INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
FEATURE
“ Innovation in the cooldrink cabinet market depends on the customer base and the specific sector being served . Manufacturers must accommodate the needs and affordability of their entire customer base instead of focusing solely on a single segment . However , customers also bear a responsibility to ask questions and gain a thorough understanding of these expensive assets along with their maintenance requirements . Education plays a crucial role in ensuring customers realise the value and longevity of their investments .”
Le Roux notes that manufacturers are generally diligent in emphasising the importance of educating customers about the proper installation , servicing , and maintenance of beverage coolers . “ By training sales staff and technicians , manufacturers aim to equip them with the necessary knowledge to assist customers effectively . Additionally , manufacturers provide information through their websites and YouTube channels , explaining the installation process , maintenance guidelines , and the advantages of digital controllers . Nonetheless , it is equally important for customers to proactively seek information , ask questions and , most importantly , to actually implement the recommended practices to derive maximum value from their cooldrink cabinets .
THE FOCUS ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY One area of innovation in the beverage cooler market is energy efficiency . Advanced controllers such as those offered
© Benjamin Brits | Cold Link Africa
Just Refrigeration at Frigair .
© Benjamin Brits | Cold Link Africa
Danfoss at Frigair . by Staycold feature a ‘ sleep ’ or Eco mode , where the unit goes into a low-energy consumption state when the doors remain closed for an extended period . Le Roux notes that retailers often misinterpret this mode as a dysfunction and attempt to reset the unit , causing further issues . Effective communication and education can help customers understand the functionality of these features , enabling them to use their cooldrink cabinets optimally .
Manufacturers therefore need to adopt different approaches when marketing to formal and informal markets . “ For the formal market , the focus lies in providing solutions that offer access to real-time data on cooldrink cabinet behaviour and performance in their specific shops . However , challenges still arise in effectively utilising the gathered data and incorporating it into internal processes .
NEGLECTING RETAILER COOLDRINK DISPLAYS : A COSTLY OVERSIGHT “ All too often , there is a blatant disregard for proper maintenance of retail cooldrink displays . These vital assets , often overlooked and underestimated , suffer from a lack of attention simply because users fail to grasp their inner workings . The consequences of this negligence extend far beyond inconvenience ; they hit businesses where it hurts the most ,” cautions le Roux .
Manufacturers ’ frustration stems from the knowledge that they possess the technology and innovation required to optimise these displays . “ Yet , despite having access to
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