CIAM

CIAM has functioned as a premier innovator in the design and manufacture of high-end refrigerated display cases and furniture for the hospitality sector since its founding in 1977 by Giuseppe Malizia. Based in Petrignano di Assisi, Italy, the company operates out of a 23,000-square-foot high-technology facility that serves as a global benchmark for Italian design excellence. By 2026, CIAM has solidified its position as a primary infrastructure partner for luxury pastry shops, gelaterias, and high-end retail environments, recently debuting as a key member of the CIAM Industrie group alongside Criocabin and CierreEsse.

The brand's technical identity is defined by the intersection of artisanal craftsmanship and industrial automation, a concept the company refers to as the Industrial Atelier. A defining engineering hallmark is the patented NoFog technology, which utilizes pyrolytic glass with invisible electrical heating elements to ensure total transparency even in high-humidity environments, eliminating the condensation common in traditional refrigerated showcases. This focus on visibility is further enhanced by their Smart Glazing systems and UV-welded glass gantries, which provide a seamless, museum-like presentation of food products without visible hardware or metal profiles.

Innovation within the CIAM portfolio is heavily directed toward digital integration and environmental sustainability. Their CIAM Connect system provides a cloud-based IoT platform that allows operators to monitor temperature, humidity, and energy consumption in real-time while facilitating remote diagnostics to minimize operational downtime. In terms of thermodynamics, the brand utilizes R290 natural refrigerant and high-efficiency inverter compressors to meet strict European and North American energy standards. Their I-Glass Vertical series represents a significant advancement in hygiene, featuring patented touchless opening systems that utilize proximity sensors to activate glass doors, reducing physical contact in self-service or high-traffic environments.

The product portfolio is categorized by its ability to integrate with high-end architecture:

• Move 22: An innovative central display series designed for 360-degree visibility, featuring a lift-up display surface for easy cleaning and a fully customizable operator side.
• Ciao: A professional plug-in gelato showcase series engineered for rapid deployment, featuring double-airflow refrigeration to ensure cold uniformity across all pans.
• 6040 Series: A versatile modular range for pastry, gelato, and deli applications, available in multiple depths and up to 16 different glass gantry configurations.
• Muro Zero: A specialized vertical upright cabinet designed to be recessed into decorated walls, allowing refrigeration to disappear into the interior architecture.
• Exclusive Zero and Ice Queen: High-performance icons of the brand that utilize couture materials such as brass, stone, and specialized resins to align with luxury branding.

The strategic value of CIAM lies in its extreme customization capabilities and its robust international presence. While headquartered in Italy, the brand maintains a significant logistical footprint in North America through its office in McLeansville, North Carolina, and a permanent showroom in Milan’s Isola Design District. By offering a massive library of finishes—including gres, engineered stone, and electroplated metals—CIAM enables designers to create bespoke culinary environments that maintain the mechanical reliability of a standardized industrial platform. This combination of avant-garde aesthetic engineering and data-driven thermal management makes CIAM a foundational partner for the global luxury foodservice industry.