Accolades for Americold, Let’s Connect at an Industry Event!

Our September cover story celebrates Americold’s Russellville, Arkansas location, the inaugural recipient of the R&FF Cold Storage Facility of the Year Award.

New this year as a replacement for our previous logistics award, the Cold Storage Facility of the Year honors a specific cold storage/3PL facility for its growth and leadership in the industry, as well as new construction/expansions, food safety, sustainability, technology and more relate to its overall operation and customer satisfaction.

At just over 150,000 square feet, the site is truly a testament to the history of cold chain logistics – combining a legacy warehouse that remains operational with a soaring, rack-supported side that features the latest in automation technology.

Thank you to Americold for giving me a behind-the-scenes look at this impressive facility and sharing more about how the company works with some of the biggest U.S. food brands to get their products from production floor to retail shelf. You can learn more in our cover story and podcast interview with Bryan Verbarendse, president of the Americas at Americold.

The response from the cold chain community was overwhelming, with a number of outstanding entries received. It validated the importance of this segment of the cold chain – a vital step after processing and manufacturing – that can help make or break a food brand.

The panel of judges did not have an easy task as there were multiple outstanding entries. To all those who submitted a cold storage facility for award consideration, thank you! Your participation and engagement helps R&FF deliver the best content for your cold chain business. We can’t wait to see what next year’s award will bring!

Also in this issue, we explore the central Texas food manufacturing boom and how working with economic development organizations can benefit manufacturers and processors. Plus, a cold chain perspectives column on the use of RFID tags for cold chain logistics and how they can improve traceability and food safety.

This summer I was also fortunate to participate in a manufacturing roundtable at Automation Alley, a Michigan-based nonprofit technology business center that helps businesses jumpstart or accelerate the digital transformation.

R&FF and our colleagues at FOOD ENGINEERING were honored to represent the food manufacturing industry in a room filled with automotive manufacturers. We certainly brought an interesting perspective to the supply chain discussion and helped shed light on some of the challenges that only a cold foods company could truly understand.

As we turn to fall, the R&FF staff is looking forward to attending PACK EXPO and the Global Cold Chain Alliance Convention, both later this month!

R&FF will also be attending the National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) Convention in October and the 45^th annual CEBA Conference & Expo in November. If you or your colleagues are attending any of these upcoming industry events, let’s connect!

And, don’t forget, you can get the latest in our weekly eNewsletter and online at RFFmag.com.