/INS. Viessmann introduces a new solution for retailers to sell both fresh and packaged groceries. SOFIE, the new double-decker counter has been developed in cooperation with a leading food retailer to offer new options in presenting food. As a result, the customer can increase grocery sales, create totally new product display concepts, and improve the in-store efficiency.

SOFIE combines the best features of a serve over counter and self-service cabinet. The upper part of the cabinet is a serve over for fresh food and the lower part works as a display area for packaged groceries. When presented in the same cabinet, the fresh food also provides an improved image for the packaged food and enables totally new meal combinations to be presented in the same counter.

Compared to traditional serve-over counters, SOFIE has up to 50% more product display area in the same footprint. The counter then offers possibilities even for the smaller stores to build a service counter line. Retail personnel time can be used more efficiently, since the cabinet upper part can be closed outside of busy hours and the service line personnel can use their time for other tasks. At the same time, the lower part of the cabinet still sells groceries from the self service area.

"After installing Sofie, the deli product line is presented much better than before and refilling has become faster and easier. We also noticed that customers find ready-made dishes easily from the lower self-service deck - which has clearly increased sales in the deli category", says store manager Kjell Arne Saue from Meny Farmandsstredet in Norway.

About Viessmann

The Viessmann Group is one of the leading international manufacturers of heating systems. Founded in 1917, the family business employs approximately 10,600 members of staff and generates €1.89 billion in annual group turnover (2012). With 27 production divisions in 11 countries, sales subsidiaries and representations in 74 countries and 120 sales offices around the world, Viessmann is international in its focus. 54 percent of the company's turnover is derived from export activities.

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