🧊 Concerns over UK's new EU import checks

Welcome back to CubeCold News where we cover the latest developments in the cold chain industry and temperature-controlled logistics.

In today’s edition:

• Cold Chain Federation highlights concerns over UK's new EU import checks

• West Coast Cold Storage unveils state-of-the-art facility

• AI-powered cold storage facility in Panabo to open in 2025

• Increasing temperature set points for frozen food to cut emissions across the UK cold chain

• RLS Logistics announces major expansion of its Delanco, NJ cold storage

News

Cold Chain Federation highlights concerns over UK's new EU import checks The Cold Chain Federation has voiced significant concerns to the UK government regarding the new import checks on EU goods, set to commence under the Border Target Operating Model from April 30, 2024.

• These checks are feared to disrupt the UK's food supply chain, particularly affecting temperature-controlled goods, and could lead to higher consumer prices and substantial administrative burdens for EU food businesses.

• The new model, part of post-Brexit adjustments, introduces extra red tape, including expensive veterinary certificates for fresh food and plant imports from the EU.

• Industry leaders criticize the government's decision to classify many fruit and vegetable consignments as "medium risk," estimating an additional £200 million in import costs.

• They urge the government for clarity and effective control management to prevent these costs from impacting consumers and businesses. (link)

West Coast Cold Storage unveils state-of-the-art facility and achieves top industry certifications West Coast Cold Storage (WCCS) has recently launched a state-of-the-art cold storage facility in Southern California.

• This new facility is equipped with the latest technologies in refrigeration and energy-efficient materials, designed to offer reliable and efficient temperature-controlled storage solutions.

• It caters to a wide range of industries, including food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals, ensuring products are stored within precise temperature ranges.

• The strategic location and advanced features of the facility provide WCCS with a competitive advantage, meeting the growing demand for cold storage solutions driven by online grocery sales, increased consumption of perishable goods, and the expanding pharmaceutical sector.

• Furthermore, WCCS has achieved top industry certifications, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and safety. (link)

AI-powered cold storage facility in Panabo to open in 2025 An AI-powered cold storage facility is due to open in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, Philippines in the first quarter of 2025.

• This project is a collaboration between Ayala Corp.'s AC Logistics and Glacier Megafridge Inc., operating under GMAC Logitech Refrigeration Corp.

• The facility will have a capacity of 11,798 pallets, making it one of the largest in Mindanao. It is designed to maintain temperatures from -30 to +10C, accommodating a wide range of perishable goods.

• The use of artificial intelligence will optimize refrigeration levels and inventory management, enhancing operational efficiency.

• This venture addresses the critical need for advanced cold storage solutions in the region, aiming to reduce food spoilage and ensure food security.

• The facility is part of a broader initiative to establish a "cold chain corridor" across the Philippines, improving the preservation of perishable goods from production to consumption. (link)

RLS Logistics announces major expansion of its Delanco, NJ cold storage RLS Logistics has announced an expansion of its cold storage warehouse in Delanco, New Jersey.

• The expansion aims to address the growing market needs, which have been amplified by the rise in online grocery shopping and the consumption of frozen foods.

• RLS Logistics' expansion will improve its inventory storage capacity and its e-commerce fulfillment and cross-docking services.

• This development is expected to enable RLS Logistics to serve its clients more effectively and maintain its competitive edge in the cold storage logistics industry. (link)

Report

Increasing temperature set points for frozen food to cut emissions across the UK cold chain This report is part of the Cold Chain Federation’s (CCF) Net Zero Project, launched in 2020 to define a net-zero cold chain and work towards a more efficient and lower emission future.

Key points:

• Increasing the temperature set points for frozen food (from -18°C to -15°C) could significantly reduce energy use and associated emissions without major legislative changes or significant financial investment.

• The CCF is committed to supporting the UK approach to revising temperature set points and outlines three main ways to do so: backing academic research, facilitating system-level implementation, and supporting initiatives already underway.

• CCF acknowledges that more research and collaboration are needed to fully assess the potential of a set point change, including a review of UK legislative barriers, product type challenges, and other unintended impacts.

• The CCF has launched a member survey to gather views on increasing temperature set points and will publish the results in the summer of 2024.

• In summary, the CCF's report is a call to action for the UK cold chain industry to consider increasing temperature set points for frozen food as a means to cut emissions and contribute to net-zero goals. (link)

Other headlines

Americold Realty Trust declares a Q1 2024 dividend of $0.22 per share, payable on April 15 to stockholders of record as of March 28.

EU and UNICEF donated essential immunization equipment, including refrigerators and a refrigerated vehicle, to Montenegro's Primary Healthcare Centre.

That’s it for today!

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