June 29, 2016

Inaugural expo highlights cold chain industry

The inaugural Global Cold Chain Expo, which took place June 20-22, at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, welcomed more than 1,200 cold chain professionals from 18 countries in attendance. Co-located with the United Fresh Show, the International Floriculture Expo, and FMI Connect, attendance at the overall shows included nearly 13,000 decision-makers representing the world’s perishable supply chain including produce, logistics, fresh-cut flowers, temperature-controlled warehousing, food processing and manufacturing.GCCE2016

Created in partnership between the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) and the United Fresh Produce Association, the Global Cold Chain Expo put a spotlight on the cold chain industry. A hosted buyer program put a spotlight on maintaining a high quality cold chain to other key industry partners from broadline foodservice distributors and food processors to major consumer packaged goods (CPG) firms.

Educational programming began Monday with the Opening General Session, where keynote speaker Jim Lemke, president of Robinson Fresh, discussed the fast pace of modern supply chains and what the future of consumer shopping habits will look like. Sessions continued on Tuesday and Wednesday with focused topics including food safety, cold chain integration, and automation.

The trade show officially opened on Tuesday, June 21 at McCormick Place with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting. The 27,000 square foot show floor was populated by 165 exhibiting companies representing the temperature-controlled supply chain including specialists in warehousing, transportation, construction, and logistics.

The Global Cold Chain Expo also hosted networking opportunities for attendees each day, including a reception, a happy hour, and an ice cream social.

The second annual Global Cold Chain Expo will return to McCormick Place in Chicago on June 13-15, 2017. For more information about the event, visit the Global Cold Chain Expo website. For questions about exhibiting or sponsoring at the 2017 event, contact John Toner at 202-303-3424.

Check out photos from the 2016 Global Cold Chain Expo.





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