How Commercial Fridges And Freezers Keep People And Pets Fed
For everyone who came to visit us at SuperZoo 2023, thank you! We hope you enjoyed getting to experience a snapshot of what’s to come in commercial refrigeration!
When it comes to food preservation and safety, commercial refrigerators and freezers stand as unsung heroes. Operating behind the scenes, these appliances are the invisible lifelines that keep our world nourished, playing a pivotal role in both human and pet food supply chains. Let’s delve into the significance of these refrigeration units and their critical function in keeping us and our pets well-fed and healthy.
The journey of human food: refrigeration at every step
Commercial refrigeration is a critical player at virtually every stage of the human food supply chain, ensuring that produce remains fresh and safe from farm to fork.
Harvesting and Production: The journey of food commences at the farm. For instance, vegetables and fruits need immediate cooling after harvesting to slow down the ripening and decaying process. Similarly, dairy products demand rapid cooling after milking to maintain freshness and slow bacterial growth. Commercial refrigerators and freezers offer that precise control over temperature, curbing spoilage and extending the product’s life.
Processing and Distribution: Post-production, food typically travels to processing plants. Here, items ranging from meats to vegetables are prepared, packaged, and stored in large commercial refrigerators and freezers. These units maintain optimal temperatures to preserve taste and nutritional quality while warding off harmful bacteria.
Retail and Restaurants: Processed and packaged food items are then distributed to supermarkets, grocery stores, and restaurants. Here again, commercial refrigeration units, including walk-in coolers, display refrigerators, and freezers, are used to store and display products, maintaining their freshness until they reach consumers.
Home Use: While residential refrigerators are not ‘commercial,’ they share the same fundamental principle and serve the same purpose: preserving food until it’s ready for consumption.
The pet food path: commercial refrigeration plays a part
The surge in demand for fresh and raw pet foods has expanded the role of commercial refrigeration to pet nutrition as well.
Production: Fresh pet food production involves high-quality, perishable ingredients. Just like human food, these ingredients require appropriate storage conditions to stay fresh. Commercial refrigerators and freezers at production facilities fulfil this need.
Distribution and Retail: After the production phase, fresh pet food requires temperature-controlled transportation to pet stores or supermarkets. Commercial refrigeration ensures these products reach retail shelves without losing their nutritional quality or safety.
In-Store Display: In pet stores or the pet food section of supermarkets, specialized refrigerated display cases are used for fresh pet food. These units maintain the right temperature while showcasing the products in an appealing manner for customers.
Home Use: Finally, pet owners use their home refrigerators to store fresh pet food, ensuring the food stays fresh and retains its nutritional value until mealtime.
The advancement of commercial refrigeration
Commercial refrigeration has evolved considerably over the years, now offering advanced features that maximize food safety, operational efficiency, and energy conservation.
Remote Monitoring and Control: Contemporary commercial refrigeration units often come with remote monitoring capabilities. This technology allows users to track crucial parameters like temperature remotely. Some systems even permit remote control of the units, empowering operators to adjust settings based on real-time data.
Custom Notifications: Custom notifications via our SmartConnect are another modern feature. These alerts notify operators instantly when certain parameters veer out of the safe range. Such prompt alerts facilitate quick intervention, saving substantial amounts of food from spoilage, and prevent potential loss.
Energy Efficiency: Energy conservation is a critical aspect of modern commercial refrigeration units. Designed to maximize efficiency, these units can significantly reduce power consumption, benefiting both operational costs and the environment.
Design Considerations: Commercial refrigerators and freezers are now designed with the user in mind. From aesthetics to functionality, units are built to seamlessly fit into various settings, from retail stores to restaurant kitchens. They balance the need for product visibility, easy access, and optimal storage conditions.
Maintenance and Serviceability: The best commercial refrigeration units are designed for easy maintenance and serviceability. This includes features that make it simple to perform regular check-ups and necessary repairs, ensuring the unit stays in optimal working condition and reduces downtime.
Commercial refrigeration is indispensable in our food supply chain, impacting how we and our pets are fed every day. By maintaining the freshness and safety of food from the point of production to the point of consumption, these units play a significant role in our lives. As technology continues to evolve, commercial refrigeration units will only become more efficient and reliable, continually adapting to meet the ever-changing needs of consumers and pets alike. Their role in ensuring a steady supply of safe, nutritious food is a testament to their importance in our society.