First up , Gibbons offered a global perspective on the cold chain industry and its critical role in food security . He acknowledged the ongoing issues in Africa , where a shortage of reliable cold chain facilities poses significant challenges . He noted that unreliable electricity and inadequate infrastructure are major barriers to effective cold chain operations across the continent . These issues contribute to increased post-harvest losses and jeopardise food security . He highlighted several key challenges , including :
• Inadequate infrastructure hindering the efficient movement of temperaturecontrolled goods .
• Many parts of Africa lacking access to such innovations , impacting food safety and efficiency .
He praised the efforts of the Global Cold Chain Foundation ( GCCF ) in emerging markets like Ghana , Ivory Coast and Senegal , where initiatives focus on developing cold chain practices and improving food safety . Public-private partnerships are also playing a role in fostering investment and facilitating the growth of the cold chain sector across Africa .
One notable advancement is the increasing adoption of solar power , particularly in South Africa , where it has become a critical component in
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overcoming power supply issues . Gibbons emphasised that while solar energy is not yet widespread across the continent , its growing presence is helping to mitigate energy challenges and improve the reliability of cold chain operations .
Mobile technology is another area of progress , with advancements enabling better monitoring of transportation and warehouse temperatures . This technology is essential for ensuring food safety and optimizing energy use , though it is still developing in many parts of Africa .
Shifting to a global perspective , Gibbons outlined the scale and growth of the global cold chain industry , which is valued at USD340-billion and expanding at a rate of 12 % annually . He noted that Africa represents about 5 % of the global cold chain market , despite accounting for 15-18 % of the world ’ s population . This disparity highlights the underrepresentation of cold chain infrastructure in Africa relative to its population .
Within the USD340-billion global market , approximately 70 % is attributed to food , underscoring the critical role of cold chain services in maintaining food safety and security . Gibbons stressed that South Africa , and the broader African continent , have a significant opportunity to enhance food security and contribute to global food supply through improved cold chain infrastructure .
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All images by © Cold Link Africa
Paul Gibbons , CEO of CCH and a GCCA International board member .
One of the central themes of Gibbons ' address was the promotion of global trade through the cold chain sector . He discussed the efforts of the GCCA in lobbying for policies that support the growth of cold chain infrastructure and export markets , particularly in developing economies including Africa . He highlighted recent initiatives such as the ‘ Fridge Act ’, a US legislative effort to allocate funds for expanding cold chain capabilities in developing regions . Additionally , he noted the GCCA ’ s engagement with international trade negotiators in Europe to reduce barriers for imports and exports , which is crucial for facilitating global trade .
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Adam Thocher , senior vice president of Global Programs & Insights and executive director of Global Cold Chain Foundation .
Gibbons also touched upon ongoing discussions about adjusting cold chain temperature standards . Traditionally , the industry operates at around -18 ° C , but there is growing momentum to consider -15 ° C as a viable standard . This potential shift could lead to a 7-10 % reduction in carbon emissions , as demonstrated by studies from European food producers like Nomad Foods , which have found that products such as breaded chicken , fish , and vegetables remain unaffected at the higher temperature . Gibbons emphasised that this initiative could offer both environmental benefits and cost savings , though it is still in progress .
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