🧊 The move to -15°C

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

In today’s edition:

  • The British Frozen Food Federation and the Cold Chain Federation join The Move to -15°C initiative

  • Constellation Cold Logistics enters Danish market with agreement to acquire Agri-Norcold A/S

  • Lineage expands footprint in Belgium with the acquisition of Luik Natie

  • Vertical Cold Storage announces grand opening of distribution center in Burleson, Texas

News

Constellation Cold Logistics enters Danish market with agreement to acquire Agri-Norcold A/S Constellation Cold Logistics has announced its entry into the Danish market through an agreement to acquire Agri-Norcold A/S.

  • Agri-Norcold, Denmark's leading cold storage provider, operates seven facilities across the country with a total capacity of approximately 800,000 cubic meters.

  • Agri-Norcold's facilities are strategically located to serve Denmark's agricultural and food industries, which are significant contributors to the country's economy.

  • The acquisition will enable Constellation to leverage Agri-Norcold's established infrastructure and expertise, strengthening its position in the European cold storage market.

  • The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2024, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. (link)

Lineage expands footprint in Belgium with the strategic acquisition of Luik Natie Lineage, Inc., the world's largest global temperature-controlled warehouse REIT, has announced the acquisition of Luik Natie, a cold storage and transportation service provider in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Belgium.

  • Luik Natie operates a 61,000 sq. m. campus that includes advanced freezing and cooling facilities, container storage solutions, and a transportation division, offering comprehensive supply chain services.

  • The Port of Antwerp-Bruges, second-largest in Europe, provides a strategic location that will bolster Lineage's transport and storage services across Belgium and Europe.

  • Stefaan Verhelst, Managing Director of Luik Natie, highlighted the enhanced logistics solutions that the combined expertise of both companies will offer to customers.

  • This acquisition, Lineage’s first post-IPO, reinforces its commitment to supporting the global food and retail sectors through its extensive network of over 480 facilities worldwide. (link)

The British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) and the Cold Chain Federation (CCF) join The Move to -15°C initiative The British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) and the Cold Chain Federation (CCF) support "The Move to -15°C," a global initiative to increase frozen food storage temperature from -18°C to -15°C.

  • Studies indicate this change won't compromise food safety or quality and can significantly reduce carbon emissions.

  • Rupert Ashby (BFFF) and Phil Pluck (CCF) highlight that advanced technology now enables this shift, benefiting the environment by potentially saving 17.7 million metric tonnes of COâ‚‚ annually.

  • The initiative seeks widespread industry collaboration to ensure these environmental benefits are achieved.

  • The BFFF and CCF are committed to working together with industry stakeholders to implement this change effectively. (link)

Vertical Cold Storage announces grand opening of distribution center in Burleson, Texas Vertical Cold Storage has announced the grand opening of its new distribution center in Burleson, Texas, strategically located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

  • This facility is the company’s second in the area, complementing their existing Richardson facility acquired in 2022.

  • The Burleson warehouse spans over 400,000 square feet, with an average clear height of 55 feet and 53 dock doors, and includes multiple rooms that can be converted to -20°F, making it suitable for a variety of frozen and refrigerated products.

  • The new facility features advanced capabilities such as blast freezing, case picking, kitting, and labeling, enhancing Vertical Cold Storage's ability to serve the temperature-controlled needs of the food and beverage industry.

  • West Hutchison, President and CEO of Vertical Cold Storage, emphasized that the new location allows the company to optimize customer service across the Dallas-Fort Worth market by leveraging its integrated IT platform, automated material handling equipment, and AI technology for safe and efficient operations. (link)

Other headlines

Lineage Logistics has received investment-grade credit ratings of Baa2 from Moody’s and BBB+ from Fitch, reflecting its strong financial position and operational performance.

Americold reported a 6.7% increase in revenue for the second quarter of 2024, driven by strong growth in its core business and strategic acquisitions.

Seafrigo has appointed Mike Parr as new UK CEO amid major expansion plans.

Celcius Logistics has appointed former top DHL executives to lead its India operations and the Life Sciences & Healthcare verticals.

Daikin Europe to showcase pioneering cold chain solutions at Chillventa 2024.

Copeland launches GO real-time 4G/5G NA tracker for better cold chain connectivity.

That’s it for today!

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