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.

April 16, 2024

2024 GCCA European Top 10 Refrigerated Warehousing & Logistics Providers

Every year, the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) publishes the GCCA European Top 10 List of the largest…

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April 16, 2024

2024 GCCA Latin American Top 10 Refrigerated Warehousing & Logistics Providers

Every year, the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) publishes the GCCA Latin American & Caribbean Top 10 List…

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April 16, 2024

2024 GCCA Global Top 25 List of Refrigerated Warehousing and Logistics Providers

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

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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 - Present

Technical Assistance for Postharvest Facilities

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

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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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2023

Postharvest Training in East Africa

Countries: Kenya, Rwanda In November 2023, GCCF completed a postharvest training project in Kenya and Rwanda that was…

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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.

GCCA Gray Logo
June 18 - June 19, 2024

Education-Unique Insights Into Reefer Port Flows Impacting The Logistic Chain

The Global Cold Chain Foundation is pleased to announce the second edition of this short education session in…

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November 11 - November 14, 2024

44th CEBA Conference & Expo

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GCCA Cold Chain Connection
August 13 - August 14, 2024

GCCA Midwestern Cold Chain Connection – Kansas City

The 2024 GCCA Midwestern Cold Chain Connection will be held August 13 & 14 in Kansas City, MO…

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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.

Ken Whah

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Adam Forste

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Greg Laurin

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Michael Jahncke

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Owusu Akoto

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Justin Brandt

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Wes Dye

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Graham Harvey

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Andrew B. Janson

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Mathew Moore

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Joris Olbrechts

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Tom Poe

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Angela Schmidt

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Marty Steinmetz

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Niels Lundgaard-Svenstrup

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Bob Tippmann

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Rodrigo Vassimon

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William C. Duggan Jr.

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David Stuver

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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