#FRIGAIR2018
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
Hot and cool innovation
at industry breakfast
By Candace Sofianos King
I
n conjunction with the much-anticipated
FRIGAIR 2018 exhibition, refrigeration and
air-conditioning wholesaler Metraclark
hosted a well-attended industry breakfast
on Thursday, 7 June 2018 at the Midrand
Conference Centre.
Held in partnership with automation
solutions expert company Emerson Climate
Technologies, the breakfast focused on
helping customers address the world’s
most critical needs when it comes to
refrigeration, and how technology and
energy efficiency can assist in the process.
Metraclark boasts exclusive distribution
rights to Emerson products, including
Copeland, Alco, and Dixell, as well as
Carrier residential air-conditioning systems
for southern Africa. During the breakfast,
Metraclark highlighted its partnership with
Emerson, and showcased Dixell’s latest
product offering.
Focused on refrigeration in retail, Paolo
Mannucci, director of marketing and
business development at Dixell Electronics,
delved into how Dixell offers holistic,
convenient, and efficient solutions for its
customers. “We strive to simplify the lives of
our customers through our products and
systems — clients have the opportunity to
Paolo Mannucci, director
of marketing and business
development at Dixell Electronics.
customise their own software applications,”
said Mannucci.
Mannucci shared how Dixell offers
integrated high-tech retail solutions for all
shop formats. Mannucci mentioned that
through direct remote connections with
controllers, clients can monitor processes
and systems via a smartphone. He added
that customers can monitor how a cabinet
is operating and then view all the necessary
data on a cloud system.
“In retail, we are seeing a major trend
towards complete integrated systems.
Another trend is the adoption of stylish
cabinets and technology among
customers,” noted Mannucci, highlighting
that the South African market is expected
to move in this direction tremendously in
the next few years.
Danie de Beer, Emerson regional
manager, was up next and explained
how Emerson concentrates on the most
complex and important challenges facing
the world and how they play a role in the
various sectors, ranging from industrial and
commercial to retail and residential.
De Beer mentioned how the use of
technology in the industry is increasing
and ultimately changing the way in which
Danie de Beer, Emerson
regional manager.
At their 7 June customer breakfast, Metraclark and Emerson addressed the latest trends in
refrigeration, homing in on the rise of technology and holistic integrated solutions.
Guests getting ready to listen to the Metraclark Emerson Breakfast presentations in Midrand.
business is done and how we live our lives.
“Our market is heading in the direction of
utilising technology — from bricks to clicks;
the way in which we shop has changed.
There is also a major focus on the freshness
of food,” said De Beer.
De Beer also highlighted how refrigeration
regulations are putting immense pressure on
business around the world. He added that in
order to make profit, fresh products are key.
The overarching solutions to achieving this
include technology, regulation, as well as
opportunities to create fresh approaches.
In closing, De Beer mentioned how global
technological mega trends are shaping
the sector — these include energy scarcity,
environmental responsibility, as well as smart
systems and connectivity.
Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a lovely
hot breakfast buffet. CLA
The team, from left: Danie de Beer (Emerson regional manager); Nicola De Paris (Dixell – Emerson Climate
Technologies); Paolo Mannucci (director of marketing and business development at Dixell Electronics); and
Johann Jooste (operations manager at Metraclark).
COLD LINK AFRICA • July/August 2018
www.coldlinkafrica.co.za
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