About Global Cold Chain Foundation

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 the international development projects engage cold chain 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 to 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 Scientific Advisory Council 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 Resources

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

October 8, 2024

Protected: 2024 GCCA Convention Education Session Presentations

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September 11, 2024

Protected: 2024 Cold Chain Institute Europe Presentations

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September 10, 2024

Protected: 2024 Africa Cold Chain Conference Presentations

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Latest GCCF News

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

GCCF Projects

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

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…

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2024 - 2024

Technical Assistance for Postharvest Facilities in India

Country: India GCCF implemented a postharvest project in the states of Assam and West Bengal, India. This project…

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2023 - 2027

Agricultural Trade and Climate Smart Innovations (ATraCSI) Project

Countries: Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala In April 2023, GCCF began the Agricultural Trade and Climate Smart Innovations (ATraCSI)…

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Upcoming Events

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

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October 29

3PL Cold Storage Opportunities in the Northern Triangle: Spotlight on Guatemala

GCCF and GCCA member LixCap have studied market opportunities for cold storage investment in El Salvador, Guatemala and…

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October 16

Q4 2024 GCCF Projects Update

The Global Cold Chain Foundation (GCCF) is actively engaged in international projects to develop the cold chain around…

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October 23

GCCA Webinar: Tackle Your Cold Logistics Challenges with an Industry-Specific Software Solution

Time and Date: October 23, 10:00am Eastern (4:00pm CET) Overview of Webinar: On October 23, as part of…

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Scientific Advisory Council

Learn about this eminent 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 Scientific Advisory Council comprising top scientists with expertise in food science.  See all GCCF Board Members below.

Mickey Hoffmann

Ken Whah

Adam Forste

Greg Laurin

Michael Jahncke

Owusu Akoto

Justin Brandt

Wes Dye

Graham Harvey

Andrew Janson

Mathew Moore

Joris Olbrechts

Tom Poe

Angela Schmidt

Marty Steinmetz

Niels Lundgaard-Svenstrup

Bob Tippmann

Rodrigo Vassimon

William Duggan

David Stuver

WOMEN_IN_THE_COLD_CHAIN_WEB_GRAPHIC_2023_0921

This initiative provides support for women in the male-dominated field of the cold chain industry