The food industry is all about precision and flexibility. Companies in this sector not only have to deal with strict food safety regulations, but also with continuous changes in the market. In eight questions, our specialist Zhour Akaaboune explains how Coolworld helps companies in the food industry to work agile, sustainable and cost-efficiently.
Why do companies in the food sector choose a rental solution from Coolworld?
‘Refrigeration is essential in the food industry. In case of emergencies, we deliver a solution quickly, as we understand that time is a crucial factor then. Helping a customer quickly keeps products at the right temperature and allows business processes to continue.
But customers in the food sector do not only come to us for emergencies. During peak periods, such as in summer, extra cooling capacity is often needed temporarily. We then offer a suitable solution. Sometimes for a few days, sometimes for a few months. And if a project is delayed or the cooling installation is needed for longer, it can simply remain in place. That flexibility is hugely important for our customers.’
Coolworld always offers tailor-made solutions. What advantages does that offer the customer?
‘Every company is different and every situation requires a unique cooling solution. That is why we always offer tailor-made solutions. Whether temporary solutions or process cooling, we always find a way to meet the customer's needs. We translate our customers' specific requirements into customised solutions. In doing so, it does not matter how big or small a company is. We offer cooling solutions for small local producers, but also for large, international players.
We guarantee the quality of our solution by working with a multiple-eyes principle. This means that several specialists look at a customer request. Together with our technical department, we look at what is the best possible and most efficient solution. This prevents tunnel vision and ensures that we always offer customers the best possible solution.’
‘Regulations are constantly changing, which is why you need to be agile. At Coolworld, we move with the times and offer tailor-made solutions that meet these stringent requirements.’
Do you have examples of Coolworld's projects in the food sector?
‘One of the projects we are proud of is for a manufacturer of ready-to-eat soups. This organisation temporarily needed extra cooling capacity to keep their products at the right temperature. We delivered a plug-and-play cooling unit that was specifically adapted for this project.
Another example is a bakery that was short of storage space. There, too, we ensured with a temporary refrigeration unit that our customer could continue production processes without any problems.’
What advantages does it offer companies in the food industry to rent, rather than buy, a refrigeration solution?
‘Renting offers companies much more flexibility. Especially in a sector as fast-changing as the food industry, this is essential. As a company, you can scale up quickly when needed and save on large investments. Moreover, you respond more easily to changes in demand without being stuck with a permanent installation.’
What can customers in the food industry expect when they rent a refrigeration solution from Coolworld?
‘At Coolworld, we take a full-service approach. As a trusted advisor, we are more than just a supplier. We think along and look after our customer's interests from the first contact to the end of the rental period. Our involvement does not stop after the delivery or the rental solution. On the contrary. Even after that, we continuously monitor whether everything is going well. Our customers always have a single point of contact, which ensures short lines of communication and quick solutions. We make sure that customers feel heard and are helped quickly’.
What are the main trends and challenges in refrigeration and temperature control in the food sector?
I see three main trends: strict regulations, food safety and the focus on energy efficiency. Companies in the food industry face increasingly stringent requirements when it comes to temperature management, especially when storing products. In addition, sustainability is a hot topic. Companies want energy-saving solutions, and we are responding to this with technologies that are energy-efficient and more environmentally friendly.’
How does Coolworld help companies in the food industry to best deal with these trends and challenges?
‘Regulations are constantly changing, which is why you have to be agile. Companies have to adapt to meet food safety standards. At Coolworld, we take this into account by offering customised solutions that meet these stringent requirements. Whether it's separating processes or minimising energy consumption, we make sure our solutions are fully aligned with what the customer needs, without deploying unnecessary capacity.
And to work greener, we continuously invest in new technologies that support energy saving and sustainability. For example, refrigerants that are more environmentally friendly. This is an important part of our future plan, as we expect regulations around energy and the environment to only get stricter.’
‘The food industry is constantly changing and you need to be able to respond to changes. Whether that is changes in regulations, production or demand. By opting for temporary solutions, such as renting, you ensure that you can always scale up or adjust quickly and efficiently when needed.’
Questions or learn more about rental solutions for the food industry?
When cooling units have reached the end of their lifespan and ‘the box’ itself is still good, we refurbish them. The old cooling technology goes out, the new one goes in. This way, we ensure that you as a customer have a perfectly functioning unit with the very latest technology and a low GWP.
As our customer, we want to offer you the best possible temperature solution. That means that that solution works perfectly, is safe and meets all environmental legal requirements. In 2018, we made major investments in units with natural refrigerants such as CO2. And we are continuously researching other ways of cooling, such as dry cooling. So you can rest assured that your refrigeration system always meets the latest environmental standards. Want to know more? Then read the article How Coolworld reduces the carbon footprint of its rental fleet.
Coolworld has ISO 14001 certification.