In February, we launched our Cold Chain Manifesto. This publication is a key part of our work to ensure that the needs of temperature-controlled logistics operators are firmly set in politicians’ minds as they formulate not only their pitches to the public ahead of this year’s General Election, but also their plans for government.
In taking the Cold Chain Manifesto to Ministers, MPs and candidates of all parties, our message is clear – it is high time the cold chain’s critical importance to the UK’s economy, security and food and pharmaceutical resilience be properly recognised. The UK’s temperature-controlled storage industry is buoyant, attracting substantial investment, embracing innovation and improving energy efficiency. Our industry is ready to meet the nation’s changing cold storage needs through new technology and operational excellence, while also targeting net zero and developing the next generation of logistics talent. But at the same time, cold storage operators face stern challenges, and we are asking the next Government to implement the policies which will enable us to unlock the potential of the cold chain to the great benefit of the economy, environment and health of the nation.
To help achieve this, we are calling for an existing single Government Minister to become responsible for the industry. Sitting within the Cabinet Office, they would provide a single point of focus for the cold chain’s cross-departmental work whilst embedding the cold chain into strategic UK resilience planning.
We are also seeking support from politicians for a review of commonly held temperature setpoints for frozen food storage and distribution, a change to which could significantly save energy without compromising product safety or quality.
We want to see the next Government share a clear strategy for overcoming grid capacity restrictions at logistics sites. Capacity restrictions are already inhibiting sustainable investments. With action from Government on this issue, cold storage could make a substantial contribution to the future UK energy system.
The cold storage industry also needs much greater clarity on the energy efficiency expectations on energy intensive industries under the government’s commitment for a net zero economy by 2050.The next Government also needs to invest in measures to help make the cold chain more resilient to cyber attacks, which pose a significant and growing threat to the UK’s resilience.
The UK’s cold storage industry is strong, growing and investing in the future. A strong partnership with the next Government will ensure the cold chain continues to boost the UK’s economy and resilience over the next electoral term and beyond.
Read the full Manifesto ‘Cold Chain: The Vital Link to Turbocharging UK Growth & Security’ at www.coldchainfederation.org.uk
Tom Southall
Deputy CEO, Cold Chain Federation
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