With the world’s population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, sustainable food retail and storage are more critical than ever, yet they remain an often-overlooked step in global decarbonization efforts. Today, only four of the world’s 10 largest supermarkets have set Net Zero targets, despite the food system contributing up to one-third of global emissions.
To address this challenge, Danfoss hosted an insightful RETHINK Liveonline event titled "Decarbonizing Supermarkets in MENA," bringing together industry experts and key stakeholders to explore innovative solutions for sustainable food retail in the region.
The panel featured:
– Marcio Barwinski, Sales Director, Danfoss Climate Solutions MENA
– Mohammed Qadri, Sales Manager, Danfoss Climate Solutions MENA
– Dragisa Stevanovic, Sales Director & Sales Driver for EMA Regions, BU Electronic Controllers & Services, Danfoss
They were joined by:
– Bjorn Ostbye, Project Development Manager, Lulu Group International
– Mahmoud Juma, Managing Director, JK Engineering Solutions
As a global leader with over 50,000 food retail installations worldwide, Danfoss is at the forefront of developing integrated, energy-efficient refrigeration solutions tailored for supermarkets.
Smart Stores: The Supermarkets of Tomorrow
“We believe in harnessing the benefits of integrated refrigeration, heating, air conditioning, and ventilation solutions, transforming supermarkets into energy hubs,” said Dragisa Stevanovic. “By leveraging renewable energy, storage, and smart energy management, we can turn traditional supermarkets into the sustainable stores of the future.”
Marcio Barwinski highlighted Danfoss’ Smart Store E solutions, which maximize energy efficiency through innovations likesolar power, demand response, EV charging, and thermal storage. “The technology to decarbonize supermarkets is available today, we just need to implement it effectively,” he added.
Challenges & Opportunities in MENA
While supermarkets globally are adopting CO₂ refrigerants for decarbonization, Middle Eastern retailers face unique challenges due to extreme climates, and opt for R404a and R448 type refrigerants. “Danfoss works closely with regional partners like JK Engineering to deliver customized, high-efficiency solutions, optimized for hot environments”, added Mohammed Qadri.
Mahmoud Jumashared insights on successful decarbonization projects, including a leading flight catering companies based in the region: “By implementing Danfoss’ high-efficiency systems, we helped significantly reduce consumption for 15-20%.”
Reducing Food Waste & Boosting Profitability
With food wastage contributing 3.3 gigatonnes of greenhouse gases annually (UN FAO), maintaining reliable refrigeration is essential, not just for sustainability, but also for reducing operational costs. Danfoss solutions ensure near-zero downtime, enhancing food safety and minimizing loss.
Bjorn Ostbyeof Lulu Group Internationalemphasized their decarbonization efforts: “Lulu has consistently led in adopting advanced technologies, and we are pleased to collaborate with Danfoss in the decarbonization of our legacy supermarkets.”
A Real-World Example: The Smart Store in Denmark
Danfoss’ flagship Smart Store in Nordborg, Denmark, demonstrates the potential of integrated energy solutions. The store:
- Runs on sustainable energy
- Reuses excess heat, cutting heating costs by up to 90%
- Serves as a living lab for next-gen retail technology
If you missed the online session, it’s available on demand on this link.