Commercial Refrigeration Equipment in the US by Product and Market, 14th Edition

Opportunities for commercial refrigeration equipment sales will result from:

• continued consolidation in the food and beverage distribution market, which will support sales for transportation refrigeration equipment
• growth in the number of foodservice establishments

Investment in an infrastructure for food and beverage e-commerce sales will also support commercial refrigeration equipment sales, especially of chillers, walk-ins, and transportation refrigeration equipment. While this market segment will remain small through 2022, there is significant investment in expanding the viability of delivering fresh food directly to the consumer.

Key Findings in the Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Study:

Transportation Refrigeration Systems to Outpace All Other Product Segments

Continued consolidation in the food and beverage distribution market, where the vast majority of transportation refrigeration systems are used, will result in a growing need for these systems to deliver food to end users, resulting in strong advances in this product segment. As the run times and distances traveled by refrigerated trailers, shipping containers, and trucks increase, greater stress will be placed on the refrigeration units, prompting more frequent maintenance and replacement.

Energy Efficiency and Refrigerant Regulations Will Continue to Be a Concern for End Users

Because of the slim profit margins of many food retail and foodservice owners, equipment that can reduce operating costs and increase profit margins offers a significant competitive advantage over comparable but less efficient products. When weighing the features and benefits of different refrigeration equipment, energy efficiency will remain one of the most important purchasing criteria outside of cost.

Following the 2014 final rule on the phaseout of R-22 and restrictions on certain HFC-based refrigerants, most equipment suppliers began developing equipment that is compatible with acceptable alternative refrigerants, including equipment that can utilize HC-based and HFO-based refrigerants. While there are still limitations on the use of these refrigerants, further improvements are expected, as these refrigerants are anticipated to be safe from additional regulations because of their low global warming potential and zero ozone depletion potential.

Study Coverage

This industry study presents historical demand data (2007, 2012, and 2017) and forecasts for 2022 by product (transportation refrigeration systems, refrigerators and freezers, beverage refrigeration equipment, display cases, other equipment, and parts) and market (food and beverage retail, foodservice, food and beverage distribution, food and beverage production, and other markets). The study also evaluates company market share and analyzes industry competitors including Dover, Hoshizaki, Illinois Tool Works, Ingersoll-Rand, Lennox, Panasonic (Hussmann), Standex, True Manufacturing, United Technologies, and Welbilt.