Refrigeration has been the unsung hero behind countless New Zealand businesses, ensuring the freshness of food and the longevity of countless other products. Think of this number: New Zealand’s major exports include dairy, meat and other animal products, which account for about 28% of the total exports, and most are exported in a frozen state. This highlights how important commercial refrigeration has been in the country. (1)
From busy restaurants to supermarkets, refrigeration systems are indispensable. However, the idea that a “one size fits all” approach works for refrigeration is a misconception. Each business has its own unique set of requirements, meaning they need varying refrigeration solutions.
For a business to meet its cooling needs, here are some key factors to consider when choosing refrigeration solutions:
Product Type and Material Sensitivity
The nature of the products or materials a business handles plays a pivotal role in determining the ideal refrigeration technology.
Perishable food items, for instance, necessitate precise temperature and humidity control to prevent spoilage. Reach-in coolers might be required for easy access. On the other hand, pharmaceuticals may demand specialised climate-controlled rooms with stringent temperature stability.
Understanding the specific requirements of different products allows businesses to select refrigeration equipment that maintains optimal conditions, ensuring product quality and safety.
Additionally, the refrigeration system should be able to preserve the integrity of the products you’re selling. For example, ice cream freezers should maintain a temperature of -18°C or colder to keep the ice cream fresh and firm, protecting the flavours.
Scaling Refrigeration to Match Business Size
The scale of a business operation directly influences the type and capacity of refrigeration required. Small businesses, such as corner stores or cafes, may find compact, energy-efficient units sufficient for their needs. These solutions often prioritise space-saving designs and minimise energy consumption to align with the budget constraints of smaller enterprises.
Conversely, larger establishments like supermarkets or industrial kitchens require industrial-scale refrigeration systems. These often encompass multiple units, complex monitoring systems and robust cooling mechanisms to handle the demands of high-volume storage and frequent access. Additionally, as businesses expand, the ability to scale refrigeration capacity becomes crucial to accommodate growing inventory and evolving operational needs.
Energy Efficiency
In an era of heightened environmental consciousness, energy-efficient refrigeration has emerged as a priority for businesses across industries in New Zealand. In 2022 alone, around 9.4 thousand gigawatt hours of electricity were consumed in the commercial sector in the country. In the same year, the cost of electricity was 18.49 New Zealand cents per kilowatt hour. Such costs underscore why considering energy efficiency is an important metric when choosing a commercial refrigerator. (2) (3)
Energy-efficient refrigeration solutions not only reduce operational costs but also contribute to a smaller carbon footprint. Modern refrigeration technologies, such as those utilising “green” refrigerants with lower global warming potential, offer a sustainable alternative to traditional systems.
Furthermore, the New Zealand government has implemented regulations and incentives to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient refrigeration. Also, businesses that prioritise sustainability get rewarded not only through reduced energy bills but also an enhanced brand image as they demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility.
Maintenance and Reliability
Reliable refrigeration is paramount to prevent product loss, ensure customer satisfaction and maintain uninterrupted business operations.
Different refrigeration systems have varying maintenance needs, ranging from routine cleaning and filter replacements to more complex repairs. Neglecting maintenance can lead to equipment failures, resulting in costly product spoilage and potential disruptions to business activities.
Businesses are now using smart solutions like remote monitoring and predictive maintenance to avoid unnecessary breakdowns. It’s like having a watchful eye on your fridge 24/7. These systems keep tabs on how the equipment is performing, sending out alerts if anything seems off. Think of it as a warning light on your car’s dashboard, but for your refrigeration system.
Ultimately, it’s a win-win situation: businesses save money and keep their customers happy, and their equipment lasts longer.
Budgetary Considerations
Refrigeration systems represent a significant capital investment for businesses. When evaluating different options, it’s crucial to consider both upfront costs and long-term operating expenses. While high-end, energy-efficient units may have a higher initial price tag, they often offer substantial savings in energy consumption over time.
Businesses must weigh the trade-offs between upfront costs and long-term savings, considering factors such as the expected lifespan of the equipment, projected energy costs and available financing options. Leasing arrangements can provide a viable alternative for businesses seeking to minimise upfront expenses while still accessing state-of-the-art refrigeration technology.
Conclusion
How to identify, from a vast sea of options, tailored cooling solutions that could best optimize your business operations? The key is in carefully considering factors such as product type, business scale and budget constraints. The one you’ll ultimately choose should fit your business needs and target customers.
Still unsure which refrigerator to pick? Consult with refrigeration experts. Apart from providing invaluable insights, they can ensure that your chosen system aligns with the unique requirements of your business.
Your best bet is to talk to James at Inter-Fridge. He can offer advice and recommendations on the best equipment for your store type.
References:
- Food exports increase in 2022: https://www.stats.govt.nz/news/food-exports-increase-in-2022/#:~:text=Dairy%2C%20meat%2C%20and,the%20same%20period.
- Commercial electricity consumption in New Zealand from 2014 to 2022: https://www.statista.com/statistics/717202/new-zealand-commercial-electricity-consumption/#:~:text=Commercial%20electricity%20consumption,the%20previous%20year.
- Average cost of electricity for commercial consumers in New Zealand from 2013 to 2022 (in New Zealand cents per kilowatt hour): https://www.statista.com/statistics/988209/new-zealand-commercial-electricity-costs/#:~:text=Cost%20of%20commercial,the%20previous%20year.