Ice Merchandiser Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product Type (Indoor Ice Merchandisers, Outdoor Ice Merchandisers), By End-User (Food Industry, Grocery Industry, Catering Industry), and Regional Forecast, 2021-2028

The global ice merchandiser market size was USD 208.6 million in 2020. The market is projected to grow from USD 213.6 million in 2021 to USD 261.6 million in 2028 at a CAGR of 2.9% in the 2021-2028 period. The global impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented and staggering, with witnessing a negative impact on demand across all regions amid the pandemic. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a lower growth of 2.1% in 2020 as compared to the average year-on-year growth during 2017-2019. The rise in the CAGR is attributable to this market’s demand and growth returning to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over.

Ice merchandisers are freezer units built specifically for displaying bagged ice. Distributing ice by the bag is a smart way to make money with relatively few recurrent expenses. The merchandisers are similar to reach-in refrigerators, but they are meant to showcase food and drinks for retail sales in the front of the house. This factor is one of the most effective methods to display goods while keeping them cool.

They frequently feature glass doors so that customers can see what they are buying. For maintaining functionality, merchandisers are intended to be easy to clean, both the glass and the internal parts. They come in various door styles, including swinging doors, sliding doors, and even no doors for rapid grab-and-go applications. They keep food secure by maintaining consistent temperatures and preventing food spoiling caused by cold air leakage. Furthermore, the digital display facilitates monitoring. Additionally, they have a program that uses self-diagnosis to understand the state of refrigeration systems.

Storage Capacity & Utilization at Grocery Stores to Fuel Market During COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically undermined supply networks and affected consumer demand due to lockdowns and rising unemployment. Due to factory closures and trade restrictions enforced by many countries throughout the world to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, this market was disrupted. Reduced demand as a result of widespread lockdown and reduced metal output due to manpower constraints had a significant impact on the market. The surge in coronavirus infections throughout the world has necessitated tight containment measures, which resulted in manufacturing units slowing down and equipment exports being reduced.

However, the market is expected to witness moderate growth due to storage capacity. In addition, grocery & convenience stores are utilizing these merchandisers to display bagged ice and store food products. Moreover, vaccine storage and handling have become an important aspect of the cold storage supply chain to support an efficient COVID-19 mass vaccination effort. Therefore, the rapidly increasing use of vaccine storage units is likely to fuel the ice merchandiser market growth during the forecast period.

LATEST TRENDS

Designs with Monitoring System & Digital Temperature Control to Bolster Market

The merchandisers are temperature-controlled storage devices that are often large and heavy. The ice product they are designed to store, the presence of a refrigeration system, and heavy-duty weather-resistant materials all influence their size and shape. Hence, the merchandisers are coming with integrated digital temperature control & monitoring systems.

For instance, Turbo Air’s glass door one section bottom mount insulated merchandiser is equipped with this technology. Its one-section bottom-mount insulated consists of a digital temperature control and monitor system with alerts that sound when doors are not completely closed, a smart fuzzy defrost system, and an automated evaporator fan motor delay function. The one-section bottom-mount is insulated with high-density, CFC-free polyurethane.

Furthermore, Leer’s 65CG 64" indoor cold wall merchandiser assures smooth operations. This indoor merchandiser has a sturdy, tempered safety triple-pane glass door that allows for simple loading and unloading of ice while providing good product visibility. The unit's 1/3 hp compressor uses R-404A refrigerant to provide stable, cool temperatures inside while the cold wall feature provides good protection from ambient temperatures.

Therefore, continued advancements in the refrigeration industry are driving the market and will continue to increase in the near future.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rising Demand for Reverse Fan Self-Cleaning Condensing Units to Accelerate Market Growth

The surge in customer demand for frozen and chilled foods results from changing lifestyles and urbanization. In addition, considerable expansion in the organized retail sector, such as increase in the number of grocery stores or supermarkets, further boosts the market. Additionally, the demand for technology is rising in the merchandiser industry, and the reverse fan self-cleaning condensing units have seen significant growth in recent years.

Furthermore, this reverse fan self-cleaning condensing unit keeps dust and debris away and the entire procedure cleans the interior of the indoor unit and aids in preventing bacteria. For instance, Leer Outdoor Merchandisers are assembled under good & highest quality along with 2"thick reinforced doors with welded PVC frame. Moreover, these merchandisers are mainly equipped with a reverse fan self-cleaning condensing unit, large-duty refrigeration for severe climate locations, custom-painted exterior and blue decals, and special voltage for export requirements.

Therefore, it is important to have technology-driven merchandisers that could contribute toward the growth of the global ice merchandiser market share.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Maintenance Cost & Complex Installation Process Inhibiting Market Growth

The demand for these merchandisers is increasing with the growing awareness of ice & food quality. However, complex installation procedures are a major factor limiting the market surge. In addition, the unsuitable location of these merchandisers can limit the outdoor air intakes and blockage of airflow resulting in the intake of bacteria.

Furthermore, these merchandisers require additional time for installation and the expense of product maintenance rises even more as these ducts must be sealed and insulated from outside dirt and dust. Hence, leading companies are putting in their best efforts to stay in the market and maintain their stability.

SEGMENTATION

By Product Type Analysis

Indoor Merchandiser Segment to Hold Major Market Share During the Forecast Period

By product type, the market is segmented into indoor and outdoor ice merchandisers.

Indoor models are best positioned to hold the major market share by capturing the highest CAGR in the forecast period. It is attributable to the use of these merchandisers in a liquor shop, restaurant, quick-service restaurant, or other facilities. These units have stainless steel interiors and strong insulation to maintain a temperature that keeps ice bags cold and orderly.

Furthermore, outdoor models are anticipated to grow extensively attributed to structures made of high-quality materials that can endure wind, rain, sleet, and other natural factors. Due to their durability, these units may be put outside of the liquor shop, petrol station, supermarket, or convenience store.

By End-user Analysis

Food Industry to Dominate Market During the Forecast Period

By end-user, the market is segmented into food industry, grocery industry, and catering industry.

The food industry is projected to capture the highest CAGR in the forecast period owing to the product's longevity, efficiency, and performance. In addition, these merchandisers assist with various refrigeration demands, ranging from food preparation to display. This device delivers long-term performance while also lowering running costs.

On the other side, the grocery industry is expected to witness progressive growth in this market. It is attributable to selling bagged ice that can be a valuable source of revenue for any convenience or grocery store while the use of commerce merchandiser freezer can be a source to earn additional cash.

Moreover, the catering industry is predicted to witness considerable CAGR in the forecast period. Catering companies use these kinds of merchandisers to store and display purposes. They can be used in dinners, appetizers, and desserts for display purposes and making food more appealing to the eye.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The report's scope comprises five major regions, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and South America.

The North America market is expected to exhibit substantial growth over the forecast period. This is mostly due to the well-established retail business in the U.S. Numerous large commercial refrigeration equipment manufacturers also contribute to the region’s robust market growth. Moreover, fast economic development and population growth are other factors that could contribute to the market growth.

However, the U.S. is anticipated to hold the largest market share during the forecast period. In the U.S., the market is driven by a rise in consumer demand for frozen and chilled items due to changing lifestyles and rising urbanization. Furthermore, fast growth in the organized retail sector, such as the expansion of hypermarkets and supermarkets, boosts the total sales and results in market growth.

Moreover, Asia Pacific is likely to dominate the market due to stable employment rates, improved economic circumstances, growing gross disposable income, and higher spending on leisure activities such as traveling and dining out. Developing markets, such as India and China, provide prospective market growth prospects. The development is fueled by an increase in the acceptance of frozen food and confections.

Furthermore, Europe is projected to witness substantial growth in the future. It is attributed to the region's growing population, better economic conditions, such as rising GDP and disposable incomes, and a burgeoning consumer appliances industry that have contributed to increased demand for merchandiser equipment.

South America and the Middle East & Africa are anticipated to show moderate growth. The growing urbanization, rise in the manufacturing sector, and increased expenditure on private and public infrastructure construction are all driving the market in this region. Also, the growth is further fueled by the increasing middle-class population and strengthening economy in Brazil, Mexico, and others along with the expansion of the industry.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Players Emphasizing on Technology-Driven Units to Augment Market Volume

This market is relatively concentrated, with some firms holding considerable market share. The market's top essential players control the majority of the market's share. They are inclined toward strategical approaches, including rebranding of existing products. Leading players enhancing their offerings in the market and using variety of organic and inorganic development tactics, including as new product releases, contracts, partnerships, collaborations, acquisitions, and business expansions. These players are investing in R&D to integrate the latest technologies to improve the performance.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Leer Inc. (Wisconsin, U.S.)


• Polar Temp (Georgia, U.S.)


• Iowa Rotocast Plastics, Inc. (Iowa. U.S.)


• FOGEL USA (Pennsylvania, U.S.)


• Master-Bilt (Florida, U.S.)


• Turbo Air (California, U.S.)


• Beverage Air (North Carolina, U.S.)


• Hoshizaki America, Inc. (Georgia, U.S)


• Thermal Manufacturing, Inc. (Tennessee, U.S.)


• Omcan Inc. (Ontario, Canada)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• In March 2019, Leer Inc. introduced a new Pallet Load Ice Merchandiser, a retractable floor with 150 cubic feet of storage capacity. It's also UL-listed, DOE-registered, and CE-approved and is the latest addition to Leer's portfolio of refrigerated grocery solutions.


• May 2021 – Iowa Rotocast Plastics completed the new cart project associated with TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. The portables were specially created in collaboration with Levy Restaurants and contained kiosks for bottled beer, bar, popcorn, hot food, grill, and POS stations at FC Cincinnati.

REPORT COVERAGE

This market research report provides a detailed analysis of the type & application. It provides information about leading companies and their business overview, types, and leading applications of the product. Besides, it offers insights into the competitive landscape SWOT analysis and current market trends and highlights key drivers and restraints. In addition to the aforementioned factors, the report encompasses several factors contributing to the market growth in recent years.

Report Scope & Segmentation