Cold Link Africa November/December 2017 | Page 35

EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN Embraco brings innovative refrigeration solutions to SA By Ilana Koegelenberg E Although the Embraco brand is no stranger to South Africa, the global brand officially launched directly into the local market on 31 August 2017, holding two separate events: one for the media and one for industry and partners. mbraco, a multinational in the sector of hermetic compressors and cooling solutions for refrigeration, flew down a team of experts from its head office in Brazil on 31 August to speak more about the company itself, as well as its products and vision for South Africa. Embraco invited industry role players and partners from all over to join them as they shared trends and strategic plans to shape the refrigeration business in South Africa, with R&D in technology and innovation highlighted as the main driver for this transformation. As a multinational in the refrigeration segment, the company invests annually between 3% and 4% of its net revenue in R&D to transform technology into innovation with a focus mainly on energy management, refrigeration, and food preservation. “Embraco aims to grow in partnership with our customers, particularly in high growth potential markets, offering innovative products, solutions, and services,” said Marcio Schissatti, vice- president of Business and Marketing for Embraco, who also came down for the event. “Innovation is part of our DNA and as a global company, we invest annually in technology and innovation to propose new solutions and services to our customers, to keep the leadership position in our industry. The level of quality, performance, and reliability that Embraco products are known for in the market is a huge asset we provide to our customers and to the end user.” The afternoon’s presentation to a handful of trade media was an intimate event, which allowed the journalists in attendance to pose their questions informally to the Embraco team after the presentations and product showcase. Not long after, it was time for industry to also take part in what was termed the “Embraco Experience”. Both events took place at the Wanderers Club in Illovo, Johannesburg. EXCITING PRODUCTS There was hardly an empty seat for the evening’s affair as the international team showed off its global reach, before going into more detail regarding a few specific products it is proud to be launching locally. Christian Berretta, sales specialist and account manager at Embraco, was also in town from Brazil to share some of 1 the key features of the company’s new and innovative ranges that they will be bringing into the local market. These products include its Fullmotion variable speed compressor, which consumes 40% less energy compared to conventional technologies. They highlighted the Plug ‘n Cool, a simple and compact sealed unit for commercial refrigeration, run on R290 refrigerant. The company also provides condensing units for both commercial and aftermarket segments, with high-quality and efficient compressors with low energy consumption. The Wisemotion oil-free, linear compressor also raised a few eyebrows, as well as the FMFT variable speed compressor. 2 Embraco aims to grow in partnership with our customers, particularly in high growth potential markets. NATURAL REFRIGERANTS 3 After talking about the company and its products, the team went into more detail about innovation and trends in the sector. They reiterated their commitment to R&D and natural refrigerants. “We’re shaping the future with natural refrigerants — that is where the world is heading,” said Berretta. Before enjoying a motivational talk, the Embraco team shared its plan for South Africa and Africa as a whole, talking about the long-term opportunities they see for these markets. Snacks and some drinks followed as the international team mingled with guests to answer any questions they might have. CLA 1. The Embraco team after the media event, from left: Marcio Schissatti (vice-president of Business and Marketing), Fabio Venancio (sales manager), Marcelo Duarte (sales senior manager), and Christian Berretta (account manager). 2. Various new Embraco products were on display at the events, including the FMFT compressor. 3. A well-attended evening launch event at the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg. COLD LINK AFRICA • November | December 2017 www.coldlinkafrica.co.za 35