ISN Reveal
James Taylor – International Supermarket News
As sustainability takes centre stage and food safety standards tighten, supermarket refrigeration is undergoing a global transformation. From advanced CO₂ systems to plug-and-play cabinets, retailers across both mature and emerging markets are investing in the next generation of cooling technologies—balancing energy efficiency, environmental protection, and customer experience.
🧊 Why Are Supermarkets Renovating Refrigeration Systems?
Refrigeration accounts for up to 50% of a supermarket’s total energy consumption. With rising electricity costs and tougher carbon emission regulations, retailers are under pressure to modernise outdated refrigeration systems.
Top renovation drivers include:
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Reducing carbon footprint
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Lowering electricity bills
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Meeting new environmental regulations (e.g., EU F-Gas rules)
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Improving food safety and shelf life
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Creating more attractive, shopper-friendly displays
Large supermarket groups like Tesco, Carrefour, and SPAR are already rolling out low-emission refrigeration upgrades across their stores globally.
🌍 What’s Happening in Emerging Markets?
In regions like Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, supermarket chains are expanding fast. Many new stores are being built from scratch, which gives retailers the chance to install modern, sustainable refrigeration technologies from the start.
Key trends in emerging markets:
| Trend | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Plug-and-play fridges | Easy to install, ideal for independent retailers |
| Solar-powered cold storage | Used in rural areas with unreliable electricity supply |
| CO₂-based refrigeration systems | Low Global Warming Potential (GWP), efficient and safe |
| Integrated cooling + air systems | Combined energy use for cooling and store temperature |
| Hybrid backup systems | Ensuring cold chain continuity during power outages |
Governments in countries like India, Kenya, and Indonesia are also offering green energy incentives for food retailers adopting climate-friendly technologies.
❄️ What Types of Refrigeration Are Supermarkets Choosing?
The global shift is moving away from HFC-based systems to natural refrigerants like CO₂ (R744), hydrocarbons (R290/propane), and ammonia (R717). These gases have zero or very low Global Warming Potential, aligning with international climate agreements.
Top refrigeration formats in demand:
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Transcritical CO₂ systems (especially in larger stores)
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Hydrocarbon plug-in units (used in small stores and convenience chains)
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Water-loop systems (efficient for medium-sized retail spaces)
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Remote condensing units with energy monitoring
♻️ Environmentally Friendly Technology: What’s New in 2025?
Retailers are embracing green innovations that cut both emissions and costs:
| Technology | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Transcritical CO₂ cooling | Energy-efficient, zero ozone depletion |
| Smart IoT temperature sensors | Real-time monitoring, reduces spoilage |
| Glass-door display fridges | Saves energy by up to 60% vs. open cabinets |
| Heat recovery systems | Reuses waste heat to warm the store or water |
| Night blinds on chillers | Cuts overnight energy loss |
| Solar refrigeration units | Perfect for off-grid or remote areas |
Even cold rooms and distribution centres are upgrading to solar-powered or hybrid systems, with AI-powered controllers that optimise cooling based on temperature, stock volume, and footfall.
📈 ISN Insight: Refrigeration is the Next Sustainability Frontier
Supermarkets—especially in emerging markets—must think strategically about refrigeration. It’s no longer just about cold—it’s about climate, compliance, and cost. From zero-GWP refrigerants to self-contained smart fridges, innovation is driving efficiency while helping protect the planet.
Retailers that adopt early stand to gain not only sustainability credentials but also long-term savings and shopper trust.