Компания FRICON отметила 50-летие и стала лидером холодильной промышленности в 130 странах

Its journey from a Portuguese family venture to a global refrigeration pioneer in 130 countries exemplifies Fricon’s five decades of sustainable innovation. In 2026, FRICON celebrates 50 years of activity, marking half a century of industrial history, innovation, growth and adaptability. Founded in 1976 in Touguinha, Vila do Conde, by Artur Azevedo and his brothers, the company was born from a clear vision: to transform technical knowledge, international experience and entrepreneurial spirit into a solid and lasting industrial project. FRICON's origins are deeply connected to the journey of Artur Azevedo, who, while still in the former Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, led Imperial Refrigeration and soon understood the importance of refrigeration in family life, food retail and product preservation. Upon returning to Portugal after the 25 April Revolution, he found a country undergoing reconstruction, but brought with him experience, ambition and the determination to create value. The early years were marked by collective effort, close relationships between partners and employees, and a strong ability to improvise and adapt. The company began by focusing on the production of chest freezers, responding to a Portuguese market in transformation, where consumer habits were evolving and the need for reliable preservation solutions was growing rapidly. Later, it expanded production to domestic refrigerators, gradually consolidating its presence in the national market. From an early stage, FRICON showed an ambition that went beyond borders. Exports to Spain marked the beginning of its internationalisation, which was strengthened in the following decades by expansion into Brazil and, in 2013, by the creation of a commercial delegation in Spain. Today, the company is present in more than 130 countries and about 90% of its production is destined for export, confirming its global dimension. Innovation has always been part of FRICON'S DNA. The company developed many of its production processes internally and, as early as the 1990s, adopted a pioneering environmental approach by investing in refrigerant gases with lower environmental impact. With the arrival of the new millennium, its strategic focus on food retail and the development of solutions for supermarkets raised the brand to a new level of international recognition. In 2013, the Changing for Innovation project marked a decisive cycle of modernisation, with the creation of a Research & Development Centre and the strengthening of automation, digitalisation and energy efficiency. Sustainability became a strategic pillar, reflected in equipment that is more efficient, intelligent and prepared to meet today's challenges in commercial refrigeration. Despite its international and technological growth, FRICON has preserved its human essence. The value placed on people, collective spirit and a culture of proximity remain fundamental pillars of the company. As it celebrates 50 years, FRICON looks back on its past with pride and towards the future with ambition, remaining true to its identity: innovating, adapting and growing without losing its connection to people, customers and the values that have shaped it from the very beginning. This article was written in partnership with FRICON.