GCCA Cold Chain Connection Europe – Rotterdam

GCCA Cold Chain Connection Europe – Rotterdam

The Cold Chain Connection is a regional event designed to bring together professionals working in the temperature-controlled sector – warehouse, logistics, transportation, food, supply chain, and design/build industries to network, build relationships, and address industry and business issues in an engaging and informal setting. These events are open to both members and non-members.

What to Expect

This year’s program is designed to give you the knowledge and connections you need to thrive in the European temperature-controlled supply chain sector in the coming years. Here is a preview of what you can expect:

Time	Session
15:00 - 15:30	Registration
15:30 - 15:45	Industry Insights
15:45 - 16:45	Cold Chain Innovation Session
16:45 - 17:15	Keynote
17:15-17:30	Cold Chain Institute Graduation Ceremony and Closing
17:30 - 18:45	Networking Reception

Schedule subject to change.

This event is open to GCCA Members, and non-members.

 

Program Details

Cold Chain Innovation: Is -18°C Still the Right Temperature? Rethinking Frozen Food Logistics for a More Sustainable Future

Rian Timmermans, Scientist and project leader mild processing and preservation at Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research

As the food industry seeks to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency, could frozen food storage and transport temperatures be safely optimised? This interactive session will explore emerging research, including insights from the FROSTEQ project, examining whether the long-established -18°C standard for frozen food logistics could be adjusted while maintaining the highest standards of food safety, product quality, and consumer confidence.

Following a brief introduction to the science behind temperature optimisation, participants will be invited to engage in a lively discussion on the opportunities and challenges associated with rethinking frozen food temperature standards. Together, we will explore the potential sustainability benefits of a modest temperature increase, including significant energy savings and reductions in carbon emissions across the cold chain. The discussion will also address operational, regulatory, and consumer considerations, as well as what future developments could mean for global cold chain practices, efficiency, and policy. Can a small temperature change make a big sustainability difference? Join us to challenge assumptions, share perspectives, and explore how innovation in temperature management could help deliver a more sustainable and resilient food supply chain.

 

Keynote

Designing Cold Chains for Volatility and Risk

Marc Aupers, Senior Director, Commercial Perishables Vertical, Europe, DP World

Cold chains are increasingly exposed to geopolitical disruption, with tensions around the Strait of Hormuz adding pressure through higher energy costs, constrained shipping capacity, insurance risk, and longer transit times. This session will examine how these shocks affect handling, reliability, and product quality, and where value is most at risk across the supply chains. The discussion will focus on practical ways to build resilience through stronger coordination, flexible routing, better contingency planning, and service models designed for volatility rather than stable conditions.

Registration Fees

Registration Type	Rate Euros €
Warehouse & Transportation, Member	€79
Warehouse & Transportation Non-Member	€129
Industry Solutions Provider, Member	€299
Industry Solutions Provider, Non-Member	€599

Cancellation Policy

There is a $75 USD cancellation fee before 24 July 2026. There are no refunds after this date, however, you can make an attendee substitution at no additional charge. Please email the GCCA team for changes to your registration.

Venue

Join us at the Hilton Rotterdam Hotel, in the bustling city center, half a kilometer from Central Station with connections to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The property features an in-house restaurant, fitness and recreation center, surrounded by bars, restaurants, theaters and shopping opportunities.

You can book your stay at the Hilton Rotterdam Hotel at the preferred rate of €199/night, through 21 August, pending availability.

Sponsor Cold Chain Connection Rotterdam

Position your brand at the forefront of the cold chain industry. This event gathers influential professionals working in the temperature-controlled sector – warehouse, logistics, transportation, food, supply chain, and design/build industries. Benefits of sponsoring include:

• Recognition as a sponsor on event website, and pre-event marketing emails.
• High-impact signage at the event.
• Direct access to a qualified audience of potential customers.
• Ability to engage in industry discussions with participating operators.
• Display banner, leaflets, brochures and giveaways at event.
• Distinctive ribbons to identify your staff as key event partners.
• 1 complimentary event registration.

Opportunity	Rate Euros €
Cold Chain Connection Sponsor (non-exclusive)	€4,500

Sponsorship is available to GCCA Members.

Interested in sponsoring or joining? Contact Julie Hanson.

 

Can’t make it to Rotterdam?

Explore our full GCCA Events Calendar to find an event near you. 

 

GCCA Event Registration, Cancellation, and Code of Conduct Policies

By submission of your conference registration, you (Registrant) and/or the persons you are registering acknowledge acceptance of the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) Code of Conduct and Event Policies.