INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS business has responded with increased fresh produce volumes.
The Maydon Wharf, Durban, facility focuses on premium fruit cold storage. Located right on the quayside, it handles both refrigerated breakbulk vessels and reefer containers. It offers multi-temperature warehousing and on-site phytosanitary inspections for export markets across the EU, UK, China, Japan, India, Russia, Middle East and more.
Coega, Eastern Cape, is the world’ s first fully integrated facility combining a packhouse, refrigerated storage and container depot under one roof.
Key capabilities:
• Packing: Advanced automated fruit packing( 16 000m ² facility) with degreening and local-market lines.
Durban Container Port, Pier 2.
• Cold storage: Accommodates up to 8 000 pallets in individually temperaturecontrolled cells – great for small consignments with precise control.
• Container depot: Supports 240 reefer plug-in points.
Energy efficiency is central to KHOLD’ s mission, with facilities using 3MW / h of power daily to cool goods from 28 ° C to-6 ° C. " South Africa’ s cold chain is evolving rapidly,” Van Welie said.“ We’ re adapting to global trade shifts while ensuring our infrastructure stays ahead of demand.”
COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND CONFERENCE
Registration for the conference commenced on the 19th at the venue, which also hosted three committee meetings and a modest exhibition, with a networking cocktail party in the evening kicking off conference activities themselves for members.
TECHNOLOGY, COLLABORATION AND COMMITMENT TO FOOD SECURITY
The conference itself focused on the critical role of cold chain infrastructure in enhancing food security, reducing waste and driving sustainable economic growth. This year’ s theme,‘ Smart Cold Chain: Harnessing AI for a Resilient and Sustainable Future’, set the tone for discussions around technology, collaboration and sector-wide transformation.
Paul Matthew, GCCA’ s director for Africa, opened the event by reflecting on the remarkable progress made since the last conference. He pointed to initiatives across East and West Africa, including completed reports on load shedding, new mentorship and people development programmes, and increased engagement with government officials and regional bodies.
“ This didn’ t happen overnight. For years, our sector didn’ t have a seat at the table. Now, we do – and it’ s thanks to your commitment and the momentum we’ ve built together.”
The‘ night before’ rooftop cocktail party.
COLD LINK AFRICA • October 2025 www. coldlinkafrica. co. za 13