Early civilizations used ice caves, snow and cold streams to keep foodstuffs cold. The Chinese cut and stored ice in 1,000 BC and around 500 BC, the Egyptians and Indians would put water out in earthenware pots to chill overnight.
In the early 18th Century, ‘ice houses’ began to be created; these were stores for large blocks of ice (harvested from frozen lakes), which were then packed together with sawdust or flannel and salt.
Attempts at refrigerated transport for the shipping of perishable goods began in the mid-18th century. The first refrigerated railroad car was introduced by the Northern Railroad (New York) in 1851. Known as the ‘icebox on wheels’ the fact that it only functioned in cold weather rather limited its value.
However, within the food production industries, refrigeration was gaining traction. By the 1880s, breweries were the largest users of commercial refrigeration units and by 1900, the meat packing houses of Chicago had ammonia style commercial fridges. By the start of the First World War refrigeration in packing plants in the US was widespread.
By the middle of the 20th century, the technology for refrigerated vehicles had progressed and throughout the developed world perishable goods were being shipped by road, rail and air, to stores thousands of miles from where the produce had originated.
Contribution to Retail History
Refrigeration radically changed the capabilities and potential of every stage of the supply chain. Producers could now pack and process fresh food and create new product ranges; distributors were able to transport those food products all over the globe, knowing they would still be fresh (or frozen) on arrival. With the installation of chiller and frozen food cabinets, supermarkets were able to significantly innovate and expand the range and volume of goods they sold, and a new strand of retailing emerged – the frozen food store. For the customer, home fridges and freezers revolutionized their shopping habits; the move towards the large volume, weekly food shop began, as there was no longer the need to buy perishable goods on a daily basis.