Cool Logistics Global returns to Antwerp in September 2012 with a fresh outlook

Conference theme: 'Redefining ownership and responsibility in the cold-chain'

Cool Logistics Global 2012, the leading global cold chain conference, will be held in Antwerp on 24-26 September and focus on shifting trade, demographic patterns and global competitiveness.

As global purchasing power is gradually gravitating towards the BRIC economies, responsibility in the cold-chain needs to be redefined. With Latin America, China and India continuing to flex their muscles, not just as exporters of perishables but increasingly so as import markets, new supply chain risks appear on the horizon.

New challenges faced by global shippers and carriers on traditional trade lanes include the state of infrastructure in terms of ports, cold store facilities and transport links. Also, with an ageing population in Europe, demand for perishable products itself is undergoing change, necessitating that both food safety and food security regimes come under closer scrutiny.

These are issues that all point to the fundamental questions: Does the cold chain actually exist? Where are the critical pinch points? How can a fragmented industry such as the perishable logistics sector survive in its current state?

Case studies taken from the fresh produce, flowers, seafood and meat sector will illustrate the need for redefining ownership and responsibility in the cold chain. Critically, the conference will also seek to address, for the first time, the difficult relationship between product sourcing, logistics costs and marketing.

Cool Logistics Global is a unique forum where representatives of the transport and storage sector will have the opportunity to hear about the latest logistical and technical developments, iron out their individual differences and develop new partnerships across the perishable supply chain.

Now in its fourth year, Cool Logistics Global 2012 will feature, as ever, a wealth of analysis, presentations and discussions about how logistics costs determine the competitiveness of individual perishable supply chains, and offer significant networking opportunities. The three-day conference will include a one-day technical workshop.

The conference programme is being developed in close co-operation with an international advisory group of industry experts representing both users and providers of perishable logistics and transport. The advisory board includes: Alfred Cheung, Founder, Green Society Association; Andy Connell, Business Unit Manager Shipping & Logistics, Dole Foods South Africa; Tom Mikkelsen, Managing Director, Marine Harvest Terminal; Mike Nicometo, Cool Chain Expert, Fresh Xperts; Marc Rooms, Global ReeferSales Manager, Safmarine Container Lines; and Mathijs Slangen, Maritime Advisor, Seabury Group.

Back by popular demand, the Icebreaker Reception will return to the NovaFresh cold store, but this time with a 'hot twist'. Sponsored by DP World, foodcareplus and NovaFresh, the tropical evening will follow the full-day Operations & Technology workshop and guided tour of DP World Terminal on Monday 24 September before the main conference starts on Tuesday 25 September.