GCCA European Cold Chain Conference Announced for 2026

DECEMBER 3, 2025 – Registration to attend the 29^th GCCA European Cold Chain Conference is now open. The conference will take place 18-20 March 2026 in Dusseldorf, Germany. The annual conference is the major event in Europe’s temperature-controlled logistics calendar, bringing together leading food and healthcare logistics operators, partners and contractors from throughout Europe to discuss industry trends and common challenges, to share the latest knowledge, and to identify opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

The conference program will examine, among other topics:

• How cold chains are navigating the reshaping European market;
• New trade routes and trade digitization;
• The transition away from F-Gas to alternative refrigerants;
• Building tomorrow’s cold chain workforce;
• Harnessing AI for practical operational benefits; and
• Funding a resilient, low carbon future.

The conference agenda will deliver insights and experiences from cold chain colleagues from around the world, data and advice from consultants and analysts, and discussion with politicians and officials about the policy environment for cold chain businesses. Full speaker and programme details will be announced in early 2026.

The three-day event will also feature a dedicated Cold Chain Expo where attendees can see the latest technologies and innovations designed to improve operational efficiency and business performance in temperature-controlled logistics; a Cold Chain Café for roundtable discussion; and the chance to spend time with colleagues and peers at social receptions. Attendees can also register to visit leading online supermarket Picnic’s new highly-automated fulfilment centre facility in nearby Oberhausen on the final day of the conference.

GCCA Director for Europe Julie Hanson says: “We are looking forward to welcoming the European cold chain to Dusseldorf in March 2026 for three days of discussion, connection and learning. This is a time of change for temperature-controlled logistics around the world, and businesses operating in Europe are presented with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Gathering together to explore how to navigate this time of transition, and to consider where transformation can create new opportunities, is of high value for cold chain businesses and for the resilience of our global food supply chain.”

In March 2025, more than 200 cold chain professionals from warehousing, transportation, construction, technology and equipment companies from across Europe and beyond gathered in Copenhagen for the 28^th GCCA European Cold Chain Conference.

Registration for the GCCA European Cold Chain Conference 2026 is available at www.gcca.org/events/gcca-european-cold-chain-conference/