Asmita Mukherjee | Hyderabad 
Gaurav Mittal, Director and CEO of Antarctica Equipment Private Limited, said the company has ambitious plans to scale its operations and strengthen its position as a leader in India’s commercial refrigeration sector. With the market projected to reach INR 10,000 crore by FY28, Antarctica is focusing on innovation, customisation, and strategic expansion.
In an exclusive interview with Asmita Mukherjee, Mittal discusses the company’s approach to leveraging growth opportunities across diverse sectors like ice cream, supermarkets, QSRs, and bakeries, upcoming product launches and the evolving demands of the HORECA industry.
What are Antarctica Equipment’s expansion plans in India market?
We plan to expand our team, enhance our distributor network, strengthen our technical team, and look for ways and means to reach our customers more effectively. Another key focus this year is to strengthen our presence in the Ice cream industry, supermarkets, QSR, and convenience stores to drive growth.
How does the company plan to leverage the projected growth in the commercial refrigeration market, expected to reach INR 10,000 crore by FY28?
We are strategically positioned to capitalize on the projected growth of India’s commercial refrigeration market by focusing on innovation, customization, and expanding our presence. Through continued R&D, we aim to deliver eco-friendly, state-of-the-art solutions tailored to India’s unique business needs. Collaborations with global leaders in refrigeration technology enable us to introduce IoT-enabled smart systems and energy-efficient solutions. Our expanded manufacturing facility in Manesar and enhanced distribution network will cater to rising demand across sectors like QSRs, bakeries, and supermarkets. By educating businesses on FSSAI compliance and sustainability, we aim to drive adoption, build trust, and lead the industry’s future.
Are there any specific sectors within the HORECA industry you are targeting for growth?
The sectors that we are targeting are Bakeries, Restaurants, Cafes, Sweet Shops, QSRs in Hotel Lobbies or Conventional Centres, Confectionery shops, Gelateria / Ice Cream Shop.
Can you share insights into any new product launches or upgrades planned in the near future?
At Antarctica, innovation and technology drive our operations, with R&D at the forefront. Partnering with industry leaders, we’ve introduced groundbreaking products redefining industry standards. Highlights include the Tonda by Ifi S.p.A., the world’s first round, rotating display case, now offering enhanced convenience and engagement. We’ve also expanded the Esedra refrigerated display range, ideal for pastry and praline presentations. From Valmar Global, the Dosy 3 dosing machine and Valmix 20 multifunction emulsifier are revolutionizing ice cream and gastronomy product processing. These advancements reflect our commitment to elevating culinary experiences through superior technology and design.
How do your customised offerings cater to the specific needs of diverse sectors like food, beverage, confectionery, and gelato?
Our customised offerings are designed to address the specific needs of diverse sectors like food, beverage, confectionery, and gelato, ensuring the best value for money and solutions tailored to Indian conditions. While many customers opt for standard models, we also cater to those with unique requirements stemming from space constraints, small store footprints, cost effectiveness or specific customization needs.
Customisation allows us to create solutions that meet unique space requirements, fit compact layouts, and align with budget considerations. We provide durable, high-quality products backed by reliable service support, ensuring our customers have access to efficient and effective refrigeration solutions, regardless of their specific challenges.
What challenges do you foresee in the Indian and global markets for commercial refrigeration, and how does Antarctica plan to address them?
The commercial refrigeration industry faces several challenges, but at Antarctica Equipment, we tackle them through innovation, strategic partnerships, and forward-thinking solutions. We actively educate customers on the importance of quality refrigeration for food safety, cost savings, and customer satisfaction. While advanced systems may have higher initial costs, our energy-efficient and durable solutions ensure significant long-term savings. Staying competitive, we leverage global partnerships like Future Products Group (FPG) for cutting-edge technology and integrate smart automation for sustainable, high-performance systems. Our flexible solutions cater to diverse business needs, from small cafes to large retail chains, ensuring we exceed evolving market demands.
How does Antarctica Equipment align its offerings with the changing demands of its clients in the HORECA sector?
We collaborate closely with our partners to ensure each product we bring to market is tailored to meet the unique demands of the Indian market. From the initial stages of product development to comprehensive market testing, we actively contribute valuable feedback and insights. This ensures that the final product not only aligns with market needs but also delivers the exact solution our customers desire once launched.
