SHAWNIGAN LAKE, BC  April 9, 2008—Food safety issues are the focus of attention at this year’s massive Food & Hotel Asia Exhibition in

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.

     FHA 2008,

Asia’s largest international Food & Hospitality Trade Event, this year features Guy Kurkjian, 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 world’s 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. See www.econofrost.com.     Promolux is a 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 store’s merchandising strategy.  

Supermarket specialty products take part in international Food Marketing Institute Show   SHAWNIGAN LAKE, BC  April 10, 2008— 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 world’s premier food retail industry event  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.

Optimize temperature control in open refrigerated food display cabinets 

When can reflective night covers save energy? The answer to that question is: when they cover a refrigerated food display in any supermarket anywhere in the world. Econofrost is showing the world of air conditioning, heating and refrigeration technologies just how easy it is to improve energy efficiency at the AHR Expo, January 22 to 24 at the Jacob K. Javits Center, New York City. Locate Econofrost on Level 1 booth 8031. 

            Participating in the AHR Expo enables Econofrost to introduce food retailers, display case manufacturers and distributors, design firms, refrigeration equipment distributors, and commercial food equipment distributors to the energy-saving benefits of installing blinds that reflect heat, trap cold air, and stabilize temperatures in food display coolers. In the world’s largest HVAC&R exposition, Econofrost demonstrates how retailers reduce energy costs and decrease deterioration of perishable goods while on display. Meat, seafood, dairy and flower displays exposed to dry air, heat and light radiation stay fresh longer when they are stored in optimal temperature and humidity conditions.

 

            Using Econofrost woven night covers overnight results in more stable product temperatures while a store is closed and for up to 15 hours the following day. Econofrost representative Jamie Orr says that in a matter of weeks, savings from improved energy efficiency can amount to more than the full cost of the Econofrost installation. Some utility company rebates for energy efficient technologies further improve a retail store’s payback on investment.  

            Econofrost night curtains are easily installed in existing supermarket merchandisers and can be included in orders for new equipment from most refrigerated display equipment manufacturers, including Tyler/Carrier, Hill Phoenix, Hussmann, 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.

 

See Econofrost at the Storepoint Event. Econofrost presents their energy saving night curtains to food industry executives at the highly focused StorePoint marketing event, January 13 to 16. The luxurious Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa  in San Antonio offers Texas hospitality to this year’s StorePoint trade event. Focused on self-service retail, the innovative program coordinates efficient meetings between retailers and suppliers seeking business partnerships.   

          General sessions at the StorePoint event focus this year on the challenges of change, designing green buildings, and the use of environmentally responsible products. Econofrost shows how night curtains significantly reduce energy expenditures in refrigerated display cases for rapid return on investment. Representative Jamie Orr said  it is not unusual for supermarkets to report energy savings worth the full cost of their new Econofrost installations in only a matter of weeks or a few months. Business entrepreneurs can inquire about retail merchandising solutions and opportunities to distribute Econofrost night covers.  

          Market Group Ventures, Inc., the parent corporation for Econofrost and Promolux Lighting International, is a world leader in providing retail technology solutions for merchandisers. Since 1975, 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.  

 

     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.

Developing Countries

     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 harvested crops 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 stabilize 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.  

References 

FAO Newsroom, World agriculture 2030: Global food production will exceed population growth, http://www.fao.org/english/newsroom/news/2002/7828-en.html 

François Billiard, New Developments in the Cold Chain: Specific Issues in Warm Countries, http://www.airah.org.au/downloads/2003-07-01.pdf.  

 

For Immediate Release   Energy efficient night covers for refrigerated display cabinets  

Retail Technology Solutions for Food 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 supermarket’s 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 storeInstallation 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 supermarket’s 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. 

SHAWNIGAN LAKE, October 1, 2007 - Market Group Ventures, Inc. a leading manufacturer of technology solutions for merchandising displays, brings Safe Spectrum specialty lighting and Econofrost reflective night curtains to the global marketplace October 13-17, 2007 at ANUGA 2007. The massive international fair hosted by the colorful multicultural city of Cologne, Germany, combines ten trend-setting trade fairs under one roof where trade visitors from 156 countries can come together to discover the latest innovations in the world of food and beverages and find opportunities for cross-border trade.MGV Inc. representatives join participants from around the world at the

Energy efficiency and food display protection for supermarkets

SHAWNIGAN LAKE, BC  September 13, 2007—Econofrost appears at the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers show where exhibitors roll out a broad array of food service equipment, supplies and technology to some 20,000 foodservice professionals.

     NAFEM, a major trade association of foodservice equipment and supplies manufacturers, hosts this year’s biennial trade show from October 11-13, 2007 at the Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Participation in the highly popular event for the food equipment industry means Econofrost can show the food retailing industry how supermarkets can simply and affordably save energy costs while ensuring food safety and extended shelf life of fresh foods on display.        Food industry retailers interested in increasing energy savings and reducing operating costs can meet Econofrost representatives at booth 7838 on the trade show floor. Econofrost also invites display case manufacturers, food equipment distributors, store design firms, refrigeration equipment specialists, and energy consultants to stop by.     Econofrost thermal night covers are easily pulled down to stabilize cooler temperatures in open refrigeration cases overnight to reduce energy losses, prolong the shelf life of refrigerated merchandise, and decrease the energy load on refrigeration equipment. Independent laboratory tests have proven direct energy savings of up to 36%, and using Econofrost night curtains results in lower heating and air conditioning costs. Leading quality 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. See www.econofrost.com.  For more details contact: Lyn RoseMarket Group Ventures Inc, PO Box 40Shawnigan Lake, BC V0R 2W0 Canada