Market Group Ventures Inc. (MGV Inc.) is very pleased to announce the addition of Scott Harrison to our North American Sales Team.

Scott brings 16 years of Sales experience in the HVACR Industry together with account management skills.   Having extensively travelled throughout the Southwest and Northwest in his previous position, Scott’s transition to managing the Western United States territory for MGV Inc is expected to be quite smooth.

We are excited to have Scott Harrison join our team and discover more about our products in retail merchandising solutions.  Furthermore, we are eager to work with Scott  as he further develops distribution in his territory and build on his knowledge and skills.

Fluent in English and French, we are certain Scott will be a definite asset to our North American Sales Team.

MGV, Inc. has supplied technology for the international retail food industry since 1975.

Market Group Ventures Inc. (MGV, Inc.) is happy to announce Rhonda Smith as our newest addition to the MGV Team. Rhonda joins our team in the position of Sales Assistant to the North American sales team.

Rhonda brings with her an array of skills including over 20 years of industrial sales, management and administrative experience to MGV, Inc. Furthermore, Rhonda brings with her an in-depth knowledge of industrial electrical systems and technical writing skills.

Her previous positions provided her with the necessary skills and knowledge to make the transition to our industry in retail merchandising solutions.

We are certain she will be a great asset in our continuing efforts to Promolux Lighting and Econofrost night covers to supermarkets worldwide and in providing excellent customer service.

MGV, Inc. has supplied technology for the international retail food industry since 1975.

While calls for a greener world increase, so do calls for changes in food production and marketing methods, driven largely by agencies like the United Nations and consumer trends. Increasing organic food production is one of those changes and has been called “a worldwide growth industry” as demand for organic food grows. Organic foods now fill large sections of the fresh vegetable and fruit display shelves in most supermarkets and are increasingly evident in meat and poultry departments. Organic food production is increasing to the extent that Marsha Laux, Agricultural Marketing Resource Center of Iowa State University, projects that everyday use of organic products of all kinds will be both accepted and routine by the year 2025.

Consumers expect that foods labeled “organic” are safe to eat, that produce is grown without the application of pesticides or artificial fertilizers, and that livestock are raised using organic feeds, without antibiotics or growth hormones. However, along with expectations that organic foods are safer, and perhaps fresher, there are some disadvantages buying organic. To get the assurances of food safety when we purchase foods with certified organic labels, we pay more. Costs of production and handling using organic protocols are higher all the way down the line to the retail store

Without the benefits of the very chemicals that keep produce fresh and crisp in transit and on the shelf, organic produce actually spoils more quickly. Of course, food spoilage in transport and on the shelf is natural since decay processes begin as soon as foods are harvested or before. But, organics generally have a shorter shelf life and retail merchandisers often take huge losses by having to trim organic produce and discard meat products, adding more to the final consumer price.

So what is the difference between handling organic and conventional food displays in the store? Without the protection of anti-bacterial agents, pathogens have started to multiply and to invade the cell walls of plants and animal tissue within hours of harvesting. Deterioration accelerates over time, and bacterial growth results in diminished flavor and triggers unpleasant odors, even when not harmful to human health. Bacterial contamination can become more dangerous to humans when goods sit too long in poor conditions and can result in food poisoning, at times with fatal results. Unknown contaminants, light, variable temperatures, and changing humidity contribute to diminishing quality as the food sits ready to be purchased. Obviously, once food is no longer appealing, it must be discounted or until it can no longer be sold.

Do organic vegetables, fruits and meat mean fresher products? NBC Today Show correspondent Janice Lieberman asked whether organic foods are actually any fresher than conventional products. The investigative reporter did some testing to find out and sent two samples each of lettuce, broccoli, chicken and milk to a lab for analysis. “The testers did not know which ones were organic and which were conventional.” said Lieberman. “As it turned out, the organic broccoli and lettuce had much higher levels of bacteria than the conventional. It’s not harmful bacteria, but it is bacteria that will spoil your produce much quicker. And what that means to the shopper who is spending more for organic, is the product will have a much shorter shelf life.” The inevitable signs of shortened shelf life and diminishing quality are shrinkage, fading, drying, and changes in texture and color that render foods less palatable and less desirable to customers.

Along with increasing science based methods available to preserve food—and to control the potential for food poisoning—comes greater consumer awareness and fears about potential health risks from eating contaminated foods. Food retailers are always aware of threats to the value of their goods and would ask whether organic food displays require special care in the retail supermarket. If so, what can Econofrost recommend? Econofrost night covers provide a logical solution that is easy to install, easy to operate, and can pay for themselves in months.

Clearly, perishable goods last longer in colder, more stable temperatures where bacterial growth is controlled. Market Group Ventures Inc., a world leader in providing retail technology solutions for merchandisers presents a solution in the form of thermal blinds that maintain optimal temperatures for preserving food freshness in refrigerated display cases that are open during the day. Studies have shown that using Econofrost thermal shields during nighttime hours when the store is closed extends product shelf life and have demonstrated reduced waste from daily produce trim up to 75%. By stabilizing the temperature of a refrigerated commercial display case overnight, the contents of the case remain colder during daytime hours—for as long as 15 hours after the night blinds are rolled up and out of the way during the day.

Keeping organic produce clean and hydrated also helps ensure food safety and integrityEconofrost night covers are hygienic and easily cleaned, and are made from a perforated fabric that prevents the accumulation of humidity that promotes mildew and cultivates bacterial growth. Econofrost thermal shields help control the temperature and humidity of perishable foods stored in refrigerated display coolers and keep the contents of refrigerated cabinets cooler for longer periods of time.

Extending shelf life is not the only economic benefit of Econofrost night covers. Display coolers that are open to warm store temperatures inevitably waste energy. Just by pulling down Econofrost night curtains while the store is closed, retail food stores prevent unnecessary energy losses and reduce heating and air conditioning costs. Where Econofrost woven aluminum night covers are installed, tests have shown energy savings to be as high as 37% to 50%.

Contact your local utility provider and ask about rebate programs that might be available in your area for the purchase of night covers. See our list of energy companies who participate in rebate programs for night covers.

Benefits of Econofrost Night Covers

More stable, cooler temperatures in refrigerated cabinets
Extended equipment life
Inventory protection during power outage
Control of shrinkage and reduce trim
Eligible for energy saving rebates from utility companies
Econofrost has made over 250,000 installations in nearly 30 countries.

Market Group Ventures, Inc, the parent corporation for Econofrost and Promolux Lighting International, has served the supermarket industry since 1975.

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.

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.

More than enough food is now being produced to feed everyone on the planet. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization projected in August 2007 that global food supplies will be able to meet the needs of an expanded world population of 2030, and that openness towards international markets, investments in infrastructure, the promotion of economic integration and limits on market concentration, could make globalization work for the benefit of the poor.Econofrost contributes to making that infrastructure work more efficiently at the local retail level.

Global Food Distribution.

While some regions of the world produce more agricultural products than nearby populations require and other regions rely on food that must be shipped great distances, one of the great challenges to feeding everyone on the planet is improving food distribution from farm to food plate around the world. Even when the distance between producer and consumer can be minimized, and where local and regional food supply systems are well developed, foods are being shipped vast distances. Consumers ultimately enjoy unprecedented choices and and come to expect consistent supplies of better quality foods and favorite brands.

The increased use of refrigeration technologies are improving the efficiency of fresh food distribution in developing countries as has long been the case in North America and Europe. Removal of field heat and better preservation of stimulate agricultural production and commerce. Fruit, flowers, vegetables, milk and meats can be stored for longer periods and distributed to more distant markets. Even highly perishable produce, fish and cold drinks are being kept fresher during transport and while stored on display shelves at their retail distribution points.

On the whole, developing countries focus more on increasing agricultural production than on preserving agricultural products. This explains why post-production losses are so high, whether in the field or during transport, storage and distribution, states Francois Billiard, Director of the International Institute of Refrigeration. However, sophisticated refrigeration technologies are no longer exclusive to developed countries of Europe and North America. Developing countries in Latin America and Asia, particularly China where profound changes to the business climate are taking place and demands for energy is exploding, are advancing their food distribution networks with increasingly efficient refrigerated storage, transportation and display systems.

Refrigeration is an appealing food preservation process, because it is one of the few that preserves the original properties of foodstuffs, says Billiard . Its main field of application is the preservation of foodstuffs of animal origin: meat, dairy and fishery products. However, the process is also used to freeze foodstuffs of plant origin, or to chill them, in which case the purpose is to extend their storage life, and to maintain their freshness. Refrigeration also opens up lucrative markets to developing countries for goods like tropical fruits and other produce that must be delivered fresh or not at all.

Retail Food Preservation

Progressive globalization is increasing the complexity of food delivery networks and is expanding demand for reliable and efficient food preservation systems.

The food industry refers to systems delivering refrigerated foods to the consumer as the cold chain. The cold chain requires systems to be in place that ensure food is harvested, stored and distributed to retailers and consumers in ways that minimize spoilage at all stages.

The retail outlet is often where the cold chain fails because open food display cabinets are subject to temperature fluctuations in the store environment or where ambient temperatures are very high as in tropical zones. However, the hours that stores are closed overnight can be used as a time to proper temperatures and protect food integrity and quality. Retail stores of all sizes can afford to significantly reduce energy waste by covering food display cabinets overnight with Econofrost night covers. It is a quick and easy operation to roll down the covers at the end of the day

Econofrost Protects Profit Margins

Econofrost reflective night covers were created to improve the efficiency of refrigerated display systems at the retail level. Already established in the international marketplace, Econofrost technology offers simple and cost effective solutions to fresh food retailers wherever they are needed. The use of Econofrost thermal shields to cover refrigerated display cases overnight extends the shelf life of refrigerated foods and protects retail profit margins in the face of increasing energy costs.

Installing Econofrost thermal shields is a simple, affordable way to save energy and decrease the load on older refrigeration equipment

Econofrost has served the supermarket industry since 1975 and made over 250,000 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.

World agriculture 2030: Global food production will exceed population growth.

New Developments in the Cold Chain:

Specific Issues in Warm Countries

Energy efficient night covers for refrigerated display cabinets 
 
Western Grocer, a long-established Canadian retail publication, August edition, features Econofrost night covers in Whats Cool in Cooling.

The article showcases Econofrost as an innovative technology for refrigerated merchandising cases to help grocers protect their profit margins, leading the way to reduced energy expendures while maintaining food storage safety, customer satisfaction and profitability
Western Grocers, Colleen Stewart noted that sales of Econofrost woven aluminum night covers for refrigerated product display cases are taking off globally in a big way. Jamie Orr, key account manager for Econofrost reports that new installations in perishable food merchandisers are saving more than the full cost of the Econofrost installation in a matter of weeks, with demonstrated payback periods of three to eighteen months when a store is closed a minimum of 60 hours a week.

How do Econofrost night curtains work? The benefits are accomplished overnight. Made from a woven heat reflective material, Econofrost night covers stabilize cool temperatures in open refrigeration cases to reduce energy consumption while a store is closed. Better temperature and humidity control prolongs the shelf life of refrigerated merchandise and decreases the energy load on refrigeration equipment. Independent laboratory tests have proven direct energy savings of up to 36% during the hours used from lower heating and air conditioning costs. Econofrost night covers can be specified as an option from most manufacturers of commercial refrigeration equipment or ordered for retrofits. 

Econofrost has served the supermarket industry since 1975 and made over 250,000 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. 

Did you know there are areas in your store where can you reduce your energy expenditures” and save up to half your energy costs while your store is closed?
Just install Econofrost night covers to start reducing energy losses and extending product shelf life. Since accessibility to fresh food items means easy selection for consumers, most refrigerated merchandisers are open and uncovered. Many thermal barriers such as cooler doors are also visual barriers and inhibit access by shoppers. On the other hand, any supermarket or retail food store that has open display coolers is paying a lot to refrigerate the contents 24 hours a day.

What challenges the cooling equipment and compromises the chilled goods is the ambient heat that constantly moves into the coolers from the aisle. Become one of the many retailers who are discovering that when refrigerated foods are protected with Econofrost and allowed to chill properly overnight, the beneficial effects can last up to 15 hours after the store opens.

When investing in expensive refrigeration equipment, the first gap to fill is the front end of your display cases while your store is closed. When you start to cover your coolers overnight with an energy efficient, durable thermal barrier of Econofrost flexible aluminum night covers, you start to expend less energy, and save the costs of energy required to chill the display coolers in the midst of a warm store.

Econofrost night covers help reduce running time of the supermarkets heating and air conditioning units energy consumed by the refrigerator compressors equipment maintenance overall refrigeration costs, loss of valuable refrigerated air costs of heating the store.

Installation of Econofrost night curtains is a cost effective measure that will pay for itself. Econofrost has demonstrated paybacks anywhere between three to 18 months depending on how long the store is closed, local energy costs, the efficiency of the commercial refrigeration equipment, and the retail store environment. Payback periods are derived from a combination of energy savings and the significant reduction in perishable goods damage and produce shrinkage. Extended product shelf life and reduced damage to perishable goods from exposure to heat and UV radiation during the supermarkets closed hours demonstrates the most noticeable and quickest payback.

Econofrost can help protect your refrigeration systems and save 37% to 50% of refrigeration and heating costs for the hours when the supermarket is closed. Commercial refrigeration compressors and store heating systems typically operate more efficiently, less frequently, and require less energy.

Econofrost refrigeration night covers are a trouble-free and durable investment for any  supermarket and can be easily installed in existing supermarket merchandisers. Econofrost is available on new equipment from most refrigerated display equipment manufacturers, including Tyler/Carrier, Hill Phoenix, Hussmann, Master-Bilt, Barker, and Southern Stores Fixtures.

The best way to protect the contents of refrigerated coolers while the store is closed is to efficiently deflect heat and light emissions outward and trap the cold air inside the case, while allowing condensation to evaporate and preventing the formation of mildew. What makes Econofrost night curtains superior to others on the market?

Since Econofrost night curtains were designed by engineers to meet the highest quality specifications for usage, efficiency and durability, how do they stack up against others on the market? One secret lies in the unique fabric engineered to create an efficient thermal barrier. The woven aluminum fabric is flexible and coated with a thin film of PVC. Made from food safe materials, Econofrost night curtains are easy to clean so staff can ensure superior hygiene for your supermarket food displays.

Comparison of materials used for cabinet covers. The specialized Econofrost woven aluminum fabric effectively blocks UV radiation and light. Of all materials used for refrigeration night covers, aluminum is the most effective thermal shield for reflecting heat and is successfully employed in Econofrost night curtains to block 70% of the ambient heat from supermarket aisles. The polyester coating contributes flexibility, strength and durability.
By comparison, materials used to cover refrigerated cabinets such as cloth, plastic, or linoleum materials tend to attract and retain heat, while plastic can become brittle and discolored. Rough or hard-to-clean surfaces such as fabric or textured plastic attract moisture and dust and provide places for molds and mildew to grow. Besides being difficult to wash, polyester film alone is not as energy efficient as polyester coated aluminum, and loses its tension and appearance over time. Damaging UV radiation easily passes through clear plastic, glass panels and glass refrigerator doors and glass doors are subject to fogging. Though useful for maintaining stable temperatures, closed cabinets and the use of daytime covers both reduce physical access to merchandise, creating a visual barrier between the goods and the customer at peak shopping times

Compared with plastic, glass and other materials, the benefits of installing Econofrost woven aluminum thermal curtains for overnight use are clear: reduced energy usage, extended shelf life and food safety. Econofrost refrigeration blinds are easily installed as retrofits on all open refrigerated cases. Factory installed Econofrost night covers are available in standard widths of 4, 6, and 8 feet, and custom orders are welcome. Once installed, they are easy to use and maintain, will keep their shape and last for many years.

‘Green’ Curtain Call for Bashas’ Fresh Foods

CHANDLER Ariz. – It’s curtains for Bashas’ fresh foods department – energy-efficient night curtains, that is. The regional independent is in the midst of a chain-wide installation of these curtains as a tactic to improve its merchandising and control inventory shrink.The curtains, from Econofrost,Shawnigan Lake, BC, Canada, were developed to increase energy savings and extend fresh product shelf life. According to the vendor, they can be easily installed in existing 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 expects to complete the Bashas’ installation by spring 2007.Bashas’ operates approximately 155 supermarkets under the banners of Bashas’ Supermarkets, Bashas’ Dine,FoodCity, and AJ’s Fine Foods.In it upcoming April1 issue, Progressive Grocer will further highlight this program and other efforts by retailers across the country to incorporate “green” strategy into operations and merchandising, as part of a special report. 

Find this article at http://www.progressivegrocer.com