Controlled Environment Building Association

March 2026

Below, please find a brief update regarding the governance structure of the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) and our partner organizations.

The GCCA and the Controlled Environment Building Association (CEBA) have formally separated into independent business entities. This marks the next step in our organizational evolution, strategically positioning GCCA to focus even more intently on delivering increased value to you, our members.

Since 2007, GCCA has operated as an umbrella administrator for several associations: the International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses (IARW), the International Refrigerated Transportation Association (IRTA), and CEBA. At that time, a three-pronged Alliance created unique opportunities for collaboration and growth, particularly as the cold chain gained heightened visibility during the global pandemic.

With that visibility came new investment, increased demand, market consolidation, and broader recognition of just how essential temperature-controlled logistics truly is. As the industry has progressed, so too must the organizations that serve it.

The legacy IARW and IRTA organizations are moving forward in a merger to formalize a unified Alliance. CEBA has transitioned to independent management under a third-party firm and will operate outside of GCCA’s structure. The Global Cold Chain Foundation’s strategic priorities and administrative leadership remain unchanged.

Our commitment to you and your business priorities has not wavered. GCCA members —suppliers, service providers, vendors, construction professionals, warehouse owners and operators, and logistics and transportation professionals — are vital links in a resilient global cold chain. Engaging with GCCA provides access to a powerful network of industry leaders, trusted market intelligence, technical expertise, education, and meaningful in-person connections. Together, our members drive innovation, share best practices, and build lasting partnerships that strengthen every link in the temperature-controlled supply chain.

GCCA is fully focused on serving our respective members with longstanding and brand-new initiatives and expanded opportunities in the year ahead. Online, GCCA remains at www.gcca.org, and CEBA can be reached at a new website, www.theceba.org.

If you are a CEBA Member or a combination GCCA/CEBA Member, your active membership remains intact. Any CEBA membership will transition to new management.  CEBA only members will no longer be able to access GCCA member-only resources or platforms without a GCCA membership account.

Please do not hesitate to contact the GCCA team with any questions. Thank you for your continued engagement and leadership in our industry. We look forward to working together as the best of the global cold chain, the backbone of the temperature-controlled industry.