Cool Logistics Global, the leading international cold chain conference event, is back in Belgium this year for a comprehensive look at shifting trade, demographic patterns and global competitiveness.
The fourth version of the annual event takes place in Antwerp on 24-26 September this year, under the theme of 'redefining ownership and responsibility in the cold chain'.
It will see discussions on a shift in global purchasing power towards the BRIC economies, and the required redefinition of responsibility in the cold-chain.
'New challenges faced by global shippers and carriers on traditional trade lanes include the state of infrastructure in terms of ports, cold store facilities and transport links,' the event organiser explain. 'Also, with an ageing population in Europe, demand for perishable products itself is undergoing change, necessitating that both food safety and food security regimes come under closer scrutiny.
'These are issues that all point to the fundamental questions: Does the cold chain actually exist? Where are the critical pinch points? How can a fragmented industry such as the perishable logistics sector survive in its current state?'
Case studies taken from the fresh produce, flowers, seafood and meat sector will illustrate the need for redefining ownership and responsibility in the cold chain, while the conference will seek to address, for the first time, the difficult relationship between product sourcing, logistics costs and marketing.
The conference programme is being developed in close co-operation with an international advisory group of industry experts representing both users and providers of perishable logistics and transport.
