Artisan Ice Cream: Freezing and Display Equipment for Retail Shops and HoReCa

Why refrigeration equipment matters in the artisan ice cream business

Artisan ice cream has conquered the Romanian market in recent years, becoming a staple in gelaterias, cafés, hotels and speciality shops. Yet the quality of a truly artisan product depends not only on the recipe and ingredients, but equally on the equipment used for freezing and display. The right equipment preserves the creamy texture, vibrant colours and freshness of flavours — precisely what brings customers back.

If you own a food shop or gelateria, or work in the HoReCa industry and want to offer artisan ice cream to the highest standards, this guide explains what equipment you need and how to choose it correctly.

Chest freezers and freezer cabinets: the first line of preservation

Artisan ice cream is produced at temperatures between -6 °C and -10 °C and must subsequently be stored at temperatures of at least -18 °C for long-term preservation. This is where medium- and large-capacity freezers become indispensable in any production or storage space.

For high-turnover points of sale, chest freezers are a practical and energy-efficient solution. They allow quick product access, good visibility and a storage capacity that can be adapted to your needs. Modaco offers a wide range of chest freezers and freezers, suitable for both small spaces and high-traffic locations.

Display fridges: selling starts with the eyes

Artisan ice cream also sells through appearance. A well-chosen display fridge turns your product into a powerful visual argument. There are two main categories of display unit relevant to this segment:

Horizontal display fridges for direct presentation

Horizontal display fridges with an open top or a glass lid are ideal for gelaterias and counter-service points of sale. Modaco manufactures the horizontal display fridges in the VF1000, VF1000D and VFX1000 series at its own workshop in Găești, intended for products requiring refrigeration temperatures. These units can also be custom-made to the customer's dimensions, with a lead time of 15–25 working days.

For ice cream, however, you will generally opt for equipment with freezing temperatures, which Modaco offers from its portfolio of imported products or sourced to order.

Vertical display fridges and chest-style freezer cabinets

Vertical display fridges with glass doors are excellent for displaying pre-packaged ice cream — cups, sealed cones, glazed bars. They allow customers to see the full product range and make their choice independently. Modaco imports quality vertical display fridges, available from stock for fast delivery within 24–48 hours, or sourced to order within 15–25 working days.

Cold rooms: the solution for larger-scale production and storage

If you produce or store ice cream in large quantities, a freezer cold room is the investment that gives you operational independence. You can size the room exactly to your needs — floor area, working temperature, cooling system.

Modaco offers custom-built cold rooms, adapted to your space and technical requirements. Installation is not included in the standard price, but can be requested separately at an additional cost. Shipping costs are calculated and displayed at checkout, depending on destination and dimensions.

Practical tips for choosing the right equipment

• Determine your production and storage volume before selecting equipment capacity.
• Take the available floor space into account — horizontal display fridges occupy more floor area, while vertical ones are more compact.
• Check energy consumption — energy-efficient equipment reduces operating costs in the long run.
• Choose equipment that is easy to clean — hygiene is essential in the food sector, especially with ice cream.
• Think about the customer experience — an attractive, well-lit display fridge increases sales without any additional marketing effort.

Ordering and collection

Products available from stock can be delivered within 24–48 hours. Made-to-order products — including the VF1000, VF1000D and VFX1000 display fridges built to the customer's dimensions, or equipment sourced specifically for you — have a lead time of 15–25 working days. If you prefer to collect your order in person, you can do so from the Modaco warehouse at Găești, Strada Libertății 15, by prior appointment.

Contact Modaco for the right solution for your business

The Modaco team can help you choose the right refrigeration equipment for artisan ice cream, whether you are just starting out or looking to expand your capacity. Call us now on 0727.324.787 and receive expert advice — fast and with no hidden costs.