Recent EPA proposal holds potential to turn, both the environment and economy, greener for vendors in refrigerated display cases market.
In March 2016, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stepped forward with its proposed rulemaking to prohibit sundry hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in multiple applications, such as stationary refrigeration, foam blowing, and fire suppression. Under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program, EPA strongly recommended the transition deadline for respective companies to be 2021. Refrigerated display cases market in this backdrop shall witness a paradigm shift in manufacturing technology of point-of-sale equipment and its consumption behavior.
The call for such a policy might have arrived now, but was definitely calling for a settled dialogue since long. Environmental concerns of regulating authorities compulsorily implies corporate responsibility too. In order to keep up with their commitments, market players exhibit the willingness to opt for a sustainable course of action. Their focus lies on reducing greenhouse emissions from their products, while they produce energy-efficient on-deck cooling equipment as well as cooling boxes.
Industrial Outlook for Green RDCs
Panasonic Corporation announced a 100% acquisition of Hussmann Corporation’s assets in April 2016. The company religiously endorses its gamut of energy-efficient and environment-friendly refrigerated display cases for supermarkets and convenience stores. It considers RDCs as one of its key product offerings in the food distribution solutions segment across the Asia-Pacific, concurrently establishing its position in regional markets. Hussmann’s strength lies in the advanced network of installation, maintenance and service sites in the U.S., Mexico and New Zealand markets. This shall mark the global expansion of businesses for the duo, where consumers can expect fresh developments in regulatory-compliant equipment.
Hydrocarbon and carbon technology is gaining popularity in the industrial scenario over the fluorocarbon alternatives. Manufacturing companies have an array of natural refrigerants to choose from for their refrigerated display cases available at retail outlets for the market. Developers of eco-friendly refrigerants have a key role in deciding trends among the RDC end users per se. Among the vendors, testing procedures are rigorously carried out for prompt market launches, ensuring at the same time greater utility cycle and a clear level of safety for the coolants.
Refrigerated Display Cases Market Drivers
Targeting the significant surge in global consumption of refrigerated display cases over recent past, analysts at Allied Market Research predict a steady market growth. A dynamic mindset of consumer population stands at the origin of all drivers. A spread of consumable delights has a visual appeal unmatched by printed menus and suggestive images. When the entire menu is available for all to see, people make selections based on the aesthetic appeal of the offerings. Fresh eating is now a lifestyle choice for a population which prefers regular diners, offering quick bites.
RDCs add freedom and flexibility for stores and their counter offerings that tend to change in along with local climate. Variable daily demands and customer inflow, added to their tendency of grabbing on to ‘convenient consumables’ while on a packed routine, calls for a subtle balance between what to prepare and post pare. Industries USP lies within the fact that preparations on display are mostly cooked and not processed. This directly entails the joy of choosing from locally sourced ingredients and flavors, traditional or specialty spreads, and specifically no chemical preservatives or additives. Although there is a limitation with short shelf life for hand cooked items, it definitely not attracts raised brows from governmental organizations regarding its residual effects.
Distribution Verticals and Route Impediments
Commercial kitchens, shops, supermarkets, convenience stores, and other likewise outlets fall at the end of all distribution channels. The end usage segments have their distinct requirements for product design and type. Manufacturers address these issues with horizontal, vertical, or hybrid display cases. Depending upon individual operating environment, on-field testing is a requisite with regard to the difference in ambient temperatures. Installation and services of RDC equipment is performed by company-assigned professionals. Commercial refrigerated display cases and their compressor design is also influenced by mandates from regulatory authorities.
Talking of regulatory frameworks, environmental organizations do realize the potential natural refrigerants hold for the RDC market. Apart from slight differences in safe rulings for newly developed cooling gases, novice RDC technologies are up for industrial adoption. What businesses need the most at present, is a set global standard, optimistic organizational response and accreditations, and attract greater interest from policy makers.
