30 Jul 2026
As Britain prepares for another spell of hot weather, Waitrose is continuing to invest in new refrigeration technology designed to help improve the availability of chilled products for customers during periods of extreme heat.
As UK summers become hotter and more frequent heatwaves put increasing pressure on retailers, Waitrose is accelerating investment in its refrigeration systems to make stores more resilient while improving energy efficiency.
As part of its £1bn investment programme, Waitrose has been modernising refrigeration across its estate. More than 100 Waitrose branches - including recently refurbished shops in Newbury, Bloomsbury, Barnet and Menai Bridge - feature the latest generation of cooling technology with the installation of new fridges that can withstand Mediterranean-level heat.
This summer's heatwaves provided the latest real-world test of those systems. Waitrose found its newest refrigeration technology proved more resilient than older equipment.
The retailer is now developing the next generation of cooling technology, combining refrigeration with heat pumps to enable external cooling equipment to continue operating in outdoor temperatures of up to 48°C.
Waitrose has also redesigned its refrigerated cabinets to better retain cold air, helping them operate more efficiently and perform more effectively during prolonged periods of high temperatures.
Tina Mitchell, Waitrose Retail Director, said: "Customers rightly expect to be able to shop for fresh and chilled food whatever the weather. That’s why we’ve been investing in modernising our refrigeration systems for many years.
"This summer shows our latest refrigeration technology is more resilient than older equipment, and we’re continuing to accelerate investment across our estate.
"As hotter summers become more common, we’re continuing to invest in technology to keep products at peak freshness, help our stores perform reliably and improve energy efficiency."
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About Waitrose
Waitrose is the Home of Food Lovers, serving customers with exceptional quality products and expert service.
Part of the John Lewis Partnership - the UK’s largest employee-owned business - Waitrose has over 320 shops and a strong online business. It also has agreements with brands like Welcome Break and Shell, further bolstering its local footprint.
It works closely with British farmers and suppliers, and is a market-leader for animal welfare and responsible sourcing - using sustainable farming methods, including on its very own farm, the Leckford Estate.
Waitrose holds a Royal Warrant as Grocer and Wine & Spirits Merchant to His Majesty King Charles III.
