We’re out of the starting gate and looking forward to the year ahead. Our cover story on warehouse automation in the food and beverage sector is extra long to accommodate a comprehensive Q&A with executives from the world’s top providers. Nearly a dozen executives agreed to share detailed insights on what’s hot in this sector and how it promises to change food and beverage supply chains.
Our “Fleet Manager’s Guide” special report and feature on “Recalls: Prevention & Response,” brings readers up to speed on the latest regulations, technology and more.
As for what’s ‘cold,’ there’s plenty. More refrigerated and frozen food is on the move and everyone from transportation providers to ports to cold storage facilities are adding products and services to handle it. Software and technology providers, too, are playing a more critical role in supporting cold chain integrity.
Our 2014 Educational Webinar series, “The Cold Chain: Uncovered,” includes four events on this theme:
- The Reefer Box: From ‘Plain Old Cold’ to ‘Smart and Controlled’ (March 13)
- Cold Storage Facilities: Safer, More Sustainable, and More Efficient (June 18)
- Perishables on the Move: Road, Rail, Ocean and Air (September 10)
- The Relationship Between Cold Chain Integrity and Food Safety (December 10)
In addition, I’m looking forward to the Journal of Commerce’s Trans-Pacific Maritime (TPM) annual conference, March 2-5 in Long Beach, Calif. Several years ago, a Cool Cargoes track was added to the program to address the growing interest and activity in cold chain. Of course, this topic aligns perfectly with our coverage. So I was honored when the JOC’s Peter Tirschwell asked me to assist in developing Cool Cargoes for 2014.
I don’t mind bragging about the panels and executives who are confirmed for the program. They’re the Dream Team of cold chain experts and it’s going to be one exciting program. You can check out the details at www.joc.com/content/cool-cargoes-agenda.
The other big show in March is MODEX and the entire staff from Food Logistics and our sister publication, Supply & Demand Chain Executive, will be attending in Atlanta.
We hope to see you on the show floor.
Enjoy the read.
