27th October 2024
The future of supermarkets – has changing the way we shop, changed the way we store food?
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We spoke with Ben Müller, Key Account Manager DACH at True Refrigeration, about the major trends shaping the retail sector and what we can expect in 2025.
Supermarkets are moving away from the traditional shopping experience, shifting towards more of a lifestyle destination.
Ben notes that larger supermarkets are increasingly offering dining options within the store, such as vegan meals, sushi bars, and warm food counters. “It’s no longer just about groceries. It’s about creating an experience where customers can shop, eat, and enjoy quality meals in a comfortable setting,” Ben explains.
Some supermarkets have already begun setting up full-service in-store restaurants that offer a genuine dining experience rather than just quick takeout. For example, Whole Foods features in-store bars and dining areas in several locations, like The Roof in Brooklyn, New York, which offers a rooftop setting with American-style food and drinks.
This change in consumer behaviour demands flexibility in store layouts. Supermarkets need to rethink their space allocation and product placement, integrating areas for fresh and prepared foods.
It’s not just about introducing dining options; supermarkets often need refrigeration solutions that can be easily moved and adapted to fit changing product needs as well.
For instance, placing small refrigerators near complementary products, such as mozzarella alongside tomatoes, can encourage impulse buys. This flexibility also supports seasonal promotions or emerging consumer demands, such as new recipe-based displays or trends in products like baby food, which may need special refrigeration.
“We’ve seen that trends on social media can cause shortages of certain products, like with the viral frozen gummy bear recipe hack. So, a supermarket may want to rearrange or reinvent their product set-up to cater to these new, often short-lived, demands,” says Ben.
However, one of the most significant challenges in doing this is ensuring that refrigeration units can keep up with the changes.
“True’s plug-in units offer a significant advantage here. They’re portable and customisable, making it easy to set up promotions or special displays without being tied to fixed systems,” continues Ben.
Vitamin and supplement drinks, along with smoothies, are becoming increasingly popular in supermarket offerings. These products are often displayed with other fresh items, such as salads and sandwiches, creating a cohesive fresh food area that caters to health-conscious customers.
Ben highlights that while supermarkets may not need separate refrigeration for each category, having flexible, efficient refrigeration units like those offered by True ensures that these items are stored at the optimal temperature and presented well.
If storing perishable foods, it’s crucial to select units that are food-safe, and not just designed for beverages – like True’s GDMs or TVMs. “The trend toward fresh, vegan, and preservative-free products will continue, and True’s refrigeration units can support this demand without compromising on quality or efficiency.”
Sustainability remains a top priority in the retail sector, with many supermarkets actively seeking ways to reduce their environmental impact.
Ben shares that energy-efficient refrigeration is now a key consideration when choosing new units. “Historically, supermarkets used less efficient refrigeration systems (e.g. open-curtains), but today, energy efficiency is non-negotiable. As sustainability becomes more important, supermarkets are looking for solutions that align with their green policies.”
Websites like Topten.eu provide valuable resources, allowing businesses to compare energy labels from various manufacturers, including True.
This focus on energy efficiency also ties into broader corporate policies, as large supermarket chains increasingly require their suppliers to align with their sustainability targets.
True Refrigeration’s energy-efficient units help supermarkets meet their sustainability goals while ensuring that products are stored at the ideal temperature.
True recently worked with Toni’s Treffpunkt, part of a cooperative of independent Swiss retail store owners, to upgrade their refrigeration systems to more energy-efficient units. The previously outdated systems were replaced with True’s GDM range, saving 27,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity in just nine months.
With the rise of online shopping, supermarkets are finding ways to integrate digital and physical shopping experiences.
For example, in Germany, Rewe’s app helps customers select recipes for the week and adds missing ingredients to their shopping cart, which can be picked up at the store.
Ben points out that the integration of digital tools will continue to shape store design and product offerings: “True’s refrigeration units can support this by ensuring fresh items are readily available for customers who shop online and pick up in-store.”
At True Refrigeration, our new, adaptable T-Series Flex Temp units provide exactly this versatility, allowing supermarkets and concept stores to switch between a fridge and freezer based on inventory needs. This adaptability ensures that supermarkets can efficiently manage varying product demands, making them more agile in the evolving retail landscape.
Looking ahead to 2025, Ben anticipates that supermarkets will continue to innovate to meet new consumer demands.
One potential trend he mentions is the introduction of small kiosk solutions in container-style units, designed to expand weekend offerings and serve customers during car charging sessions. “These units would allow customers to make last-minute purchases, even after store hours,” he says.
This innovation reflects the growing need for supermarkets to provide 24/7 convenience, and as supermarkets continue to evolve, flexibility in refrigeration will play a critical role. True’s diverse product portfolio is already a key enabler of this transformation.
With options ranging from energy-efficient glass door display units to adaptable T-Series Flex Temp refrigerators and freezers, True’s products can cater to a wide range of retail requirements.
Seasonal menu changes are becoming a key trend in the restaurant industry, with Lightspeed reporting that incorporating “seasonal” items on your menu can boost orders by 26%.
At True Refrigeration, we’re always striving to provide not just the highest quality commercial refrigeration equipment but also exceptional customer service and support.