From sprawling one-stop mega marts totaling over 130,000 square feet to urban mini marts as small as 6,000 square feet, today’s food retailers are experimenting with new store sizes and formats to meet the needs of today’s shoppers right where they are. Across all these models, one thing stands out: the growing dominance of the fresh department.
Fresh categories drove 42% of total store sales last year, according to The State of Fresh Foods 2025 report from FMI – The Food Industry Association, with meat and produce each contributing 11%, and fresh-prepared foodservice alone hitting a record $56 billion. As a result, retailers are doubling down on perimeter investments to remain competitive – using fresh foods to differentiate with innovative product offerings, deepen customer loyalty and boost profitability.
As store formats evolve, so do the demands on refrigeration systems. Next-generation refrigerant technologies each bring unique benefits and challenges. The key isn’t chasing trends, but choosing solutions that fit for purpose: systems that align with grocers’ geography, infrastructure and long-term sustainability goals.
At FMI’s 2025 Energy + Store Development Conference, Elvan Sari, global senior refrigerants product manager for Solstice Advanced Materials, took time to step away to discuss the latest refrigerant solutions and which ones are most compatible with retailers’ long-term fresh strategies.
What shifts or emerging trends stood out at this year’s Energy + Store Development Conference — especially those that could shape how grocers design or operate their stores in the next few years?
One of the most refreshing themes that kept popping up — and one that really stuck with me — was the realization that “one size doesn’t fit all.” It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of alternative technologies and sweeping regulations, but the reality is that grocers operate in vastly different environments. What works for a flagship store in a dense urban market might not be feasible for a rural location with limited contractor support.
A2L refrigerants are gaining traction because they’re familiar territory for technicians — not a huge leap in terms of servicing or installation. They offer a lower GWP – that’s Global Warming Potential, a measure of how much heat a refrigerant traps in the atmosphere compared to CO2 – and the systems bring flexibility to store design. That’s a win when you’re trying to future-proof your layout without reinventing the wheel.
That’s why we feel it’s important to help retailers navigate these choices by focusing on fit-for-purpose solutions — not just what’s trending, but what works for their geography, infrastructure and long-term goals.
When it comes to selecting refrigeration systems, what concerns or trade-offs are top of mind for retailers right now? Were there any recurring pain points you heard from attendees?
The big concern is finding the right fit. Retailers shared frustrations about being nudged toward systems that don’t align with their operational realities. CO₂ can be complex and costly, especially for stores in areas without specialized contractors.
A2Ls are a smoother transition as they are more familiar to technicians, easier to install and adaptable to various store formats. The trade-off often lies between simplicity and future-proofing, and retailers are seeking that sweet spot where compliance, cost and sustainability meet.
The lifetime carbon impact of a system isn’t just about refrigerant GWP. A huge portion comes from energy consumption over time. So, while refrigerant choice matters, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Retailers are starting to ask smarter questions — not just “What’s the lowest GWP?” but “What’s the best fit for my store, my geography and my long-term sustainability goals?”
What are the compliance considerations for engineers in a dynamic moment for the EPA, as they continue to plan for refrigeration systems in supermarkets and convenience stores?
Compliance is a moving target right now. With EPA regulations evolving and timelines shifting, engineers are in a bit of a juggling act. But here’s the thing: EPA shifting gears shouldn’t cause panic. There are options, and each comes with its own set of challenges. The industry needs to come together to remove barriers to implementation — whether that means updating outdated standards, streamlining codes or optimizing compressors for next-gen refrigerants. If we do this right, the transition to low-GWP refrigerants can be smooth.
At Solstice, we’re actively working with partners and industry groups to support this transition — not just by offering solutions, but by helping retailers and engineers stay informed and confident in their choices.
As store formats evolve and layouts become more flexible and/or smaller, how can distributed refrigeration systems — such as those using A2Ls — help retailers balance efficiency, safety and space constraints?
Flexibility is the name of the game. As retailers experiment with smaller footprints and modular layouts, they need refrigeration systems that can adapt — without adding complexity. Distributed systems using A2Ls are well-suited for this shift. Whether it’s self-contained units, water-loop setups or remote condensers, A2Ls support a range of configurations that align with modern design needs.
They’re also energy-efficient and technician-friendly, which makes them practical for a wide range of store types. And while refrigerant GWP matters, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Energy use over the system’s lifetime plays a huge role in carbon impact, so choosing scalable, serviceable systems is key to meeting sustainability goals.
What were the most memorable or surprising moments of the FMI E+SD Conference?
It’s not every day you find yourself in a room full of refrigeration nerds passionately debating. Then there were the hallway stories — like someone reminiscing about a 1970s HFC system still running like a vintage muscle car in their machine room. It was a reminder that durability is the unsung hero of sustainability. We often chase shiny, new tech, but sometimes the old workhorse still has plenty of miles left.
And the closing remarks? Full of wisdom. As Charlie Lowe, FMI Energy + Store Development conference co-chair, said, “Embrace change and prepare for it.” That really resonated. In this industry, confidence, curiosity and collaboration are just as important as the tech itself.
Related stories:
- Technology innovations that are revolutionizing grocery as we know it
- Q&A: How a blueprint for the grocery industry began on an airport cocktail napkin
- FMI searches for the next disruptors of grocery technology
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