Volume One, Issue One | 2026

Navigating the New Frontier: Resilience, Technology, and Policy in 2026 Cold Chain

Welcome to the first issue of COLD FACTS for 2026. In this issue, COLD FACTS explores an industry at a critical turning point, transitioning from the reactive survival of previous years to a new era of “proactive precision.” This issue examines how temperature-controlled logistics are navigating a landscape defined by rapid technological adoption, significant shifts in global trade policy, and a persistent drive toward sustainability. From the potential impacts of the USMCA renewal and radical new dietary guidelines to the robust growth of cold chain infrastructure in East Africa, this issue serves as a comprehensive guide for leaders steering their organizations through these unpredictable times.

Features

A Year of Transition

The start of 2026 marks a rapid and complex shift in U.S. agriculture and food policy, driven by looming mid-term elections and a significant overhaul of domestic programs. This article details a landscape of legislative uncertainty, from the impact of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) to radical changes in national dietary guidelines that will fundamentally alter product flow through the cold chain.

By Torrey Advisory Group

COVER STORY | Driving the Cold Chain

As the industry enters 2026, the temperature-controlled supply chain is transitioning from a period of reactive survival to an era of “proactive precision.” This cover story gathers insights from five global leaders—Adam Forste (Lineage), Greg Laurin (Conestoga Cold Storage), Francisco Moura (SuperFrio), Nicholas-P. Pedneault (Congebec), and Rafael Rocha (Emergent Cold LatAm)—to map out the opportunities and obstacles defining the year ahead.

By Alexandra Walsh

Robust Momentum in East Africa

East Africa’s temperature-controlled logistics network is experiencing a strategic shift from donor-funded, isolated projects to a market-led, integrated ecosystem. While high operational costs and fragmented infrastructure persist, major urban hubs in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Rwanda are rapidly expanding to support export growth and domestic food security.

By Isobel Davidson

The Best Gather in the Southwest

For the first time since 2019, the Global GCCA Convention returns to the first half of the year. The 2026 program celebrates 125 years of industry education and relationship-building, gathering global leaders in temperature-controlled warehousing, transportation, and logistics to tackle the sector’s most pressing “future-focused” challenges.

By GCCA Staff 

Contact Us

COLD FACTS Magazine and media inquiries: Lindsay Shelton-Gross, Senior Vice President, Global Communications, Marketing and Strategic Initiatives, Global Cold Chain Alliance

Editorial Ideas: Please contact Editor-In-Chief Alexandra Walsh

Advertising Opportunities: Contact Jeff Rhodes, Vice President of Sales, MCI USA Sales