Criomac is a company that operates internationally for the production of machinery for industrial refrigeration.
Interview with Paolo Roberto Dell’Edera, Sales & Marketing Director at Criomac Srl.
A brief description of the company and its activities.
Paolo Roberto Dell’Edera: It all started in 2019 with the acquisition of a historic Italian company in the sector, after years of close collaboration and acquisition of the best techniques and knowledge, transferring some machinery and know-how to Conversano (a city near Bari, South of Italy), under a new company name: thus, was born Criomac Srl, a company that operates internationally in the production of industrial and commercial refrigeration machinery. With more than 40 years of experience in the sector, the creation of this company in Southern Italy aims to bring a modern and innovative approach to a field that is often considered traditional and stuck on traditional standards and applications for most operators. It was founded by a team of experts with a common passion for technology and sustainability, in order to embark on this journey of ours with the aim of offering efficient and solutions as eco-friendly as possible.
Our daily activity is characterized by a continuous search for innovation: continuous investment in research and development to create cutting-edge machinery that meets customer needs, contributing to a more sustainable future. This translates into the pursuit of some of our main objectives that drive our commitment, including: optimization of energy consumption, reduction of environmental impact and continuous improvement of the quality of customer-oriented service and assistance. A distinctive feature of Criomac is certainly the ability to quickly adapt to new market challenges and the construction of solid and long-lasting relationships with suppliers and customers, listening to their real needs and offering tailor-made solutions. For the future, we undoubtedly want to continue our growth and make a difference in our sector, to become a central point of reference within the Refrigeration sector.
What are the main areas of activity of the company?
P.R.D.E: We operate primarily in the refrigeration sector, offering a variety of services and products related to cooling and temperature control systems of all sizes and applications. The main areas of activity typically include:
- Manufacturing of Refrigeration Equipment: we produce a range of refrigeration systems, such as condensing units, compressors racks, chillers, heat-pumps and other products that are integral to cooling and temperature control systems.
- Design: we also offer custom-designed refrigeration solutions tailored to specific customer needs, particularly in industrial, commercial, transport and even residential applications.
- Assistance: Criomac provides full assistance to our customers ensuring that systems start and remain operational and efficient throughout their lifespan.
- Energy Efficiency Solutions: Given the growing focus on sustainability, we focus and specialize in energy-efficient refrigeration technologies, helping clients reduce energy consumption and operational costs while maintaining optimal cooling performance.
- Consultation and Engineering: Providing consultation on system optimization, designing specific refrigeration solutions, and offering expert engineering services to address complex cooling requirements is another aspect of our business.
The company might also cater to industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, logistics (cold chain), and other sectors where refrigeration plays a critical role in product preservation or environmental control.
What’s the news about new products/services?
P.R.D.E: We are focused on daily improvement and increase our approach on the following fields, always aiming to supply top-notch solutions in Refrigeration sector which include:
- Energy-Efficiency: With increasing demand for sustainability, we work to introduce and spread more energy-efficient refrigeration systems, using advanced compressors, natural refrigerants (like CO2 or ammonia), and smart technologies for better energy management.
- IoT-Enabled Refrigeration Systems: Another likely area of innovation is the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology into refrigeration units. This includes, for example, smart sensors that monitor temperature and performance remotely, helping clients optimize system performance and reduce downtime.
- Modular and Scalable Units: we also constantly study and research the development of modular refrigeration systems, which allow for more flexibility in scaling up or down according to the size and specific needs of different businesses, especially in industries like food storage or pharmaceuticals.
- Automation and Remote Control: R&D Department is also focused on automation, allowing for greater ease of control and monitoring from anywhere, improving maintenance efficiency and operational oversight.
- Eco-Friendly Refrigerants: As regulations on refrigerant use tighten, Criomac always suggests to customers systems that use newer, more environmentally friendly refrigerants, which are less harmful to the ozone layer and contribute to lower global warming potential (GWP).
What are the ranges of products/services?
P.R.D.E: We actually offer a diverse range of products tailored to various industries that require temperature control and cooling solutions. Here’s a general overview of the kinds of products you might expect from us in the refrigeration field:
- Custom Solutions and Design Services
We provide bespoke refrigeration systems for industries with specific cooling requirements. These include:
- System Design & Engineering: consultation services to design custom refrigeration systems based on the size of the business, type of goods stored, and environmental conditions.
- Cold Chain Solutions: Specialized systems for industries like food logistics, pharmaceuticals, transport and healthcare, where maintaining precise temperatures is critical for product quality and safety.
- Retrofits and Upgrades: Upgrading older refrigeration systems with new, more energy-efficient technologies or replacing outdated components.
- Specialized Applications
We also provide specialized products for sectors requiring precise or unique refrigeration systems, such as:
- Pharmaceutical Refrigeration: Offering solutions that maintain strict temperature control for sensitive drugs and vaccines.
- Food Industry Refrigeration: Products for the preservation of fresh produce, meat, dairy, and frozen foods with systems designed for the specific demands of food safety and storage.
- After-Sales Support
We offer comprehensive pre- and post- sales services, including:
- Training: Offering training programs for operators or maintenance teams to ensure proper handling and efficient use of refrigeration systems.
- Warranty and Support: Providing warranties on products and ongoing technical support for troubleshooting and repairs.
What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
P.R.D.E: The refrigeration market, particularly in sectors that we are involved in, is undergoing significant transformations driven by technological, environmental, and regulatory factors:
- Growing Demand for Energy-Efficient and Sustainable Solutions
Energy efficiency has become one of the most critical factors in the refrigeration industry. The demand for refrigeration systems that are energy-efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly is increasing across all sectors and types of investments. Several factors contribute to this trend:
- Rising Energy Costs: As energy prices continue to rise globally, businesses are more focused on reducing their energy consumption. Refrigeration, being one of the highest energy-consuming operations in industries, is a prime target for energy-saving solutions.
- Environmental Regulations: There is a global push toward reducing the carbon footprint of refrigeration systems. Governments in many regions have imposed stricter regulations on the use of high-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants. As a result, companies like Criomac, which are committed to sustainability, are increasingly adopting natural refrigerants such as CO2, ammonia, and propane, which have much lower environmental impact compared to traditional refrigerants like HFCs.
In conclusion, the refrigeration market where we operate is evolving toward more energy-efficient, environmentally responsible, and technology-driven solutions. Companies that can offer sustainable systems, integrate IoT capabilities, and provide specialized services (such as for the food, pharmaceutical, or cold chain industries) will be well-positioned for growth.
For Criomac, staying ahead of regulatory changes, offering retrofit services for older systems, and expanding into sectors like pharmaceutical refrigeration or IoT-enabled smart systems could be key opportunities in this competitive and growing market.
What can you tell us about market trends?
P.R.D.E: The refrigeration market is influenced by regional trends, that’s to say:
- Europe: The EU is a leader in setting strict environmental regulations, which has spurred the adoption of eco-friendly refrigerants and energy-efficient systems. Companies operating in Europe may need to adapt quickly to evolving standards set by Commissions like the European Commission.
- North America: The U.S. and Canada have seen increased demand for energy-efficient refrigeration systems in commercial sectors, especially in grocery stores and cold storage. There’s also a growing trend of implementing smart refrigeration solutions with integrated IoT and automation.
- Asia-Pacific: This region is experiencing rapid growth in the demand for refrigeration equipment, particularly due to industrialization, urbanization, and increased demand for cold chain logistics. The food and beverage industry, in particular, is a major driver of this demand.
What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
P.R.D.E: In today’s competitive refrigeration market, energy efficiency, sustainability, and technology integration are the pillars of innovation for our products. Companies like Us that prioritize eco-friendly solutions, smart technology, and customizable products are well-positioned to capture growth in these high-demand areas. We are truly focused on these kinds of innovations, which could lead us to offering cutting-edge solutions:
- Smart, IoT-enabled refrigeration units
- Modular systems with energy recovery capabilities
- Natural refrigerant-based systems
- Sustainable refrigeration models for the food and pharmaceutical industries
These kinds of products and services are driving the industry forward, and we would be well-served to continue innovating along these lines to meet the evolving needs of the market.
What estimations do you have for the beginning of 2025?
P.R.D.E: As we head into this new year, the refrigeration sector is likely to experience some significant shifts, driven by ongoing trends, technological advancements, and evolving global needs and regulations. In my opinion and getting some info and news about the overall upcoming trends, these could be the key estimations for the refrigeration market at the beginning of 2025, most of them already mentioned above:
- Strong Focus on Sustainability and Environmental Regulations
- Growth of Smart Refrigeration Systems
- Continued Demand for Energy Efficiency
- Expansion of Cold Chain Logistics
- Rise of Modular and Scalable Refrigeration Systems
- Digitalized
- Innovation in Refrigeration for Retail and Foodservice
- Digital Supply Chain and Blockchain for Cold Chain
- Increased Adoption of Eco-Friendly Refrigerants
- Accelerated Technological Advancements in Refrigeration Equipment
Overall, the refrigeration industry in 2025 will be characterized by increased digitalization, greater sustainability efforts, and innovative business models, all of which will open new opportunities for companies like Us to thrive in a rapidly evolving market.