What is the project
Charcuterie & take-away line (assisted service + self-service)
Project at a glance
Development of a line of refrigerated display cases for deli and take-away, designed to facilitate staff service reach through the integration of front self-service volume, optimising service, cleaning and maintenance, and minimising the risk of musculoskeletal strain associated with repetitive movements, inadequate postures and physical effort. Designed to support the continuous growth in demand for ready-to-go food — one of the most profitable categories in food retail — supporting the implementation of new store-of-the-future concepts.
Objectives
- Create a display and service concept suited to the trends of ready meals, characterised by an extensive diversity of products
- Provide heated ventilated display cases and bain-marie units aligned with the refrigerated display cases
- Develop deli display cases with an image and design aligned with the new butcher counter display case
- Provide both a refrigerated and a heated volume within the same module
- Provide for coupling between the different typologies, ensuring a uniform appearance
- Reduce energy consumption by 30% and position the display case at the best energy classification on the market — class C (for 3M1)
- Ensure that the refrigerated and heated self-service volume does not add energy inefficiency to the display case
- Increase operational efficiency in service and restocking tasks through layout optimisation and the integration of peripherals that reduce operator movement
- Reduce ergonomic risks through partial solutions that improve reach
What we delivered
- Reduction of ergonomic risks without compromising display capacity or operational efficiency
- 25% reduction in the staff's required reach, contributing significantly to improved working conditions
- Service process optimised — the mixed concept of assisted service and self-service allows operators, during quieter periods, to focus on the preparation and packaging of ready-to-eat meals, which are then made available in the self-service area
- Separation between the display volumes enables efficient energy consumption management, allowing the operator to use only the sections required at each point throughout the day
- Greater fluidity and speed of service
- New display volume dedicated to packaged food for fast-paced shoppers and cross-selling
Key metrics
- Energy efficiency index — EEI=D
- Ergonomic risk reduction — 25%
- Primary pilot locations — 8 retail stores
- Events — 2 trade shows: Host Milano 2025 (Milan) and Euroshop 2026 (Düsseldorf)
Summary
The "Combo" concept is a new line of deli and take-away display cases designed for modern store formats and the growing demand for ready-to-go food. By combining assisted service and self-service within a single module, it reduces operator reach by 25%, significantly improving ergonomic conditions without compromising display capacity or preservation performance. The concept also delivers greater operational flexibility, more efficient energy use, and faster, smoother service for the end customer.
The developed line fully meets its primary objectives: ergonomic risk reduction, optimised service workflow, and improved working conditions. During quieter periods, operators can focus on preparing and packaging ready-to-eat meals for the self-service area, while the separation between display volumes allows energy consumption to be managed section by section throughout the day. End customers responded positively, highlighting greater speed and fluidity of service as a key benefit of the new concept.
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