Waitrose has become the latest major UK supermarket to invest in cooling technology designed to withstand extreme heat, joining Marks and Spencer in upgrading refrigeration systems to cope with temperatures as high as 48°C.
New Cooling Technology Combines Heat Pumps with Refrigeration
The high-tech features allow fridges to operate reliably even when external temperatures reach 48°C. This innovation comes as the UK faces increasingly frequent heatwaves, with July 2026 set to be the driest on record and half of England officially in drought, according to the Environment Agency.
Tina Mitchell, retail director at Waitrose, said: “This summer shows our latest refrigeration technology is more resilient than older equipment, and we’re continuing to accelerate investment across our estate. As hotter summers become more common, we’re continuing to invest in technology to keep products at peak freshness, help our stores perform reliably and improve energy efficiency.”
M&S Acknowledges Previous Struggles During Heatwave
Marks and Spencer chief executive Stuart Machin acknowledged the challenges faced during the heatwave. “There is no doubt we were struggling,” he said. “Now we’re investing in equipment in our stores to deal with temperatures of 45°C. We’re reviewing all our refrigeration as well.”
Speaking at the M&S annual meeting in London, Machin added that the fridge investments have been made with the business “assuming it’s going to get hotter.”
Drought Conditions Worsen Across England
Helen Wakeham, director of water at the Environment Agency and chair of the National Drought Group, highlighted the severity of the situation: “The hot and dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it. A second consecutive summer drought is an exceptionally serious situation and one that will have long-lasting impacts on our environment, wildlife and the economy. We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated during the hot weather but every drop we can save is a drop more for nature and agriculture.”
Paul Tompkins, deputy president of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), said the drought announcement “should matter to everyone.” He added: “Water is a vital ingredient in food production, and without a secure supply, we cannot build resilient farm businesses or strengthen the country’s food security.”
Broader Implications for Retail and Agriculture
The development comes as Mediterranean-style fridges are being rolled out across UK supermarkets amid 35°C highs. The technology not only ensures product freshness but also improves energy efficiency, a key concern as retailers face pressure to reduce their carbon footprint. The drought, described as a “flash drought” by the Environment Agency due to its rapid onset following winter floods, has intensified the need for water conservation measures across sectors.
