REFRIGERATION


Making the most of grab and go


Malcolm Harling, sales and marketing director, Williams Refrigeration reveals all about grab and go chillers.


T


he demand for food to go has experienced sustained growth in recent years, with over half of all visits to foodservice outlets in the UK involving customers taking purchases elsewhere. It’s been predicted that the market’s value will grow to £23 billion pounds by the end of 2024, so more businesses are looking to capitalise on this trend, including some of the largest fast food restaurant chains who are experimenting with grab and go variations of their off ers to further speed up service to customers. In many businesses, grab and go is central to their operation. The size of the grab and go market means that chilled merchandisers form a vital and signifi cant segment of the UK’s commercial refrigeration. One of the distinguishing features of refrigeration compared to other foodservice and catering equipment is that it needs to be operating constantly, so choosing the most energy effi cient models can have a signifi cant positive impact on reducing your running costs - as well as helping to minimise environmental impacts. While the traditional grab and go


products, like sandwiches, salads, quiches, etc., remain a vital mainstay, modern consumers are demanding more variety, as well as options for diff erent dietary requirements. The humble sarnie isn’t going anywhere, but its contents are often far more adventurous than the cheese or ham of yesteryear. Demand for grab and go is


aff ected by a number of factors, including the increasing pressures on time and money felt by consumers, and changes in working patterns.


Traditionally, the vast majority of grab and go sales occur at breakfast and lunch, so being able to display a range of food in an enticing way while guaranteeing it remains in peak condition is a vital way to meet demand at these often-busy times. A top-quality merchandiser is


the key to creating a great grab and go solution. It’s essential that the merchandiser look good, but also that it keeps food safe, so temperature control is critical. Possibly the biggest operational issue with merchandisers is energy effi ciency. Open-fronted merchandisers are the conventional solution for grab and go, encouraging sales by providing easy access to customers. With chilled units, a curtain of air, cascading down the front, provides a protective barrier keeping food at safe temperatures. The problem is leakage of cold air into the aisle, which can waste energy and make it chilly for customers walking by. Manufacturers have been working on this problem, and have come up with a variety of solutions to keep the cold air in the cabinet and thus reduce energy consumption. They include reshaped bottom air curtain inlets, which also improve temperature control of the lower shelves, and heat exchangers that enhance the performance of the refrigeration system. Green refrigerants with low GWP (Global Warming Potential) and zero ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) are increasingly common and help to improve sustainability. However, the simplest solutions


are often the most eff ective. In tests, Williams found that Multidecks with


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glass doors improve energy effi ciency signifi cantly, without compromising on product visibility. These doors decrease running costs by up to 60% compared to open models. A key feature to consider when specifying merchandisers is how much they can be customised to suit sites and applications. Typical optional extras available include LED ticket strip lights, which use little energy and generate minimal heat and which complement the ceiling strip lights which are fi tted as standard. Other options include night blinds, security shutters,


front doors, which can be sliding or hinged, rear loading doors for easy restocking of goods, impulse snack selection baskets and can holder shelves for added merchandising potential, food tray slides, glass shelves and mirrored panels. There’s also the option of remote refrigeration and the ability to multiplex the units to create an attention-grabbing display. Some manufacturers, including Williams, off er their merchandisers in a wide selection of colour combinations, matching décor and helping to catch the customer’s eye.


www.acr-news.com • August 2024 27


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