The Global Cold Chain Alliance held its 25th European Cold Chain Conference on March 23-25 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. This year’s conference attracted over 150 cold chain professionals, from across Europe, the United States and Australia. During the three-day programme, industry captains addressed the current challenges, developments and future opportunities of temperature-controlled logistics and building.

The program was kicked off by GCCA President and CEO, Matthew R. Ott, who presented on the association’s expanding global footprint and addressed the industry’s growing need for an advocacy presence across regions.

“Our industry works hard to forge a globally strong cold chain where food products retain quality and safety through each link,” said Ott. “That link should not stop with policymakers or with those making the decisions that directly impact your businesses.”

The educational programme also addressed relevant industry topics proposed by the GCCA European Logistics Council including economic trends, EU-UK trade, energy efficiency, driver shortage, the EU mobility package, health and safety in the workplace, controlled-environment building practices and innovation, and climate change targets as well as carbon footprint reduction. The conference presentations are available to GCCA members on the GCCA website

The Cold Chain Café, the most interactive component of the conference, provided an informal open discussion platform for both logistics operators – warehousing and transportation – and building and technology specialists. Topics included Cold Chain Transparency & Efficiency; Change Management; Cost of Energy and Sustainability; Building Supply Issues and Industry Trends; Equipment Shortage and Traffic Congestion.

The 25th European Cold Chain Conference also hosted the 2022 Europe Future Leader Award competition. The GCCA Future Leader Award recognizes talented young professionals who have the potential to become future leaders and make a positive contribution to the development of the global temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics industry. GCCA was proud to announce Corrin Hill, Transport Manager, Lineage Logistics, UK, as the recipient of the 2022 GCCA Europe Cold Chain Future Leader Award. Read more details here

Networking occurred throughout the conference but was geared toward B2B interactions hosted in the Expo where suppliers addressed industry challenges and showcased business solutions. The expo provided attending professionals with direct access to new technologies, products and services designed to improve their business operations and performance. Exhibitors included Carrier, Fortdress, GEA Refrigeration, ISOPAN, Körber, Protectowire Fire Systems, Quickfreeze, SSI Schäfer, and Wagner.

We thank our sponsors for supporting this successful event:

The 26th European Cold Chain Conference will be held in Barcelona, Spain next year in conjunction with GCCA’s Strategic Board Meeting. More information and dates will be announced soon on the GCCA website.