Edeka Stepaniak, Berlin: A Store Designed Around Sustainability and Customer Experience

State-of-the-art refrigeration technology and an efficient heat recovery system are at the heart of the new Edeka Stepaniak in Berlin, which places a strong emphasis on resource conservation. Upon entering the store, customers are greeted by a large wooden tree in the fruit and vegetable section. The tree symbolizes the key value throughout the store: nature and freshness. Wood plays a central role in the interior design, creating the warm and inviting atmosphere of a village market.The new supermarket, with a sales area of 1,540 m², opened in February 2025 and is in a newly constructed building that also houses 139 apartments. A section of the roof has been developed into a playground and green area, making sustainability a guiding principle in the store’s development. This commitment is also reflected in its technical systems. The store is equipped with a modern refrigeration system featuring heat recovery technology, which enables the reuse of waste heat from the cooling system to provide heating. This approach ensures lower energy consumption and a reduced environmental footprint.Maximum Flexibility in Displaying Cold Cuts and CheeseThe refrigeration equipment is designed to support both sustainability and merchandising goals. From Costan, semi-vertical cabinets from the GranFit family, specifically the GranValdaj model, are installed to display dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and delicatessen. These cabinets combine excellent product preservation with low energy consumption and a strong visual impact that enhances product presentation. Medium-temperature vertical cabinets from the GranVista range provide efficient and attractive chilled product display, while GranBering low-temperature vertical cabinets offer outstanding visibility and energy performance for frozen food. In line with the store’s concept of combining tradition with modernity, service counters remain an essential element of the shopping experience. To maintain flexibility, a hybrid solution has been implemented for the cold cuts and cheese counters, which can function as traditional service areas during peak hours and switch to self-service during the day. The meat section continues to operate with classic serve-over counters, which are easy to clean and equipped with integrated scales in the handrails. All service counters are provided by Eurocryor Bistrot, known for their elegant design and practical functionality. Comprehensive and Efficient Refrigeration SolutionsEpta has further strengthened the store’s efficiency with high-performance models that offer an excellent price-performance ratio. The improved quality of the doors has been highly appreciated by the customer, as it provides increased stability and ease of use, especially in the dairy cabinets. Epta Deutschland supplied all the positive and negative cabinets as well as the refrigerated serve-over counters, ensuring a comprehensive and efficient solution for the entire store.By combining sustainable architecture, innovative refrigeration systems, and a customer-oriented store concept, Edeka Stepaniak in Berlin sets a new standard for environmentally responsible and flexible retail spaces.