Waitrose accelerates refrigeration investment to combat heatwaves
Waitrose is investing in new refrigeration technology as it looks to improve the availability of chilled products in-store during heatwaves.
Following this summer’s extreme heat, the supermarket has decided to accelerate investment in its refrigeration systems to make stores more resilient while improving energy efficiency.
Subscribe to TRBAs part of its £1 billion investment programme, Waitrose has been modernising refrigeration across its estate, meaning more than 100 Waitrose branches now have new fridges that can withstand Mediterranean-level heat.
Waitrose said this summer’s heatwaves have provided a real-world test for the systems, which have proved to be more resilient than older equipment.
The retailer is now developing the next generation of cooling technology, combining refrigeration with heat pumps to enable external cooling equipment to continue operating in outdoor temperatures of up to 48°C.
Waitrose has also redesigned its refrigerated cabinets to better retain cold air, helping them operate more efficiently and perform more effectively during prolonged periods of high temperatures.
Tina Mitchell, Waitrose retail director, said: “Customers rightly expect to be able to shop for fresh and chilled food whatever the weather. That’s why we’ve been investing in modernising our refrigeration systems for many years.
“This summer shows our latest refrigeration technology is more resilient than older equipment, and we’re continuing to accelerate investment across our estate.
“As hotter summers become more common, we’re continuing to invest in technology to keep products at peak freshness, help our stores perform reliably and improve energy efficiency.”
