DESIGN CHOICES 2025
Thanks to our unique position in the Nordic market and as part of the global Arneg group, we have a strong ability to summarize and understand current store trends related to the design of refrigerated cabinets and energy focus. By understanding today's trends, we can anticipate future needs. The flexibility that comes with being close to the customer with production in Sweden means that we can satisfy almost any request, and it is precisely these unique requests that act as seeds for future trends. Those who dare to do something different can be the first in a wave of upcoming design choices.
Trends in our industry can be divided into two main categories: design and energy technology.
In 2025, we see a range of exciting trends in refrigerated cabinets for grocery stores. These trends are driven by technological innovations, increased environmental requirements, and changing consumer behaviors. Here is an overview of the most prominent developments.
Consumer Experience and Design
As stores strive to reduce negative environmental impact and lower electricity costs, recent years' trends have been characterized by lids and doors on islands and cabinets. The current situation remains unchanged, and thanks to significant investments in R&D, we have succeeded in creating minimalist designs on several of our models. This means more transparency, slimmed-down construction, and larger glass panels; all to put the store's products in focus.
This focus is then complemented by major advances in lighting. All units from WICA come with state-of-the-art LED lighting. The products take center stage, and the LEDs act as spotlights, with minimal fading and discoloration.
Sustainability is a strong trend, and a central aspect of development is long lifespan and low environmental impact. Stores expect materials to be recyclable, and up to 96% of the materials in our units can be recycled.
While the cooling technology inside cabinets has developed, we have also managed to reduce the physical footprint of the units without compromising volume. Floor space is extremely important for smaller stores, and generating more customer space through shallower refrigeration units is often a prerequisite for renovation. Check out our vertical cabinet Osaka 3 LX, where you can fit a 500 mm deep shelf with only 767 mm external depth and footprint.
Concepts: Metal or Wood in the deli?
Deli counters are often equipped with special fronts in grained wood or why not corrugated metal fronts. By changing the design in the deli area, several stores have succeeded in creating a unique feel where customers enter a new section previously delineated by color and shape. Cold single-level cabinets in front of deli counters have increased as stores produce accompaniments in the store kitchen (i.e. bearnaise sauce). The model act as impulse purchase areas while customers wait their turn. The trend has been so strong that WICA now has its own model, Chania.
Flexibility and adaptability are key words for 2025. Refrigerated cabinets can be customized to meet specific needs of different types of stores, from small convenience stores to large hypermarkets. This is especially true for deli counters with adjustable tops, something that has increased dramatically in popularity after the Nordics macroeconomy has changed. Our latest model, London4, can be equipped as manual, self-service, or adjustable.
Store-made products and ready-to-go meals
Lunch business is important for all store sizes, and the trend is clear; stores want to sell store-produced food, preferably in pre-packaged meal boxes. This has led to great demand for our unique model, Velden. An open multi-level unit that has an incredible ability to showcase products, especially in-store produced items. Velden has also become popular in fresh produce and fruit and vegetable sections thanks to its versatility and sales power. By equipping Velden with the same concept choices as in the deli, departments are linked together, creating sales points throughout the store. Bonus if these sales points contain high-margin products.
Summary
In 2025, refrigerated cabinets for grocery stores are characterized by technological innovations, environmental awareness, flexibility, sustainability, and improved consumer experience. These trends help stores meet both economic and environmental challenges while offering a better experience for their customers.