Adande Refrigeration Ltd. is a UK-based manufacturer of innovative and energy-efficient refrigerated drawer systems for commercial kitchens and foodservice operators. Known for its patented insulated drawer technology, Adande has established itself as a global leader in advanced refrigeration solutions that prioritize food quality, energy savings, and kitchen workflow optimization.
Company Background
Founded in the 1990s by engineers and former RAF officers, Adande was originally created to solve cooling inefficiencies on naval ships. Their unique insight into airflow and temperature control laid the foundation for their now globally patented refrigerated drawer system. Headquartered in Lowestoft, Suffolk, the company manufactures its units in the UK and supplies clients across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.
Adande’s award-winning refrigeration technology has become a preferred choice for top-tier chefs, restaurant chains, hotels, cruise lines, and institutional caterers due to its precise temperature management and reduced energy consumption.
Product and Service Offerings
Adande’s product portfolio includes customizable, modular refrigerated drawer systems engineered for commercial use in fast-paced, high-volume environments:
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Under Counter Units:
- VCR1 and VCS1 Series drawers provide reliable chilled or frozen storage directly beneath work surfaces.
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Saladette Units:
- HCR and HCS models offer refrigerated prep areas for salad, sandwich, and pizza stations.
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Prep Counter Units:
- VCC1 series allows dual-temp functionality for dynamic service requirements.
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Compact & Chef Base Units:
- Ideal for integration with cooking equipment; keeps ingredients fresh and within arm’s reach.
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Cassette Systems:
- Built-in, remotely controlled refrigeration modules adaptable to various kitchen designs.
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Blast Chill Functionality:
- Some units are available with rapid chill-down capabilities to meet food safety standards.
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Accessories:
- Multiple drawer configuration options, worktop finishes, and stacking kits for tailored installations.
All Adande units are designed to operate as either a fridge or freezer with the flick of a switch, providing unparalleled versatility.
Specialisation and Core USP
Adande’s proprietary drawer technology creates a stable internal environment that prevents cold air loss when drawers are opened—a key pain point in traditional commercial refrigeration systems. This innovation ensures:
- Temperature Stability: +/- 0.1°C, maintaining food integrity and reducing spoilage.
- Energy Efficiency: Up to 60% less energy usage compared to standard drawer units.
- Modular Design: Custom configurations for compact or large-scale kitchen layouts.
- Dual-Temperature Switching: Users can switch from fridge to freezer modes in minutes.
The combination of food preservation, energy savings, and ergonomic convenience forms the core of Adande’s unique selling proposition.
Financial and Operational Footprint
While Adande is a privately held company and does not publish detailed financial reports, industry sources and product deployment data indicate:
- Over 25,000 refrigeration units deployed globally.
- Presence in more than 60 countries, including the USA, UAE, Australia, and EU member states.
- Significant client base includes Burger King, Hilton Hotels, Emirates Flight Catering, and Wagamama.
- Winner of multiple industry awards including the National ACR Product of the Year and FCSI Sustainable Equipment Award.
Adande has also partnered with national distributors and kitchen fit-out companies to extend its product availability across multiple continents.
Shipment and Export Records
Based on shipping intelligence and commercial equipment directories:
- Adande exports units to Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and North America.
- Distribution partners based in Dubai, Sydney, New York, and Dublin serve regional markets.
- Exported products include under-counter drawer systems, saladettes, and bespoke compact drawer configurations.
International demand continues to grow, particularly in regions with high ambient kitchen temperatures where Adande’s sealed drawer technology demonstrates superior performance.
Target Market
Adande serves a diverse range of clients across the foodservice and hospitality sectors:
- Restaurants and QSRs: Particularly chains and franchises seeking scalable, uniform solutions.
- Hotels and Resorts: For banqueting and in-room service needs.
- Institutional Caterers: Healthcare, education, and correctional facilities.
- Airline and Cruise Catering: Bulk food storage and preparation environments.
- Supermarkets and Food Retail: Specialty installations for delis and ready-meal sections.
Its energy-saving credentials also appeal strongly to sustainability-focused buyers and large-scale green-certified buildings.
Capabilities
- UK-Based Manufacturing: Ensures high standards of quality control and fast turnaround.
- R&D Team: Dedicated research into energy efficiency and refrigerant innovation.
- Global Technical Support: Remote diagnostics and in-market service providers.
- Custom Build Options: Tailored drawer configurations, finishes, and integrations with third-party equipment.
Certifications and Compliance
- CE Marking and ISO 9001 Certification for quality assurance.
- ETL Listed in the U.S. and Canada, complying with UL and NSF standards.
- Eco-Design Directive Compliant with EU energy labeling requirements.
- Adande units are tested under ISO 23953 and EN 16825 for refrigerated storage standards.
- Uses R600a natural refrigerant for low Global Warming Potential (GWP).
Customer Testimonials
- “The Adande drawer system has revolutionised our kitchen layout. We save energy and improve workflow.” – Group Executive Chef, Wagamama
- “Even at 50°C ambient in our Dubai kitchen, Adande performs flawlessly. No icing, no fluctuations.” – Head Chef, Emirates Flight Catering
- “We switched to Adande because it keeps temperature constant even when opened regularly. Perfect for high-volume prep.” – Hotel F&B Manager, Hilton International
Major Achievements
- Winner of the FCSI Sustainable Catering Equipment Award.
- Recognized in Top 100 UK Manufacturing Innovators for patented drawer refrigeration.
- Hosted a carbon footprint study proving over 50% energy savings vs traditional upright fridges.
- Successful pilot projects with global foodservice brands, leading to multi-unit rollouts.
Adande Refrigeration continues to lead the field in sustainable cold storage solutions for commercial kitchens. With its global patent, UK manufacturing base, and growing international client roster, Adande remains synonymous with performance, efficiency, and innovation in the refrigeration industry.
