On the UN’s International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) is urging governments and development agencies to prioritize the establishment and expansion of cold chain networks, particularly in emerging markets. With nearly half of global food waste preventable through better temperature-controlled logistics, GCCA highlights the critical role cold chains play in reducing food loss.

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The Global Cold Chain Foundation, the non-profit arm of GCCA, is actively involved in projects such as supporting cold chain development in West Africa and post-harvest infrastructure improvements in India. Sara Stickler, President and CEO of both organizations, emphasized the importance of cold chains for building resilience in food supply chains, especially in the face of climate change and growing populations.

Stickler called on policymakers to adopt strategies that reduce barriers for cold chain expansion, including improving energy infrastructure and supporting logistics careers. By working collectively, she noted, the global community can leverage cold chains to significantly reduce food waste and loss.