London, UK: Recruiting talent for the cold chain sector, emission-free transport refrigeration technologies, and investment in cold chain infrastructure, were just three of the topics discussed at this week’s Cold Chain Federation Parliamentary event.
Over 150 temperature-controlled logistics operators joined the federation in the House of Commons to discuss the Cold Chain Manifesto with ministers, shadow ministers, MPs and peers. The manifesto was launched in February 2024 to set out the actions the next government should take to help unlock the potential of the UK’s temperature-controlled logistics industry.
Cross-bench peer and co-chair of the Future UK Freight & Logistics All Party Parliamentary Group, Lord Waverley, said: “The cold chain industry is critical to our economy and daily life, the backbone of our food supply chains. Several key areas and pressing issues must be addressed collectively to support and strengthen the cold chain sector.
“We must ensure the regulatory environment is fit for purpose, supports innovation and harmonises international standards, ensuring a regulatory framework that protects consumers while fostering growth and technological advancement.”
Cold Chain Federation president Paul Bennell said: “The UK cold chain has fantastic potential for sustainable growth, but there are some significant challenges to overcome. Together, government and industry can unlock the cold chain’s great potential to help spur growth, improve food standards, and make important contributions towards net zero.
Politicians at the event included Rebecca Pow MP (parliamentary under-secretary for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), Florence Eshalomi MP (shadow minister for Levelling Up, Housing, Communities and Local Government), former Defra secretary Dr Thérèse Coffey MP, and Helen Morgan MP (Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Levelling up, Housing and Communities).
“We are delighted that so many CCF members were able to join us in the House of Commons to help ensure our industry’s voice is heard at this crucial time ahead of the general election as political parties are honing their strategies and plans for the future.”
The manifesto sets out a range of priority policies across five areas:
- Recognising vthe alue of the cold chain – seeking an increase in investment into the UK’s transport and logistics infrastructure to improve the efficiency and resilience of the cold chain and reduce costs for businesses and consumers; and designating the cold chain to a Cabinet Office Ministerial portfolio
- Driving cold chain sustainability and enhancing energy efficiency – facilitating net zero cold chains by tackling overchilling in the frozen supply chain, harnessing the potential of renewable energy and increasing support for energy efficiency
- Enabling emission-free transport refrigeration – supporting operators to bridge the enhanced capital cost of emerging technologies and overcoming grid connection challenges to enable the installation of charging infrastructure
- Developing the next generation of cold chain talent – renewing focus on skills and training for the cold chain workforce, to meet the needs of a growing and increasingly complex industry
- Removing barriers to trade – supporting the growth of international trade in temperature-sensitive products, enabling the industry to work with the government to open up new markets for UK businesses and ensure UK products can compete on a level playing field in the global market.
