy will remain a top priority. We’ll continue to see energy-efficiency innovation in commercial refrigeration driven by recent successes in consumer markets in 2015 and beyond.
Asia Pacific beginning to pass Europe as leading commercial refrigeration market
Europe is the largest commercial refrigeration equipment market, followed by Asia Pacific and North America. However, Asia Pacific is expected to become the largest market by 2020 with strong growth in the forecast.
As a result, major manufacturers of commercial refrigeration products such as Atosa, Polar and Interlevin will begin to focus on meeting the demands of this important market moving forward. New products will help Asia Pacific customers deal with the ETS Carbon Tax and address their demand for overall increased energy efficiency.
Ross McAllister is the director of the catering and food technology sales company Fridgeland, which has 18 years of experience in providing catering supplies to the UK and Ireland.