Advanced CO₂ refrigeration for a modern wholesale market
A leading wholesale operator in Austria has opened a new state-of-the-art cash & carry market designed specifically for hospitality, foodservice, and hotel professionals. The facility features more than 21,000 food and non-food products, over 5,000 square meters of organized sales space, and a customer-centric layout that combines efficiency with an enhanced shopping experience.
The market offers a diverse assortment of regional and international specialties, dedicated fresh food areas, a premium cigar humidor, a cooking studio, and a food marketplace complemented by a modern bistro. Designed to meet the needs of professional customers, the new facility represents one of the most advanced wholesale environments in Austria, combining operational excellence, sustainability, and innovative refrigeration technology.
A €50 Million Investment in the Future of Wholesale Distribution
The project is part of a long-term development strategy aimed at expanding capacity and improving logistics efficiency. Following decades of successful operation, the existing site had reached its capacity limits, making a major expansion necessary.
With a total investment of €50 million, the first phase included the construction of a new cash & carry market on 12,000 square meters of newly developed land. The project also includes the transformation of the former facility into a modern logistics center featuring 34 loading bays, extensive storage capacity, and dedicated refrigerated areas covering approximately 13,000 square meters.
This strategic investment strengthens the operator's ability to serve hospitality and foodservice customers while supporting future growth and operational efficiency.
Modern Store Design with High-Performance Refrigeration
The new market was designed to provide customers with clear navigation and excellent product visibility throughout the store. Dedicated departments for meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, chilled foods, and frozen products create an intuitive shopping journey.
A contemporary interior concept combining subtle dark-grey finishes with warm wood accents creates an inviting atmosphere. An essential part of this design is the integration of transparent, energy-efficient refrigerated display solutions supplied by HAUSER.
The refrigeration equipment combines premium aesthetics with high performance, helping create a modern retail environment while supporting sustainability objectives and reducing operational costs.
Seamless Refrigeration Modernization with CO₂ Technology
As part of the modernization project, twelve existing refrigeration systems serving chilled and frozen food departments were gradually replaced with two new HAUSER CO₂ booster refrigeration systems without disrupting daily operations.
At the same time, HAUSER installed a comprehensive range of refrigerated furniture, including:
- 160 linear meters of Remeta refrigerated cabinets with glass swing doors
- 76 linear meters of Meranis freezer and chilled islands with sliding glass lids
- 6 linear meters of Mirengo upright freezers
The fully glazed design of the refrigerated displays was selected to maximize product visibility while delivering superior energy performance. By combining transparency, functionality, and efficiency, the new refrigeration solutions contribute significantly to both the customer experience and the store's sustainability goals.
Maximum Product Visibility and Energy Efficiency
The new refrigerated displays are characterized by high transparency and premium design, helping customers easily view products while improving merchandising effectiveness.
The Meranis freezer islands feature large panoramic glazing and a low profile, ensuring clear visibility across the frozen food assortment. Remeta refrigerated cabinets combine elegant glass doors with excellent product presentation and efficient refrigeration performance. Thanks to innovative technology, these cabinets consume up to 20% less energy than previous models.
The Mirengo upright freezers further enhance product visibility while delivering high space productivity, optimized airflow management, and reduced operating costs. Their energy-saving glass doors and efficient fan technology contribute to outstanding overall energy performance.
Beyond customer benefits, the transparent design also helps employees monitor stock levels more effectively, supporting daily operations and inventory management.
Sustainable CO₂ Refrigeration and Heat Recovery
The store's refrigeration infrastructure is powered by two advanced CO₂ booster systems, utilizing environmentally friendly natural refrigerants to minimize environmental impact.
Engineered with built-in redundancy, the systems provide maximum operational reliability while ensuring stable performance under varying load conditions.
A key sustainability feature is the recovery of waste heat generated by the refrigeration process. Instead of being discharged, this energy is reused to heat the building and provide hot water, significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
Combined with rooftop photovoltaic installations and broader sustainability initiatives focused on resource efficiency, packaging optimization, waste reduction, and recycling, the refrigeration system plays a central role in lowering the facility's carbon footprint.
Driving Sustainable Wholesale Operations
This project demonstrates how advanced commercial refrigeration technology can support both operational performance and environmental responsibility. By combining CO₂ refrigeration systems, heat recovery solutions, and energy-efficient refrigerated displays, the new wholesale market establishes a strong example of sustainable food retail and wholesale infrastructure.
The result is a future-ready facility that delivers excellent product presentation, reduced energy consumption, and long-term value for both the operator and its customers