Large-scale retail trade, GDO, is undergoing a profound evolution.
On the one hand, under the banner of diversification. Businesses, from the most structured to the smallest, have gradually added food production to their commercial activities. In the cases of large signs, becoming true subjects of the food industry.
On the other hand, in order to meet new consumer habits. The enforced isolation of the first lockdown brought new users closer to online, who now find e-commerce an important source of supply. The numbers confirm this: in 2021, online sales registered +21 percent, reaching a value of 39.4 billion euros (Milan Polytechnic B2C E-commerce Observatory).
Retail business models are changing, and the adoption of the best technology solutions is essential. Able both to optimize processes and to rely on a supplier that can streamline all the major links in this food chain.
SIAD makes it possible to respond to all the main needs of large-scale retailers with solutions that, by improving processing, reducing waste and containing consumption, help create more environmentally friendly points of sale.
Products, services and technologies covering three areas: food production and refrigerated distribution, as well as horeca and point-of-sale.
Food production
Most chains and supermarkets have expanded their offerings by introducing food production. The number of production sites dedicated to the processing and packaging of meat, fish, fresh pasta, and baked goods is growing, as well as stores that are increasingly becoming countertop processing and packaging locations.
In order to ensure the highest levels of food safety, and to market high quality food with a long shelf life, it is necessary for large-scale retailers to implement appropriate facilities and processes.
SIAD has developed innovative services, products and technologies in the following fields:
- Thermoregulation. In the context of cryomilling meats or kneading baked goods and bakery products, the use of carbonic snow aids operations by preventing rising temperatures and, consequently, degradation, browning and microbial growth;
- Freezing and crusting. Lowering temperatures through cryogenic processes allows food products, such as meat and fish, to be stored, processed and portioned in a safe, practical and efficient manner, avoiding waste;
- Storage and packaging in a protective atmosphere. The organoleptic and nutritional properties of food are prolonged through the use of gases or gas mixtures. Flavors, aromas and colors are also enhanced through food packaging solutions, in protective and flavored atmosphere;
- Hygiene and cleanliness. Cryotreatment with liquid nitrogen and cryopolishing, through micropellets of dry ice, have powerful effectiveness in cleaning environments and machinery, without damaging them or leaving chemical residues.
Distribution
The exponential growth of e-commerce and consumers’ expectations for quality delivery services requires retailers to create appropriate refrigerated storage environments and rely on logistics operators equipped with the best technologies for the Maintenance of the cold chain, starting from the counters and cold rooms, all the way to the destination.
SIAD solutions in this area include:
- Environment refrigeration, with natural gases for reducing temperatures in refrigerated counters, freezing rooms, logistics hubs and industrial environments;
- Refrigerated vans for home delivery based on liquid carbon dioxide;
- Mobile isothermal containers, roll containers dry ice, providing maximum flexibility and durability, adapting to multiple uses.
Horeca and retail outlets
The Hotellerie, Restaurant and Catering sector, in order to maintain high service standards, also has similar needs.
SIAD, in addition to the services listed so far, has developed specific lines, such as:
- Catering carbonation. Food-grade carbon dioxide supply service that ensures continuous supply of carbon dioxide for the on-trade, microbreweries, and water houses;
- Home carbonation. Compactly designed CO2 canisters and kits for use in the home to always have sparkling water and drinks;
- Dry ice. Portable cold in reusable isothermal containers
- Products and accessories for events and festive moments
SIAD’s is a comprehensive offering for large retailers and, more generally, for the entire food industry. This pmertte us to generate virtuous processes along the food chain that ensure maximum food safety and product quality, reduction of waste through extension of food shelf life, optimization of production processes, containment of consumption, reduction of environmental impact and compliance with European regulations.
