How to optimize energy efficiency for refrigerated food displays.

Stabilizing overnight temperatures in food display cabinets while a store is closed completes a food store’s successful energy efficiency program. Econofrost is attending the world’s largest HVAC&R exposition to show the world of air conditioning, heating and refrigeration technologies just how easy it is for any retail food store to reduce costs of operating expensive refrigerated food merchandisers by installing their quality reflective night covers. Locate Econofrost at the AHR Expo, January 26-28, 2009, in booth 6243 in the South Hall, at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, side by side with Promolux Lighting International. Econofrost attends Expo to show their green and simple night curtains to the commercial food industry, particularly refrigeration equipment companies and display case manufacturers and dealers.

Large and small supermarkets reduce their energy output and decrease deterioration of perishable goods on display with Econofrost thermal blinds that reflect heat, trap cold air, and stabilize temperatures. Meat, seafood, dairy and flower displays exposed to dry air, heat and light radiation during the day stay fresh longer when they are stored in optimal temperature and humidity conditions while the store is closed

Look for the Econofrost booth to discuss your needs. Representative Jamie Orr explains that savings from improved energy efficiency can amount to more than the full cost of the Econofrost installation in a matter of weeks or months, and utility company rebates for energy efficient technologies are available in some jurisdictions to further improve an energy-conscious store’s payback on investment.

Econofrost night curtains are easily installed in existing supermarket merchandisers or can be included in orders for new equipment from refrigerated display equipment manufacturers such as Hussmann, Tyler/Carrier, Hill Phoenix, Master-Bilt, Barker, Southern Stores Fixtures and many others. Econofrost has been serving the supermarket industry since 1975 and has made over 250,000 night cover installations in nearly 30 countries. Market Group Ventures, Inc., the parent corporation for Econofrost and Promolux Lighting International, is a world leader in providing retail technology solutions for merchandisers.

For Immediate Release

Econofrost meets with supermarket industry executives to show how their night curtains complete a food store’s successful energy efficiency program.

Econofrost presents their night curtains to food industry executives at the Storepoint marketing event, January 18 – 21. The historic landmark Hotel del Coronado, just across the bay from San Diego, CA hosts the 2009 Storepoint trade event where structuredpre-arranged meetings between retailers and suppliers focus on innovation and where preplanned business connections create optimal opportunities for productive business partnerships.

Sessions at the Storepoint event focus on surviving current challenges of today’s marketplace along with issues concerning green buildings and green products. Econofrost shows how their energy efficient thermal barriers reduce costs of operating refrigerated display cases by sustaining stable overnight temperatures while a store is closed.

Representative Jamie Orr said that it takes only a matter of weeks or months for some supermarkets to demonstrate a return on their investment with their new Econofrost aluminum night covers. Utility company rebates for energy efficient technologies are now available in some jurisdictions to further improve an energy-conscious store’s payback on investment.

Market Group Ventures, Inc., the parent corporation for Econofrost and Promolux Lighting International, is a world leader in providing retail technology solutions for merchandisers. Econofrost has made installations of over 250,000 thermal shields in over 25 countries. Econofrost night covers can be ordered in all standard sizes for new refrigerated display cabinets or for retrofits.

Econofrost Refrigeration Blinds Do Not Pose A Health Risk and Do NOT Use Silver Nano Technology

As consumer watchdogs and health officials file a petition to ban the sale of consumer products that use Silver Nanotechnology Econofrost founder Mark Granfar assures retailers that Econofrost night covers do not contain silver nanotechnology and were engineered specifically for food applications making them a viable, effective and food- safe tool to reduce energy consumption and increase product integrity. Our goal from the very start was to manufacture a night cover for food retail environments. We understood the need to create an effective product that met both the needs of the consumer and the industry. Food safety was one of those requirements: Large chains like Stater Bros, Raley’s, Basha’s and Fry’s as well as independent grocers have all chosen to install Econofrost woven aluminum heat reflective night covers in their stores as a way to conserve energy and preserve the freshness and quality of their perishables on display

We totally support and encourage stores to initiate an in-store test,” says key account representative Jamie Orr. The benefits of installing Econofrost night covers far outweigh the benefits of other night covers on the market because of the advantages in design and quality. We know our night covers are modular in design and will last a long time saving the retailer thousands of dollars over the years.

Manufacturers who engineer their products with silver nano-technology and do so claiming it has antibacterial benefits have designed a product that poses a health risk to people and the environments. Silver nano-particles are extremely toxic and study after study is confirming the detrimental effect of using such materials in everyday items.

Econofrost night covers are made using woven aluminum fabric which is ideal for commercial refrigerated applications. Woven aluminum fabric absorbs very little radiated heat and reflects radiant energy away from perishable foods. This helps ensure cooler temperatures inside the case and more stable product temperatures. Woven aluminum fabric is also very hygienic and easy to clean and will last for years withstanding the daily rigors of a retail store environment.

Retailers looking for eco-conscious alternatives to minimize their store’s impact on the environment and reduce their utility bill can find more information on Econofrost night covers online at or they may call toll free.

Slowdowns in today’s economy have drawn attention to the need for making our use of energy more efficient, using energy more wisely and conserving energy wherever possible. This transcends to the retail industry where the streamlining of food storage and display methods plays a key role in achieving exactly this.

You may already have gone green with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and have your entire store operation and merchandise housed in an energy efficient building. The new energy efficient appliances are humming quietly, and you are saving money from having installed energy efficient windows and well sealed doors. And you may want to reduce your consumption of energy even more. If you have not been able to move to LEED store design or just not upgraded your store design in recent years with new equipment, what do you do? You still feel the need to make cost effective improvements and effectively reduce energy waste at the store level. What can you do? Even more, what can you afford?

The worldwide food distribution industry is facing economic pressure to cut energy costs. You may already be feeling the pressure to analyze your own store. The first question you need to ask yourself is:
Are you refrigerating the aisles with inefficient coolers that stay open to consumers during the day and just keep on running overnight?
Are your compressors working overtime?
Storage of fresh produce without refrigeration is not an option for most supermarkets and fresh food outlets. If your supermarket or retail food store has open display coolers, you are paying a lot to refrigerate the valuable contents 24 hours a day, using up a major proportion of your grocery store’s operating expenses to refrigerate perishable produce and fresh foods for optimal freshness and shelf life. There is a cost to keeping fresh food items in uncovered cabinets for easy visibility and better access for consumers, and it comes at the expense of your refrigeration bill and level of product discard. Ambient heat that constantly seeps into the coolers from the aisle challenges the cooling equipment to work overtime and can compromise the quality of your refrigerated and perishable goods.

Sometimes a simple cost-effective change is not so obvious but can significantly improve the efficiency of refrigerated coolers and reduce your operating costs. By installing Econofrost night curtains, you can save up to half your overnight refrigeration costs while your store is closed. You simply pull down the energy efficient, durable thermal barrier over the coolers while the store is closed, reducing the overall expenditure of energy needed to keep the refrigeration units operating. The refrigeration system runs more efficiently and there is less stress on the compressor. The product inside the cooler retains the cooler temperatures for a longer period (even when the night covers are up) and your customers benefit from warmer more comfortable store aisles.

Benefits of Installing Econofrost Night Curtains
Join the many food retailers who are discovering that Econofrost night curtains are a trouble-free and durable investment for supermarkets and food stores. Econofrost allows refrigerated food displays to be chilled properly overnight. The beneficial effects of proper nighttime cooling can last well into the daytime hours—up to 15 hours after the store opens.

Econofrost night covers help reduce running time of your supermarket’s heating and air conditioning units monitor energy consumed by the refrigerator compressors, equipment maintenance  overall refrigeration costs. loss of valuable refrigerated air, costs of heating the store, food spoilage and shortened shelf life.

Return on Investment in Today’s Economy
Econofrost heat reflective night curtains help protect your refrigeration systems and save 37% to 50% of refrigeration and heating costs during the hours when your supermarket is closed. Commercial refrigeration compressors and store heating systems typically turn on less frequently and for shorter periods, operate more efficiently, and require less energy.

Econofrost thermal barriers typically pay for themselves over periods of three to18 months, depending on local energy costs, how long the store is closed at night, the efficiency of your commercial refrigeration equipment, and the retail store environment. Payback periods can be calculated from savings in energy, the significantly reduced damage to perishable goods, and less shrinkage of fresh produce and trim required. The most noticeable and quickest payback comes from extended shelf life and increased product integrity. Valuable merchandise that was once exposed to heat and UV radiation during the supermarket’s closed hours are now protected and can be sold safely to the consumer.

Econofrost thermal blinds can be customized and easily installed in existing refrigerated supermarket merchandisers and are available on new equipment from most refrigerated display equipment manufacturers including Tyler/Carrier, Hill Phoenix, Hussmann, Master-Bilt, Barker, and Southern Stores Fixtures

Econofrost has been serving the supermarket industry since 1975 and has made over 250,000 thermal shield installations in nearly 30 countries.

Market Group Ventures, Inc, the parent corporation for Econofrost and Promolux Lighting International, is a world leader in providing retail technology solutions for merchandisers. Request more information today.

September 2, 2008

Econofrost reflective night curtains joins the FMI 2008 Energy Technical Services Conference an industry information exchange for supermarket business leaders. Econofrost brings their energy saving thermal shields for refrigerated display cases to the Omni Orlando Resort and Golf Club at Champions Gate, 1500 Masters Boulevard, Florida. Sunday through Wednesday, September 7 – 10, 2008

The theme of the Orlando FMI Energy and Technical Services Conference is “Save Energy: Reduce your Carbon Footprint.” Econofrost joins over 60 other vendors of energy efficient technologies for lighting, HVAC, refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Representatives are available to managers and engineers for informal discussions about the Econofrost contribution to energy management and cost savings in supermarkets. Closed sessions for manufacturer/retailer exchanges afford opportunities for industry executives and peers to examine today’s energy related topics relevant to worldwide food distribution systems.

Look for the MGV table display to see how Econofrost night covers save retail food stores money to conserve energy in refrigerated display cases and can qualify for financial incentive rebate programs.

Econofrost night covers provide a simple, affordable way to save energy by maintaining temperature control in open refrigeration cases, prolonging the shelf life of refrigerated merchandise, and decreasing the energy load on refrigeration equipment. Econofrost can be specified as an option from most manufacturers of commercial refrigeration equipment or ordered for retrofits. Econofrost has been serving the supermarket industry since 1975 and has made over 250,000 thermal shield installations in nearly 30 countries. 

Market Group Ventures, Inc, the parent corporation for Econofrost and Promolux Lighting International, is a world leader in providing retail technology solutions for merchandisers.

BOWEN ISLAND – A Bowen Island food wholesaler has taken a step toward reducing energy waste – to the tune of about $340 a year – while ensuring the only impact to its customers is positive.

The Ruddy Potato Wholesale Foods Market installed insulated night covers on its refrigeration units with the assistance of BC Hydro’s Power Smart Product Incentive Program. The project will save more than 6,800 kilowatt hours of electricity each year and lower The Ruddy Potato’s energy bill by $340. “We wanted to provide the best possible customer service by keeping the coolers open during the day to provide easy access, yet reduce our energy waste at night,” said Daniel Heald, the owner of the Ruddy Potato. “The insulated blinds keep the cold air in. As an added bonus, they improve product life by keeping the temperatures more consistent.”

The project started when Heald saw an ad for Econofrost woven aluminum night covers, a product supplied to grocery stores by Econofrost’s Vancouver Island office. The ad mentioned that financial incentives were available from BC Hydro for the purchase of energy-efficient technologies.

After discussions with Econofrost and BC Hydro, Heald upgraded his refrigeration equipment and installed the blinds on five open coolers, covering a total of 211 square feet. He also installed cooler lighting with lower ultraviolet emissions, which provides better quality light while minimizing the rays that can degrade food.

Established in 1990, The Ruddy Potato is a healthy and organic food store that specializes in healthy groceries, locally sourced bread, meat and produce, and desserts and deli items from its own Ruddy Kitchen. The store strives to minimize its impact through buying from local producers, recycling and involving itself in the local community. The current store location opened in 2001.

About the Product Incentive Program

The Power Smart Product Incentive Program offers B.C. businesses financial incentives for the installation of pre-approved energy-efficient technologies, allowing businesses to reduce electricity bills.
Making your business more energy efficient doesn’t have to involve huge, capital-intensive projects,” said Power Smart commercial marketing manager Carmelina Sorace. “There are many small, easy upgrades that any company can do to save energy and money and benefit its bottom line.”

The Product Incentive Program offers incentives for the installation of a wide range of energy-efficient technologies, including lighting products, heating and cooling equipment, energy controls and more.

SECURIFROST is a lockable, retractable roller shutters for refrigerated display cases that help keep product secure inside the case and to reduce energy consumption.

Available in hard-shell units or fabric covers with a lockable handle, SECURIFROST provides food retailers and foodservice operations with a convenient built-in device to deter theft and improve energy efficiency

Existing Product:Original ECONOFROST night covers have been further developed to now include the SECURIFROST security cover product line.

New Foodservice Application

SECURIFROST is available for closing off access in the open style merchandising cases that carry such products as ‘grab-n-go’ prepared foods, beverages, and liquor and which are typically located in public areas or are subject to licensing and operating hours restrictions

Cost Reductions

SECURIFROST benefits retailers wanting to reduce their shrink costs from loss of product due to theft and spoilage. The lockable anti-theft cover helps deter opportunist pilferage, and the night cover feature helps maintain core temperatures inside the display case and thus protects product integrity.

Labor savings are realized through reduced overnight reload/ unloading tasks.

SECURIFROST is integrated into the display case’s fabrication and rolls up and out of sight when not in use.It is a factory installed product and can be designed to fit the ‘look’ required in display case applications.

ECONOFROST’s additional product line – SECURIFROST security cover provides display case equipment manufacturers integrated components for bringing new solutions to meet food retailers’ requirements for security, product integrity, and energy savings.

The largest privately owned supermarket chain in Southern California, San Bernardino based Stater Bros markets has recently completed a retro-fit installation of Econofrost woven aluminum heat reflective night covers onto all of their open refrigerated display cases in all 165 stores. A 36% reduction in energy consumption per hour the covers are used and a significant improvement in perishable product appearance and reduction in shrink are key reasons behind the initiative but even more important “Stater Bros are committed to serving their community. Saving energy is an important part of that commitment”. Unprecedented growth in residential and commercial development throughout

Southern California’s inland empire has continued to tax an already strained electricity distribution grid. That combined with energy prices which show no sign of stabilizing or lowering, pushed Stater Bros management to consider many different solutions for controlling costs and reducing risk. They found Econofrost night covers gave them the “bang for their buck” they needed. Energy savings of 36% per hour used along with a rapid response capability to protecting perishable product in the event of a power interruption or brown out made economic sense to Stater Bros management team. However, during the course of extensive testing, additional benefits were uncovered that even further justified the investment…“significantly reduced shrink and discard in perishable departments and such dramatically improved product appearance and integrity”… EconoFrost night covers were an obvious choice. With a variety of brands of night covers available, the management team at Stater Bros had to consider which product would provide them the greatest performance and value along with the least number of maintenance “headaches” while also achieving their expectations for savings. To do this they launched a program of in-store testing that compared price, performance, service and aesthetics of a number of brands, including Econofrost.

Although Econofrost night covers were considerably more expensive than other brands tested they were found to be more robust, delivered the greatest performance and ease of use and had a much longer serviceable life. Their cost, it was felt, could be amortized over a much longer period of time than other brands, “meaning a much better ROI”. As a partner in their community, Stater Bros Markets are doing their part to conserve energy while contributing in a very significant way to their own “bottom line”. A real win-win for everyone!

Asian technology exchange discussions aid supermarket business April 9, 2008

Food safety issues are the focus of attention at this years massive Food & Hotel Asia Exhibition Singapore, April 22-25, 2008

Market Group Ventures of Canada, parent company of Econofrost and Promolux brands, is pleased to participate in this major international platform linking food industry manufacturers and buyers. This is largest international Food & Hospitality Trade Event, this year features President of the World Food Safety Organisation, speaking to a Food Safety Forum on significant issues of concern to the food and hospitality industry. The 16th Asian International Exhibition of Food and Drink, Hotel, Restaurant, Bakery and Foodservices, is held at the Singapore Expo Centre, 5 minutes away from the Changi airport. Locate Econofrost and Promolux in Hall 5/5F1-03.

As one of the manufacturers converging in Singapore to bring the worlds best possible technologies to food service industries, MGV Inc. meet with food industry retailers interested in issues of food safety, energy savings and operating cost reductions. Econofrost night covers provide a simple, affordable way to save energy by maintaining temperature control in open refrigeration cases, prolonging the shelf life of refrigerated merchandise, and decreasing the energy load on refrigeration equipment. Econofrost woven aluminum display covers can be specified as an option from most manufacturers of commercial refrigeration equipment or ordered for retrofits. Econofrost has been serving the supermarket industry since 1975 and has made over 250,000 night cover installations in nearly 30 countries.

Promolux leading manufacturer of Safe Spectrum low radiation lamps designed specifically for food safe merchandising displays. Promolux calls attention to the importance of using correct specialty lighting for food safe merchandising. The first manufacturer to develop a light source that combines superior color rendering with reduction of harmful radiation, Promolux invites inquiries about their balanced spectrum lamps for food safe lighting and true color definition at info@promolux.com.

Econofrost and Promolux can easily become part of every retail stores merchandising strategy.
 

Supermarket specialty products take part in international Food Marketing Institute Show 

Econofrost reflective night curtains joins the Food Marketing Institute Show 2008 an international showcase for supermarket industry marketing. Econofrost brings their energy saving thermal shields for refrigerated display cases to the worlds premier food retail industry event at the Mandalay Bay Convention Centre in Las Vegas, NV, May 5 – 7 2008.

Econofrost night covers can be found in Booth 83 at the FMI 08 sessions, and representatives will meet with food industry retailers and equipment designers interested in food safety, energy savings and operating cost reductions. 

FMI 08 brings together on one show floor a projected attendance of 20,000 visitors, manufacturers and retailers seeking ways to lower costs, increase productivity and improve the shopping experience. Discussions at the forum include the latest economic and consumer trends in the food industry with a focus on keeping business on the cutting edge while meeting the demands of busy consumers.

Econofrost night covers provide a simple, affordable way to save energy by maintaining temperature control in open refrigeration cases, prolonging the shelf life of refrigerated merchandise, and decreasing the energy load on refrigeration equipment. Econofrost woven aluminum display covers can be specified as an option from most manufacturers of commercial refrigeration equipment or ordered for retrofits. Econofrost has been serving the supermarket industry since 1975 and has made over 250,000 thermal shield installations in nearly 30 countries.