About the
Global Cold Chain Foundation

GCCF logo

The Global Cold Chain Foundation (GCCF) is the nonprofit education, research, and international development partner of the Global Cold Chain Alliance. The Foundation’s education programs train industry practitioners in the best practices of temperature-controlled product storage, handling, and transportation. Research manuals serve as the definitive guide for the proper handling, storage, and freezing of perishable products as well as energy and facility management, and international development projects engage industry professionals in the development of cold chain infrastructure in emerging markets.

GCCF was founded in 1943 as The Refrigeration Research Foundation (TRRF) and later known as the World Food Logistics Organization (WFLO). The Foundation advances the cold chain and strengthens the food system by offering:

  • Training and education for refrigerated warehouse/distribution personnel;
  • Research in the science of refrigeration and the advancement of refrigeration technology for better preservation of food and commodities;
  • Postharvest, construction, and refrigerated storage, transportation, distribution, and investment expertise to international development partners; and
  • Collaboration with food rescue groups and organizations seeking to reduce food loss and waste.

GCCF is led by a Board of Governors who strive to ensure the foundation provides cold chain research and training to the industry globally while also supporting the growth of temperature-controlled logistics in developing countries.

The Foundation also has a Council of Scientific Advisors comprised of top scientists with expertise in many areas of importance to the temperature-controlled logistics industry, including food science/toxicology (seafood, poultry, meat, dairy, baking, produce), refrigeration systems, engineering, packing, postharvest, transportation, agriculture economics, operations, logistics and others.

 

GCCF Projects

See the many projects GCCF has completed or is currently working on around the world.

2025 - 2025

Cambodia Cold Storage Strategic Review

Country: Cambodia In collaboration with LixCap, GCCF is supporting a strategic review project for a cold storage in…

Learn More
2024 - 2025

Mauritania Cold Chain Development Project

Country: Mauritania The Mauritania Cold Chain Development Project analyzes the horticultural value chains of Mauritania with the intention…

Learn More
2024 - 2025

West Africa Emerging Markets Program

Countries: Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal As part of this USDA-funded Emerging Markets Program (EMP), GCCF will assess the…

Learn More

GCCF Resources

Resources for the Global Cold Chain Foundation,
and for the cold chain as a whole.

June 11, 2025

Webinar Recording: Cold Chain Market Study of Mauritania

Speakers: Reda.allah Benchama (LixCap), Roudy Akiki (CT-TECHNOLOGIES),  and Julie Hanson (GCCA) Original Air Date: June 10th, 2025 Description:…

Learn More
April 23, 2025

Q2 2025 GCCF Projects Update

Speakers: GCCA Staff Members Amanda Brondy and Madison Jaco Original Air Date: April 23rd, 2025 Description: This webinar…

Learn More
April 4, 2025

2025 GCCA Top 25 Lists of Refrigerated Warehousing & Logistics Providers

Each year, the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) publishes a list of the largest temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics…

Learn More

Latest GCCF News

View the latest news, trends, and insights about GCCF's work around the globe.

Upcoming Events

View upcoming education, training, and networking events offered by GCCA to improve the global cold chain, online and in person.

GCCA Cold Chain Connection
July 16

GCCA Cold Chain Connection – Mexico

The Global Cold Chain Alliance will host a Cold Chain Connection event on 16 July 2025 at 3:00…

Learn More
GCCF Banner
October 15

Webinar: Q4 2025 GCCF Projects Update

Save the Date: October 15, 2025, 11:00 AM ET The Global Cold Chain Foundation (GCCF) is actively engaged…

Learn More

Council of Scientific Advisors

Learn about our preeminent advisory group of food scientists, logistics, and packaging experts from around the world.

Board Members

GCCF is led by a Board of Governors who are advised by a Council of Scientific Advisors comprising top scientists with expertise in food science.

Ken Whah

Adam Forste

Graham Harvey

Mickey Hoffmann

Michael Jahncke

Owusu Akoto

Justin Brandt

Josh Cronan

William Duggan

Wes Dye

Andrew Janson

Luis Jorge

Matthew Meredith

Mathew Moore

Joris Olbrechts

Tom Poe

France Pomerleau

Kirk Robertson

Marty Steinmetz

Niels Lundgaard-Svenstrup

Bob Tippmann

Gary White