The second annual GCCA African Cold Chain Conference was held on 2-4 August in Cape Town . GCCA senior vice-president : global programmes and insights Adam Thocher gave the keynote speech .
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
ASSOCIATIONS
International cold chain challenges and trends Written by Eamonn Ryan
The second annual GCCA African Cold Chain Conference was held on 2-4 August in Cape Town . GCCA senior vice-president : global programmes and insights Adam Thocher gave the keynote speech .
Thocher provided updates on the activities of GCCA ( Global Cold Chain Alliance ) and its affiliates worldwide . The organisation has focused on making the alliance more effective for the global market and has invested in planning and personnel for improved outreach to the industry , regulators and populations worldwide . The branding has been streamlined to three organisations under the GCCA : the International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses ( IARW ), the World Food Logistics Organisation ( WFLO ) and the International Refrigerated Transportation Association ( IRTA ).
The Global Cold Chain Foundation , previously known by different names , has undergone a name change and now has a separate identity from the GCCA . The foundation ' s mission is to ensure access to safe and high-quality temperaturecontrolled products and services globally . The foundation supports this mission by focusing on research , training , education and development to sustainably grow and support the global cold chain . The foundation ' s initiatives and activities include improving cold chain infrastructure in developing countries , reducing food loss and waste , providing training and capacity building opportunities , advocacy at global events and conducting research to gather insights on the global cold chain market .
All photos by © Eamonn Ryan | Cold Link Africa
GCCA senior vice-president : global programmes and insights Adam Thocher gave the keynote speech .
“ Overall , our goal is to be a trusted and reliable resource for the global cold chain industry . We strive to provide valuable insights , knowledge and support to help organisations and individuals successfully navigate the complexities of the cold chain , and contribute to the safe and efficient delivery of temperature-controlled products worldwide . We ' ve got representatives in Europe , and the UK , Brazil , India , and Latin America as a whole – that only continues to grow as we strengthen affiliations and strengthen relationships with partners around the world .”
Programmes developed through this foundation can help improve the efficiency , sustainability and safety of cold chain operations , noted Thocher . “ This is particularly important in emerging markets where access to food and healthcare products is a challenge . By supporting the global cold chain industry , we can help ensure that these essential products reach people around the world in a safe and timely manner .”
In addition to its strategic plan , Thocher said the organisation had been actively involved in various initiatives and activities
Lizelle van der Berg , director : GCCA Africa , who MC ’ d the event .
We strive to provide valuable insights , knowledge and support to help organisations and individuals successfully navigate the complexities of the cold chain .
COLD LINK AFRICA • October 2023 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za 11