Event Highlights

The third World Cold Chain Summit to Reduce Food Loss was held in Singapore on December 1 & 2, 2016. Sponsored by Carrier, a unit of United Technologies, the conference brought together 149 delegates from 36 nations, including food scientists, cold chain experts, government and nonprofit executives, and the press.

Because of a lack of cold chain in China, food loss is believed to be about 30%. Zhongfu Cui, China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing

23% of food losses in developing countries and 9% in developed countries are caused by a lack of refrigeration.

Judith Evans, International Institute of Refrigeration

Companies can help by encouraging their partners to measure loss and waste and become actively involved in achieving the Target 12.3 goals [to halve food waste by 2030].

Clementine O’Connor, Think.Eat.Save

Every year, American consumers, businesses and farms spend $218 billion—roughly 1.3% of GDP—on food that is never eaten. Once we realize the real cost of food, we can truly avoid wasting such a precious resource, in the U.S. and globally.

Eva Louise Goulbourne, ReFED

The global food model can only handle 60% of what we use. Everything else is 100% loss.

Pawanexh Kohli, National Centre for Cold-chain Development (India)

India has only 12% capacity ratio in cold transport-to-stationary refrigeration.

Pawanexh Kohli, National Centre for Cold-chain Development (India)

In the Caribbean, postharvest losses on bananas range from 30% to 40% and on peppers from 40% to 50%.

Dr. Majeed Mohammed, University of the West Indies (Trinidad and Tobago)

Customers are challenging companies to extend shelf life and to improve internal temperature compliance standards in a nation of vast distances and changes in climate. Adam Wade, National Transport Leader, Lion Dairy & Drinks (Australia)

There is reason for optimism, and local models that work, like the robust cold chain in the Bahamas.

Dr. Majeed Mohammed, University of the West Indies (Trinidad and Tobago)

Food waste contributes approximately one-third of [Australia’s] municipal solid waste and about one-fifth of commercial and industrial waste streams.

Adam Wade, National Transport Leader, Lion Dairy & Drinks (Australia)

The Kinnow study revealed a substantial increase in holding life, a reduction in food loss of 76% and in greenhouse gas emissions of 16%, an increase in wholesale price (assisted by the ability to sell in off-season), and profits that rose from 2% to 21%.

Pankaj Mehta, Carrier Transicold India

Of the 161 “Nationally Determined Contributions” submitted to the Green Climate Fund Board of Directors by governments under the Paris Agreement, 80% mention agriculture. These agriculture projects—and specifically cold chain projects—can have more benefits than renewable energy projects.

Brad Johnson, President, Resource Mobilization Advisors (USA)