FRIGOMILK by FIC: Precision Cooling for the Modern Dairy Farm

In today’s dairy industry, where milk quality, traceability and sustainability define competitiveness, the cooling and storage system is no longer just equipment—it is the heart of the process. Italian manufacturer FIC S.p.A., with over seventy years of expertise in industrial refrigeration and thermal engineering, embodies this vision through FRIGOMILK, its line of advanced milk-cooling tanks designed for both small artisanal dairies and large industrial farms.

Preserving the Integrity of Milk

Raw milk is an extraordinarily delicate product. From the moment of milking, temperature control is crucial to avoid bacterial growth and preserve its natural characteristics. FRIGOMILK tanks intervene immediately after milking, cooling the milk rapidly and uniformly to around 4 °C. This early, efficient cooling maintains freshness and supports the consistent quality required for cheese production and direct consumption.

Engineering Excellence: The FIC Pillow-Plate

At the core of every FRIGOMILK system lies FIC’s Pillow-Plate technology—two stainless-steel sheets laser-welded and hydraulically formed into an internal cavity through which refrigerant circulates. The result is exceptional heat-exchange efficiency, uniform temperature distribution and reduced energy use.

This same technology has made FIC a benchmark in heat-exchange applications worldwide. In dairy use, it ensures rapid temperature drops, minimal refrigerant load and long-term reliability.

Compact Solutions for Small Producers

FIC’s experience in dairy cooling has led to solutions tailored for every production scale. The FRIGOMILK G1 is the compact option for farms producing cow, goat or sheep milk in smaller quantities. Available in 100, 200 and 300 L versions, it integrates the refrigeration unit and FIPO 3 digital control in a plug-and-play stainless-steel system that guarantees uniform cooling and simple daily cleaning.

Its small footprint and robust build make it ideal for family farms, local cheesemakers and small cooperatives—segments often underserved by large-scale equipment manufacturers.

The G4 models are suited for medium-small productions, with capacities from 500 to 2 000 L. They maintain the same Pillow-Plate cooling efficiency but do not include automatic washing systems, providing an affordable and reliable solution for farms with moderate volumes.

From Medium to Large Installations

For higher-volume operations, FRIGOMILK G10 and G9 models offer capacities from 1 000 L up to 30 000 L—the first in a vertical configuration, the latter horizontal. Both combine Pillow-Plate bottoms and jackets with automatic washing systems and remote-control options. Each unit is designed to ensure hygiene, energy efficiency and compliance with the most demanding European food-safety standards.

Automated cleaning cycles, digital thermoregulation and remote connectivity simplify operation and ensure traceable data—an essential requirement for robotic milking systems and HACCP certification.

Efficiency and Sustainability

Cooling represents a significant share of a dairy farm’s energy use. FIC’s engineering philosophy is to maximize heat-transfer efficiency and minimize consumption. Pillow-Plate technology, high-grade insulation and intelligent control systems lower energy bills while guaranteeing thermal stability.

In addition, integrated systems combining FRIGOMILK tanks with FIC heat exchangers can recover heat from warm milk to produce hot water for farm use—for example, for calf feeding or cleaning operations—further improving overall energy efficiency.

By preserving milk quality from the start, FRIGOMILK prevents waste and reduces the environmental footprint of dairy operations. It is a tangible example of FIC’s broader sustainability approach: engineering systems that respect both resources and product integrity.

Designed Around the Producer

Beyond technology, what distinguishes FRIGOMILK is the attention to the daily reality of farmers and processors. Each tank is built to simplify work, with ergonomic access, easy maintenance, durable materials and Italian-made precision.

FIC understands that every litre of milk represents not only production value but also the outcome of human care and agricultural expertise. The company’s commitment is to protect that value through precise temperature management and long-term reliability.

Made in Italy Heritage and Global Confidence

Founded in Valchiavenna, northern Italy, FIC S.p.A. has been designing and manufacturing refrigeration systems since 1951. Its know-how in laser-welding, certified quality (ISO 9001, PED, ASME U-stamp) and in-house production of Pillow-Plate heat exchangers position it among Europe’s leaders in thermal technology.

For the dairy sector, this heritage translates into tanks built to last, fully compliant with European regulations, and supported by FIC’s worldwide service and distribution network. The FRIGOMILK line reflects the best of Italian engineering: reliability, precision and respect for craftsmanship.

Strategic Value for the Dairy Supply Chain

Selecting a FRIGOMILK tank means investing in process consistency and product quality. Whether for a small mountain dairy or a large cooperative, key benefits include:

• Fast and uniform cooling for superior raw-milk preservation
• Reduced energy consumption through efficient heat-exchange design
• Automation and traceability for temperature and cleaning cycles
• Simple maintenance and hygiene compliance aligned with EU protocols
• Durability and long-term value ensured by premium materials and FIC service support

In essence, FRIGOMILK systems are more than containers—they are precision instruments designed to protect milk, streamline operations and sustain profitability.

The FIC Vision: Engineering Flavor

FIC’s commitment goes beyond cooling; it’s about respecting the raw material and the long journey that brings milk from farm to consumer. Through its design philosophy, the company helps producers transform a natural product into a value-added ingredient, ensuring every step of the process enhances taste, safety and sustainability.

This dedication is fully expressed in FRIGOMILK: a synthesis of technology, design and sensibility that honors the essence of milk and the work behind it.

In a market increasingly driven by quality, efficiency and transparency, FRIGOMILK stands as a reliable partner for every stage of the dairy process. It embodies FIC’s philosophy: combining engineering precision with respect for nature’s resources and the producer’s craft. From small artisanal farms to large cooperatives, FRIGOMILK represents a new standard in milk preservation—an Italian solution for the global dairy future.