GCCA's new Top 25 cold chain list shows global response to demand increase

Sunswap enters Spain as Grupo Carreras confirms Endurance deployment

Ember LifeSciences introduces Ember Cube 2, earns 'Best of the Best' Red Dot Design Award

Hilton Food Solutions expands cold chain logistics network

While growth remains robust, the pace has moderated from the 8.3% expansion recorded in 2025, as higher interest rates and tightening market conditions prompted more selective investment decisions.

Latin America led all regions with 8.6% growth, driven largely by mergers and acquisitions, while North America and Europe posted more measured gains reflecting cautious capital environments.

North America's Top 25 now operates 5.26 billion cubic feet, Europe's Top 10 holds 1.6 billion cubic feet, and Latin America's Top 10 accounts for 634.2 million cubic feet.

GCCA President and CEO Sara Stickler presented the findings at the GCCA Convention 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona, noting that rising populations, evolving consumer preferences, and complex global supply chains continue to drive sustained demand for cold chain services. (GCCA)

The expansion is supported by a partnership with SOR Iberica, part of the Reefer Group, which has manufactured refrigerated trailers in Spain since 1970.

Grupo Carreras, operating more than 1,000 vehicles across Spain and Portugal, is the first Spanish operator to confirm an Endurance deployment, with additional operators already lined up.

Sunswap cited Spain's demanding ambient conditions, rising fuel costs, and customer pressure on emissions as key drivers for the market entry.

The Endurance unit is already operational in Chile and Australia, where it has demonstrated strong performance in high-temperature environments.

CEO Michael Lowe noted strong pre-entry operator interest as evidence of the global commercial case for electric refrigeration. (Cold Chain News)

The system integrates real-time monitoring, GPS tracking, and cloud-based visibility to help supply chain teams proactively manage shipments and reduce disruptions.

The Ember Cube 2 has also been awarded the "Best of the Best" distinction at the 2026 Red Dot Awards: Product Design, placing the company among past honorees such as Apple, Google, and Siemens.

Engineered for high-volume pharmaceutical shipping, the product uses vacuum insulation and proprietary organic phase change materials to protect temperature-sensitive payloads.

The launch comes amid growing industry pressure: nearly two-thirds of U.S. pharmaceutical production facilities operate in disaster-prone areas, and temperature excursions cost the industry an estimated $35 billion annually. (PR Newswire)

Under the agreement, CEVA will provide specialist temperature controlled unloading services for fresh and frozen goods, alongside fully integrated import and export customs brokerage.

The Chill Hub's capabilities are designed to protect product quality during handling while in-house customs services streamline processes, reduce risk, and deliver end-to-end accountability.

Hilton Food Solutions Managing Director Peter Hounsome highlighted the contract's value in simplifying port operations, strengthening compliance, and ensuring the fast, reliable movement of time-sensitive products.

He also noted the partnership's role in enhancing the resilience and scalability of the company's importation operations amid growing complexity in global supply chains.

Both companies expressed commitment to delivering resilient, sustainable, and competitive solutions as supply chains navigate shifting consumer behaviour and geopolitical uncertainties. (Logistics Manager)