Leading UK retailer Morrisons has announced a groundbreaking initiative in partnership with the Move to -15°C Coalition, marking a significant shift in the industry’s approach to freezer temperatures. Starting August 1, 2024, Morrisons will adjust the freezer settings in 10 of its stores, raising the temperature from the traditional -18°C to -15°C. This move aims to reduce energy consumption significantly without compromising food safety.
Morrisons is a major UK supermarket chain known for its commitment to providing customers with fresh produce and quality groceries at great value. Founded in 1899 in Bradford, England, it has grown to become one of the country’s largest food retailers, operating around 500 stores nationwide.
By adopting this new standard, Morrisons aligns with its goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions from its operations by 2035. The initiative is expected to result in significant cost savings, which Morrisons plans to leverage to maintain competitive pricing across its approximately 500 supermarkets and 1,600 convenience stores in the UK.
Morrisons: First UK retailer to take action
Historically, the standard of -18°C for storing frozen food has remained unchanged for nearly a century, despite advancements in refrigeration technology. According to Morrisons, recent studies indicate a mere 3°C increase can drastically cut energy usage and carbon emissions across the global supply chain. Such changes could lead to energy savings equivalent to 8.6% of the UK’s total consumption and reduce carbon emissions comparable to removing 3.8 million cars from the roads.
Ruth McDonald, Morrisons group corporate services director, highlighted the outdated nature of the current standard, which was established nearly 100 years ago without subsequent updates to reflect modern capabilities.
“We now have vastly better freezers and modern technology that provides precise monitoring of temperatures throughout the supply chain,” said McDonald. “We applaud the Move to -15°C movement for their original thinking and willingness to challenge a long-accepted standard and in doing so identify a significant opportunity for positive progress for both the environment and the food industry.”
Thomas Eskesen, Chairman of the Move to -15°C Coalition, expressed his enthusiasm for Morrisons’ commitment.
“We are delighted to welcome Morrisons to our Coalition, and are excited that they are taking action,” Eskesen stated. “In order for us to be successful with making the change to -15°C, it is essential that we have representatives and support from every stage of the frozen food supply chain, so to have a large UK retailer like Morrisons on board is an important step forward for us.”
Morrisons’ involvement with the Move to -15°C Coalition also includes advocating for broader industry participation.
“On behalf of our customers, our carbon commitments and the planet we are enthusiastically embracing the opportunity and putting together a concrete plan and timetable to increase the freezer temperatures across our stores and frozen supply chain by 3°C,” McDonald said. “As we execute our plan, we will be encouraging our suppliers and partners to do the same.”
