How can we accelerate refrigeration transition pathways while managing cost and complexity? That question guided the recent two-day Refrigeration Innovation Roundtable hosted by Ahold Delhaize USA in Washington, D.C. The workshop brought together leaders from across Ahold Delhaize companies, along with external experts, manufacturers and academic organizations, to examine practical solutions that support our ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040.

Why refrigeration?
Refrigerant systems represent one of the most significant opportunities to reduce operational emissions across the ADUSA brand store network, and they are deeply connected to how we design, build and operate stores.

“Addressing refrigerant systems and the types of refrigerants used in our operations is a key effort within store development work and part of our broader climate impact strategy needed to achieve our goals,” said Tom Kelly, SVP of Store Development, Leasing and Facilities Support. “This transition can be costly and complex, so the refrigeration workshop was an important opportunity to bring together a diverse set of stakeholders to discuss these challenges in an innovative forum while driving partnerships that support our Growing Together strategy.”

What was explored?
Over two days, participants generated nearly 300 ideas and identified high-impact pilot opportunities, including:

• Workforce upskilling and technician certification
• Standardizing natural refrigerant CO₂ system design for efficiencies
• AI-enabled predictive maintenance and leak detection
• Cross‑industry partnerships that drive innovation

What’s next?
Teams are refining pilot concepts and developing activation roadmaps for near-, mid- and long-term execution, including further industry dialogue.

The discussions reinforced both the complexity of the transition and the significant opportunity ahead while underscoring that collaboration will be essential to scaling sustainable refrigeration solutions across the business.