COOL IT

Leave it to the Canadians to give ice a new twist. Toronto-based Octagon Industries is rolling out FrigoPub disposable refrigerators in the U.S. and Canada. The chilled display case dresses a portable cooling unit (that doesn't get tossed) with corrugated shelving, signage, and skirt. The wheeled unit is suitable for end-aisle (think meal solutions), c-stores (think cold drinks at the front door), retail venues that don't have fixed refrigeration, or the entrance of the grocery store. Did someone say "co-marketing"?

FrigoPub is patented worldwide. In Belgium, Nestle got a 500-percent sales lift over other in-store merchandising, and its Contadina division got good marks for a six-week program in California. Supermarket units are 76 inches high, c-store units 58 inches. Shelves hold 100 pounds of product. New-product intros could get a bye on slotting fees. More info: Octagon Industries, 800-867-8937 or octagongroup.com.