The Importance Of Proper
Cold Storage For Ice Cream Businesses
Outline With its delightful flavours and creamy textures, ice cream has long been a favourite treat for people of all ages. Whether it’s a hot summer day or a chilly winter evening, ice cream never seems to go out of season. For businesses in the ice cream industry, maintaining the quality of this frozen delight is crucial, and one of the key factors in achieving this is proper cold storage.
In this article, we will explore why proper cold storage is of paramount importance for ice cream businesses and what factors are necessary to ensure that fresh and safe ice cream is served to consumers.
It is necessary to maintain the ice cream’s quality and freshness. Cold storage for ice cream is crucial in the ice cream industry. The flavour and texture of ice cream must be preserved at storage temperatures between -20°C and -30°C.
Cold storage solutions for ice cream, commonly called cold stores, serve as storage spaces for raw ingredients like cream, milk, and other necessary components. This cold storage is equipped with specialized refrigeration systems designed to consistently maintain the low temperatures required to keep ice cream in optimal condition.
The quality of ice cream is highly dependent on its temperature. Ice crystals can form when the temperature fluctuates, leading to a grainy texture and a loss of smoothness. Maintaining a consistently low temperature, typically around -20°F (-29°C), is essential to keeping ice cream in its ideal state.
Ice cream is all about flavour, and temperature plays a vital role in flavour retention. Improper storage can lead to flavour loss or alterations due to temperature fluctuations and exposure to air. Businesses invest significant effort in developing unique and delicious flavours and don’t want these efforts to go to waste. Proper cold storage helps maintain the integrity of the flavours, ensuring that customers experience the taste the way it was intended.
Ice cream is a perishable product, and its shelf life is limited. However, by storing it at the right temperature, your frozen delight can extend its shelf life and reduce waste. Proper cold storage slows the growth rate of microorganisms and other contaminants that can cause spoilage. This means that ice cream businesses can keep their products on shelves longer, reducing the need for frequent restocking and minimizing losses due to expired inventory.
Hence, efficient cold storage facilities are beneficial for ice cream quality and the bottom line. Modern refrigeration systems are designed for energy efficiency, helping ice cream businesses reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs. Investing in energy-efficient cold storage can lead to significant long-term savings while benefiting the environment.
Innovations in deep freezer storage and display units for the year 2024
The commercial deep refrigeration market is a booming industry, and this can be attributed to the increasing demand for innovative deep refrigeration products for many businesses in the food industry, especially the ice cream sector.
The market for commercial deep freezers in India is undergoing rapid changes due to various factors such as technological innovations, environmental regulations, consumer preferences, and competition.
In 2024, one of the major trends in commercial deep freezers in India will be the rising demand for energy-efficient and eco-friendly freezers. As electricity costs and environmental concerns rise, businesses want ways to reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint. This has led to the development and adoption of freezers that use eco-friendly refrigerants, heavy-duty compressors, etc., as they require less energy to operate and maintain. Moreover, they also offer better cooling performance and a longer shelf life for the stored products.
Ice Make Refrigeration Limited is the manufacturer and exporter of commercial & industrial refrigeration equipment with HCFCs and HFC refrigerants and ammonia refrigerants, and it has been successfully satisfying the needs of its customers since its inception in 1993.
Chandrakant Patel, Chairman & Managing Director of Ice Make Refrigeration Limited, said that the company endures to drive innovation at every turn. And in 2024, they are bringing some very innovative units. “We have developed an efficient and cost-effective glycogen freezer for a tricycle ice cream cart from Hawkers, a small ice cream distributor in rural areas as well as T2 cities, and are coming up with a semi-automatic chest freezer/display freezer plant to match market demand in the ice cream industry,” he revealed.
Tecumseh Products Company is an American manufacturer of hermetic compressors for air conditioning and refrigeration products. It is not a direct manufacturer of refrigeration units but is a leading provider of heart-of-the-system compressors and condensing units, including its advanced R290 propane-based compressors. In collaboration with deep freezer and display unit manufacturers, Tecumseh has introduced several innovations that elevate the performance and sustainability of these systems.
Somesh Kumar, Manager Marketing, and S. Hari Nagendra Prasad, Deputy General Manager of Tecumseh, outlined the innovation that they are bringing on this year. “Our R290 propane-based compressors are designed to be highly energy-efficient, contributing to lower operational costs for deep freezer and display unit manufacturers. These compressors comply with BIS standards, ensuring quality and safety in operation.
Tecumseh is committed to eco-friendly solutions, and they informed us, “Our R290 compressors use propane, a natural refrigerant with low environmental impact. By adopting these compressors, manufacturers can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and aligning with global environmental standards.
“Tecumseh actively supports our partners in obtaining BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) energy labels for their deep freezers. Our energy-efficient compressors play a crucial role in helping manufacturers meet the energy efficiency criteria set by BEE, allowing them to display energy labels and communicate the environmental friendliness of their products to consumers,” both Somesh Kumar and S Prasad said.
Compressors for minimal implementation efforts in the ice cream industry in 2024
Commercial refrigeration presents a challenge to the technicians, owners, and installers who deal with it every day. There are several levels of installations, networks, parts, costs, etc. The ice cream industry needs refrigerating systems for maintaining cold storage.
Commercial refrigeration systems operate by using a refrigeration circuit that works with an absorption system or vapour compressor to cool or dry the air. The general principle of refrigeration is that it expands the liquid into a gas and eliminates heat from the local area. One of the simple refrigeration cycle components is the commercial refrigeration compressor.
The compressor is the heart of the refrigeration system. The compressor acts as the pump that moves the refrigerant through the system. Temperature sensors start the compressor’s action. Refrigeration systems cool objects through repeated refrigeration cycles.
Tecumseh takes pride in delivering excellence in powering ice cream freezers, ensuring the preservation of texture and quality through advanced compressor technology. Compressors are crucial for maintaining the desired temperature, and Tecumseh offers a diverse range tailored for various ice cream freezer applications. Known for durability, high efficiency, and low noise operation, our compressors leverage advanced technologies to optimize energy consumption and elevate overall performance.
“We are excited to bring the TC Range R290 propane compressor, specifically designed for ice cream freezers. Propane (R290) is an eco-friendly refrigerant with low global warming potential (GWP) and zero ozone depletion potential (ODP). The TC range combines the benefits of propane refrigerant with Tecumseh’s compressor expertise, ensuring exceptional cooling performance while minimizing environmental impact. Ice cream manufacturers can now offer delightful treats while demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, evaluated Kumar and Prasad.
Also recognizing the expanding role of last-mile delivery in the ice cream industry, Tecumseh has introduced DC-based variable-speed Masterflux compressors. Specifically designed for efficient temperature control during transportation, these compressors adapt their speed according to load requirements, optimizing energy consumption and maintaining temperature stability. Ice cream arrives in perfect condition, ensuring customer satisfaction.
“At Tecumseh, we remain dedicated to providing cutting-edge solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and support the evolving needs of the ice cream industry,” said the duo.
While Chandrakant enlightened, “We are having special-purpose ice cream hardeners compatible with more than 90% packing types of ice cream candies, chocolate bars, cups, cones, bulks, shells, etc., which are much more user-friendly for ice cream manufacturing. “With its compact design and cascade compressor-type refrigeration technology, it is also very cost-effective.
Advances to enhance energy efficiency in cold rooms, storage, and reefer trucks
Talking about the cold chain and storage, there are actually many different ways to do it. The cooling system, which is the beginning of the cold chain, is where ice cream needs to be brought down to its ideal storage temperature. This is where cooling systems come into play. These are not your average refrigerators, but large-scale facilities capable of handling vast quantities of goods. Then the cold storage warehouses, which are single temperature-controlled rooms in vast complexes, can store goods for extended periods.
Then refrigeration trucks, as once ice cream leaves the warehouse, they need to be transported to their final destination, be it a retail store or directly to consumers. This is where refrigerated trucks come into play. Equipped with advanced cooling systems, they manage cold cargo to remain at their ideal temperature throughout their journey.
Reefers trucks are short for refrigerated containers; these are used for transporting for extended durations and are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure that temperature and humidity levels remain consistent. Finally, cold processing and distribution centres—these facilities are where products might undergo final processing before reaching consumers.
Ice-Make Refrigeration has been innovative in cold storage. “We have established an in-house heat exchanger manufacturing plant to match compressor capacity according to application and ambient temperature for efficient performance of refrigeration systems. There are very few manufacturers having this type of facility in the country, explained Chandrakant.
Tecumseh also offers an extensive array of products to address the requirements of cold rooms and storage solutions. Its offers:
• Packaged Condensing Units: Designed for ease of installation and superior performance, our packaged condensing units contribute to the overall energy efficiency of cold room solutions.
• Water-Cooled Condensing Units: Featuring innovative water-cooled technology, these units enhance energy efficiency while providing consistent and reliable cooling for various storage applications.
• Semi-Hermetic Condensing Units: Our semi-hermetic condensing units combine durability with energy efficiency, ensuring long-term, reliable operation for cold storage solutions.
• Evaporators: Engineered for optimal heat exchange, our evaporators play a crucial role in maintaining the desired temperature within cold rooms.
• Cold Room Control Panels: We provide advanced control panels to ensure precise temperature management, contributing to energy savings and efficient cold room operation. Our comprehensive range is designed to cater to the entire spectrum of cold room and storage requirements, delivering energy-efficient solutions at every stage of the cooling process.
For reefer trucks, the company has introduced the DC-based Variable Speed Masterflux Compressors, designed specifically for reefer trucks. This innovation addresses the critical need for maintaining optimal temperatures during transportation, especially in the expanding last-mile delivery services.
“Our DC-based variable speed compressors for reefer trucks utilize advanced technology, allowing precise temperature control even in varying ambient conditions. By adapting the compressor’s speed based on the load requirement, these compressors optimize energy consumption, ensuring both efficiency and temperature stability, informed the duo.
In fact, the DC-based Variable Speed Masterflux Compressors are particularly well-suited for electric vehicles, aligning with the growing trend towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions.
Compliance with Regulations
Food safety regulations are strict, and businesses in the ice cream industry must comply with various standards to operate legally. Proper cold storage is often a regulatory requirement. Failing to meet these regulatory standards can result in penalties, legal consequences, and reputational damage. By investing in the right cold storage infrastructure, businesses can ensure they meet all necessary regulations.
A well-designed cold storage solution isn’t merely a convenience for ice cream businesses; it stands as a fundamental necessity for protecting quality, upholding food safety, and prolonging the shelf life of their products. Investing in contemporary, efficient, and diligently maintained cold storage facilities represents a pivotal step for any ice cream enterprise aspiring to rise within a competitive market following regulatory rules. Ultimately, it serves as the cornerstone for serving that flawless scoop of ice cream to elated customers, regardless of the season.
Tecumseh compressors are BIS-certified, ensuring that they meet the stringent quality and safety standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards. This certification provides assurance to manufacturers and end-users regarding the reliability and performance of our compressors in deep freezer applications.