🧊 UK Cold Chain Report 2024

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 publishes the Cold Chain Report 2024

• Envirotainer completes integration of va-Q-tec’s pharma business

• Seafrigo Group opens new global headquarters

• Cargo-partner launches the fastest sea cargo route from Ireland and the UK to North America

News

UK Cold Chain Report 2024 The "Cold Chain Report 2024" by Cold Chain Federation highlights the crucial role of the UK’s cold chain sector in ensuring food safety, supporting healthcare, and reducing waste.

• In 2023 the cold chain contributed £14B to the UK’s GDP, provided 184,000 jobs, and paid £3.7B in taxes.

• The report emphasizes the sector’s role in international trade, with £53B in chilled and frozen goods produced by UK manufacturers.

• However, rising energy costs, which have increased by 166% since 2018, present significant challenges.

• A key focus of the report is sustainability, detailing efforts to reduce emissions and increase energy efficiency. This includes adopting renewable energy, transitioning to cleaner refrigeration technologies, and exploring strategies like raising frozen product temperature set points to lower energy consumption.

• While progress is evident, the report calls for government support to overcome barriers, particularly around energy efficiency targets and grid capacity.

• Download the full report here (free for CCF members).

Envirotainer completes integration of va-Q-tec’s pharma business, advancing the future of pharma cold chain Envirotainer, a leader in pharmaceutical cold chain logistics, has finalized its strategic integration with va-Q-tec, combining active and passive cooling technologies to enhance their service offerings.

• This merger expands Envirotainer’s capabilities, allowing for the transport of a wide range of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, including vaccines, precision medicines, and advanced therapies.

• Envirotainer’s expanded portfolio now provides solutions at every stage of the pharmaceutical lifecycle, from clinical trials and active pharmaceutical ingredients to commercial-scale distribution.

• These developments are backed by enhanced digital services such as real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and 24/7 customer support to maintain precise temperature control during transport and minimize risks associated with deviations.

• Envirotainer’s CEO, David Simonsson, emphasized that this marks a significant step forward in supporting global health by ensuring the safe delivery of vital medicines across the world. (link)

Seafrigo Group opens new global headquarters Seafrigo Group, a global leader in cool-chain food logistics, inaugurated its new headquarters in Le Havre, France.

• The new facility, located at 22 Rue de New-York, accommodates 450 employees and is certified as a low-carbon, renewable energy generator under the BEPOS Effinergie 2017 standard.

• Established in 1979 by Eric Barbé, Seafrigo has expanded across five continents, yet remains connected to its local roots in Le Havre.

• The headquarters’ grand opening was attended by former French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and Foreign Trade Minister Franck Reister.

• The building features advanced facilities supporting Seafrigo’s temperature-controlled logistics services across warehousing, multi-modal forwarding, and value-added services.

• Seafrigo’s headquarters serves as a base for their forward-looking approach in cool-chain food logistics, integrating modern technologies to meet industry demands while reinforcing their connection to Le Havre and their environmental responsibilities. (link)

Other headlines

The 2024 Cold Chain Hub (9 – 10 October, Birmingham, NEC) will highlight innovations in cold chain transport and storage.

Americold Realty Trust declares a third-quarter 2024 dividend of $0.22 per share, payable on October 15, 2024.

Cargo-partner launches the fastest sea cargo route from Ireland and the UK to North America, offering transit times as short as 11 days.

USDA releases updated Agricultural Trade Outlook.

Ayala Group breaks ground for second cold storage facility in Cebu, Philippines.

That’s it for today!

If you have any feedback or suggestions, please don't hesitate to respond directly to this email.

We look forward to hearing from you.

P.S. Did someone share this with you? Subscribe here.