Global Cold Chain Expands in 2025: What It Means for Us

You will find here the recently released 2025 Global Top 25 List. This highlights significant growth in the industry, with the Global Top 25 now operating a combined 207 million m3 of refrigerated space, marking a 10% increase from the previous year.

Lineage Logistics holds the top spot again, with almost 3 billion cubic feet of space, followed by Americold at 1.45 billion. NewCold made the biggest jump, moving up to third place after nearly doubling its capacity. Several other companies, like FreezPak and Constellation, also moved up the ranks, showing how quickly this sector is changing.

So, what’s driving all this growth? Increasingly, people worldwide want fresh and frozen foods, and markets in Asia, Latin America and other regions are expanding fast. At the same time, cold storage is becoming more advanced, with a big focus on automation, energy efficiency, and better tracking.

What does this mean for us in Australia? As part of a global supply chain, these changes will affect how we store and move temperature-controlled goods. There will be more pressure to modernise, improve performance, and meet higher standards for food safety and sustainability.

For RWTA members, it’s important to stay on top of these trends. The cold chain is no longer just about keeping things cold — it’s about being smart, connected, and ready for what’s next.

RWTA Networking Night at Spotswood Hotel Welcomes New Faces and Big Ideas

On a clear and crisp Wednesday evening in Melbourne, the RWTA community gathered at the Spotswood Hotel for a vibrant networking function that exceeded expectations. With strong representation across the cold chain sector—including a notable number of “RWTA Curious” non-members—it was a night marked by connection and momentum.

The casual setting fostered meaningful conversation, with attendees keen to expand their networks, exchange insights, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Longstanding members and first-timers alike embraced the RWTA spirit, building relationships that drive real business outcomes across refrigerated warehousing and transport.

Guests engaged in dynamic conversations around industrial relations reforms in 2026 and their implications for transport, as well as the impact of new technologies in cutting energy output costs by over a third. Staffing trends, sustainability, and Australia’s evolving position in global supply chains were also front and centre.

Events like these continue to show the strength of the RWTA network—and the value of creating space for thought leadership and genuine connection.

Thank you to all who attended and contributed to a successful and enjoyable evening.

Spotlight on Daifuku – New RWTA Member!

In this week’s Chilled Out Series, RWTA’s Marianne sits down with Arijit from Daifuku, a global leader in warehouse automation and our newest member. Discover how Daifuku is revolutionising the Australian and New Zealand cold chain with cutting-edge automation designed for frozen environments. Learn about their solutions for rising energy costs, labour shortages, sustainability goals, and future-ready technologies. With real-time data, space-saving systems, and 99.99% inventory accuracy, Daifuku is shaping smarter cold chain operations.

Watch the full interview to see how innovation meets efficiency!

The RWTA is proud to acknowledge Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) as a Diamond Sponsor of our upcoming National Conference.

TMHA’s generous support plays a vital role in helping us deliver, yet again, a high-impact event for the refrigerated warehousing and transport industry, and we are truly grateful for their commitment.

A trusted name in logistics and material handling, Toyota Material Handling is synonymous with quality, innovation, and safety. 

Their wide range of world-class equipment — from forklifts and automated systems to warehouse solutions — helps power the cold chain sector across the country. 

Their sponsorship demonstrates a strong alignment with the RWTA’s vision to elevate standards and performance in our industry.

By investing at the highest sponsorship level, TMHA is supporting not just a conference, but a platform that drives collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and long-term progress across the temperature-controlled supply chain. 

Their presence at the event will be a highlight, showcasing both their leadership and continued investment in our industry's growth and sustainability.

We thank Toyota Material Handling Australia for standing with us and our members — their support makes a real difference.

Join us in applauding TMHA for their role in making this year’s RWTA Conference one to remember!

Check out the Conference website for registration and more information

RWTA Brisbane Golf Day – A Swinging Success!

What a fantastic day on the green at Brisbane Golf Club! With a record-breaking 118 players registered, the RWTA Brisbane Golf Day proved once again to be a premier networking event for our industry. 

Despite the threat of rain, the weather remained cool and wonderful—ideal conditions for golf.

The course was in great shape, camaraderie was high, and delicious food and refreshments were enjoyed throughout the day.

A heartfelt thank you to our valued sponsors for making this event possible:

Platinum Sponsor: Americold
Gold Sponsor: Scully RSV
Silver Sponsors: Askin, Eurocold, Lindsay Australia, TriTech Refrigeration
Bronze Sponsors: Cascade, Crown, Gordon Brothers, Inghams, JD Refrigerated Transport, Lineage, Metecno PIR, SBP, Stow, Toyota Materials Handling, Young Guns

Family Owned, National Cold Storage Logistics Freight Company Announces Closure after 77 years in business.

Our industry has been saddened by the recent news that long term RWTA Member, Don Watson Transport, one of the country’s leading refrigerated logistics operations, announced late last week it would make its final collections on June 9 before its final deliveries.

The Victorian-founded company had 300 staff and ran cold store businesses in Sydney, Wodonga and Melbourne.

To add your support to those looking for work, please assist by adding job vacancies to the Job Board. Click here 

RWTA Member Leads the Charge with Australia’s Largest Electric Truck Order

Linfox Logistics is taking a significant step toward decarbonising Australia’s freight transport sector with the country’s largest electric truck order to date. In partnership with Volvo Group Australia, Linfox has committed to purchasing 100 Volvo FL Electric trucks.

The new electric fleet will be deployed across major Australian cities to support urban deliveries for major clients including Coles, Woolworths, and Telstra. The move reflects Linfox’s continued focus on sustainability and innovation in transport logistics.

Designed for metro and last-mile operations, the Volvo FL Electric trucks are zero-tailpipe-emission vehicles that offer a cleaner and quieter alternative to diesel. This is expected to reduce both emissions and noise pollution in densely populated areas, contributing to more sustainable and community-friendly delivery operations.

Linfox has previously trialled electric vehicles across its network and this latest initiative significantly expands its capabilities. The company’s investment also signals growing industry confidence in the commercial viability of electric heavy vehicles.

Volvo Group Australia is supporting the rollout with expertise in electric vehicle infrastructure, maintenance, and training. As public and private sectors continue to prioritise emission reduction goals, such investments set a strong precedent for broader adoption of electric transport solutions.

We commend Linfox’s large-scale commitment, demonstrating leadership in environmental responsibility and paving the way for a more sustainable freight future.

GridBeyond and ABB Deepen Partnership to Launch BESS-as-a-Service

GridBeyond and ABB have expanded their strategic partnership to deliver ABB’s new Battery Energy Storage Systems-as-a-Service (BESS-as-a-Service) for commercial and industrial clients. Leveraging ABB’s electrification expertise and GridBeyond’s AI-driven platform, the service offers fully managed energy storage with no upfront capital investment.

This enables real-time optimisation, demand-side response, and market revenue access. Tallarna joins the partnership, adding financial risk management and project feasibility tools.

Together, the trio aims to accelerate the transition to net zero by providing businesses with smarter, more flexible energy solutions that reduce costs, emissions, and reliance on the grid.

Like to know more? Click here for the full story (link: GridBeyond and ABB deepen their strategic partnership)

Celebrating Cold Chain Leadership at the Cold Chain Institute Australia - May 2025

The Cold Chain Institute Australia wrapped up another impactful year in Melbourne, delivering an intensive three-day program that continues to shape the next generation of cold chain leaders.

Hosted by the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), with support from the RWTA, this annual educational event brought together industry professionals from across the sector.

This year’s institute featured a curriculum focused on essential competencies including hazard analysis, food safety, emergency response planning, and foundational leadership, where attendees immersed themselves in the technical and strategic challenges of our industry.

A special thank you to the dedicated faculty of volunteer instructors and appreciation also goes to Adam Thocher and Jenna Campbell of the GCCA for expertly coordinating the event’s logistics and programming.

The Cold Chain Institute is more than just education—it’s an investment in capability, career advancement, and community. 

Congratulations to the Year 3 graduates whose commitment signals a bright future for cold chain excellence.

Graduates of Cold Chain Institute Australia (Year 3):

Raj Bhoraniya, Lineage
Cory Campbell, NewCold
Alyshya Corke-Cox, NewCold
Ryann Laguerta, Lineage
Andrew Laurin, Conestoga Cold Storage
Andrew Lorenzi, NewCold
William Sargeant, Conestoga Cold Storage
Felicia Vung, NewCold

Brisbane Truck Show 2025 Breaks Records and Sets New Benchmarks

Brisbane Truck Show 2025 Breaks Records and Sets New Benchmarks

The 2025 Brisbane Truck Show has shattered all previous records, welcoming over 42,000 attendees and firmly cementing its status as Australasia’s premier transport industry event.

Held over four days at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, the show featured 334 exhibitors across a massive 35,000 sqm footprint. Highlights included a growing emphasis on zero-emission vehicles, cutting-edge transport technology, and the vibrant South Bank Truck Festival. The event drew strong interstate attendance and bolstered the Queensland economy, generating over $40 million in visitor spending. A large international contingent also joined, with 70 delegates from 17 countries. The show’s collaboration with the Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) and its extended Truck Show Festival offerings contributed to its expanded reach and appeal. With a clear industry focus on innovation and sustainability, the 2025 show proved to be not only the largest but one of the most future-forward yet.

Construction Update | Premium TradeCoast Cold Storage Facility

Prime Cold Storage Opportunity in the Heart of The TradeCoast Precinct

On behalf of the developers, Hale, Modus Property Group is pleased to provide an update on the construction progress at CityPort Coldstores, available now for lease.

CityPort Coldstores represents the largest speculative cold storage development to ever be offered within Queensland. The facility can be occupied by a large single occupier, looking to secure the whole facility or three subdivided tenancies from 6,200sqm*.

Key highlights include:

■ Flexible tenancy options ranging from 6,200sqm* - 19,530sqm*
■ 4.07Ha* total site area
■ Internal heights of 11.5m* supports high-density storage, accommodating up to 7 pallets 
■ Advanced temperature-controlled environments with 50% freezer and 50% chiller
■ 6m* wide awnings for all weather loading and unloading 
■ 29 dock levellers spread across three tenancies with 15m* deep ante rooms
■ TradeCoast location with unparalleled connectivity to Port of Brisbane, Brisbane Airport, Gateway Motorway and the CBD
■ Construction has commenced with anticipated PC in Q4 2025

Location Overview 

CityPort Coldstores is nestled between the City and the Port, located in the well established industrial and logistics suburb of Morningside, 6* radial kilometres east of Brisbane’s CBD. The subject property provides efficient access to the Port of Brisbane and Brisbane’s International & Domestic Airports via major arterial road networks including Lytton Road, the Gateway Motorway and the Port of Brisbane Motorway.

Lytton Road is a major road popular with cold storage facilities due to the connection between the Port of Brisbane and major road networks. CityPort Coldstores is accessed via a heavy vehicle B-Double approved route with direct access for larger prime movers and refrigerated interstate logistics handling.

Gateway Motorway: 4 mins*
Brisbane Airport: 8 mins*
Port of Brisbane: 13 mins*
Brisbane CBD: 18 mins*
Pacific Motorway: 21 mins**Approx.

For more information or to discuss your requirements, please contact the Exclusive Marketing Agents below:

David Gibson
Partner 
+61 431 119 602

Henry Devine
Manager 
+61 408 745 466

Nick Bandiera
Partner 
+61 421 881 093

Meet Young Guns – RWTA’s Newest Member!

In this Chilled Out Series episode, RWTA’s Marianne chats with Scott Young, Director of Young Guns – the world’s largest container devanning specialists. Family-owned and proudly Australian, Young Guns supports the cold chain by expertly managing inbound and outbound container logistics, ensuring efficient, accurate handling from port to pallet. Learn how their hands-on approach, deep industry knowledge, and commitment to service excellence set them apart in cold supply chain operations.

Take a moment to watch the interview to discover how Young Guns is delivering precision and reliability across the cold logistics landscape. 

Lindsay Australia acquires leading refrigerated transport provider

 Congratulations to RWTA Members Lindsay Australia Ltd on the Strategic Acquisition of SRT Logistics! A milestone moment for the Australian cold chain and transport industry. By acquiring SRT Logistics, Tasmania’s largest and most respected temperature-controlled logistics provider into the Lindsay Australia family, this acquisition promises greater national reach, service capabilities, and supply chain resilience from Mareeba to Hobart, Launceston to Perth.

With 6 operating sites, 145 modern trucks, 100 dual electric-diesel rail containers, and a 400-strong team, SRT brings not only scale but also an award-winning track record in safety and service. Their strength in Tasmania’s thriving horticultural sector is a natural fit with Lindsay’s expansive transport and rural services. It’s especially exciting to see SRT continue under their iconic brand, led by the existing management team. This move respects local expertise while unlocking new opportunities across the country for employees, customers, and stakeholders alike. Wishing the entire team at Lindsay Australia and SRT Logistics a smooth and successful transition as they move toward Day One of operations together on 1 July 2025. A powerful partnership for the future of refrigerated logistics!

https://bigrigs.com.au/2025/05/13/lindsay-australia-acquires-leading-refrigerated-transport-provider/

GCCA Cold Chain Institute, 27-29MAY

The Cold Chain Institute is for professionals engaged in temperature-controlled logistics. The curriculum takes ‘students’ through cold chain management, customer service, employee safety, food safety, warehouse operations, transportation operations, and professional development and is taught by leading experts in the industry.

LAST OPPORTUNITY TO BOOK NOW! 

https://gcca.swoogo.com/2025ColdChainInstituteAustralia

What is the GCCF?

The Global Cold Chain Foundation (GCCF) is the primary source for education, training, research and technical information on the proper handling and storage of perishable products and the development of best practices for the safe, efficient, and reliable movement of food and other temperature sensitive commodities globally. GCCF is led by a Board of Governors who strive to ensure the foundation provides cold chain research and training to the industry globally while also supporting the growth of temperature controlled logistics in developing countries.

The foundation also has a Scientific Advisory Council comprised of top scientists with expertise in many areas of importance to the temperature controlled logistics industry, including: food science/toxicology (seafood, poultry, meat, dairy, baking, produce), refrigeration systems, engineering, packing, postharvest, transportation, agriculture economics, operations, logistics and others.

What is the Cold Chain Institute?

The Cold Chain Institute is for professionals engaged in temperature-controlled logistics. The curriculum takes ‘students’ through cold chain management, customer service, employee safety, food safety, warehouse operations, transportation operations, and professional development and is taught by leading experts in the industry.

‘Students’ attend for four days, once per year. After three years, students receive a Certificate of Completion during a graduation ceremony. In addition to the valuable training opportunities participants take part in, students also receive the added benefit of networking with industry peers and developing relationships with mentors while taking their professional, leadership, and cold chain skills to the next level.

Who should attend?

Students from every professional area come to the Institute to enhance their individual specialty while developing a 360-degree understanding of their company and the temperature sensitive industry. The program is tailored for current or potential PRW engineers, supervisors and managers in the following areas:

• Operations

• Administration

• Engineering

• Information Technology and Systems

• Construction

• Sales

• Marketing

• Human Resources

Why attend?

•  Receive comprehensive training in cold chain operations and business

• Improve operational efficiency on the job

• Sharpen internal and customer communication

• Develop leadership and management skills

• Improve expertise in specialty area

• Learn from recognised industry leaders

• Network and build relationships with peers

Young Guns Join the RWTA Network!

Meet Young Guns – RWTA’s Newest Member!

In this Chilled Out Series episode, RWTA’s Marianne chats with Scott Young, Director of Young Guns – the world’s largest container devanning specialists. Family-owned and proudly Australian, Young Guns supports the cold chain by expertly managing inbound and outbound container logistics, ensuring efficient, accurate handling from port to pallet. Learn how their hands-on approach, deep industry knowledge, and commitment to service excellence set them apart in cold supply chain operations. Take a moment to watch the interview to discover how Young Guns is delivering precision and reliability across the cold logistics landscape.

RWTA Frank Vale Tech Tour 2025

In collaboration with SWISSLOG and ASKIN PERFORMANCE PANELS, the RWTA was delighted to again host the RWTA Frank Vale Tech Tour 2025 in Sydney on Tuesday the 13th May. 

Swisslog automation technologies were the focus of the day at three sites, JD Sports, Jaycar and Linfox Bevchain.

Attendees from Americold, Cold Xpress, HDS Distribution and Storage, Lineage Logistics, Linfox and Primary Connect were taken for a guided tour through these sites to see pallet, robot and mini load technologies firsthand. Interrupted only by lunch and numerous animated conversations regarding automation and how it can be used to increase safety and productivity in the cold chain, the day was undoubtedly a success! Technologies on show included Swisslog AutoStore with 113 R5+ robots, Quick Move light goods conveyor ports, the impressive ASRS Vectura Cranes, CycloneCarrier shuttles, ProMove pallet conveyor, and at the last site, the fascinating and practical high density pallet and monorail system.  

The RWTA holds this function annually and it is open to future leaders in the Australian Cold Chain to gain knowledge for the future of the most advanced sites in the world. Please enjoy the photos from the day here:

ARC headlines conversation on licensing reform in Tasmania

The Tasmanian Government is reviewing its licensing framework, with key considerations being information asymmetry between consumer and technician, alignment with national licence competencies, and the potential to establish refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) as a distinct trade category.

This review echoes the changes made in Victoria three years ago, where the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) played a pivotal role in advocating for RAC to be recognised as a separate licence category, rather than being considered as a subclass of plumbing. Tasmania is now progressing along a similar path.

RAC is a highly specialised trade that, while overlapping in some areas with generalist plumbing and electrical work, differs significantly in technical scope and expertise. As such, it warrants its own licensing category to reflect these unique requirements.

A critical element of this review will be ensuring alignment with the national competency standards of the ARCTick scheme. This will raise the level of competence in the state, and help prevent confusion and avoid placing unnecessary administrative burden on RAC technicians.

The ARC remains committed to working closely with the Tasmanian Government to achieve a licensing framework that meets both policy objectives and industry needs.

Exciting Opportunity in Melbourne's West!

Aliro, in conjunction with CBRE, is thrilled to present the first large-scale speculative freezer development in Melbourne's West.

 Highlights of the new facility include:

• 29,544* pallet capacity

• 4 individual freezer chambers

• Large loading/unloading staging area

• 22 dock revellers

• Prime inner western location close to retail customers and Port of Melbourne.

To arrange an inspection, contact Harry Kalaitzis:

0409 994 419 | harry.kalaitzis@cbre.com

Cooler Joins the RWTA Network!

In this edition of the Chilled Out Series, RWTA’s Marianne welcomes Mark Carter from Cooler, a new RWTA member delivering reliable transport refrigeration solutions. Based in Brisbane with two locations, Cooler provides full end-to-end services—from custom builds to ongoing repairs—supporting cold chain operators with efficiency and reliability. Learn how Cooler is helping to ensure product integrity throughout transport with tailored, responsive service for Australia’s growing cold chain needs.

Watch now to see how Cooler is keeping things chilled on the move!

An overview of the 28th Annual European Cold Chain Conference, hosted by the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) in Copenhagen, Denmark, March 2025

The 28th European Cold Chain Conference brought together over 200 cold chain professionals from across Europe and the world for a dynamic three-day program in Copenhagen. Held by the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), this annual event continues to be a flagship forum for fostering collaboration, sharing innovation, and addressing the industry's most pressing challenges.

This year’s conference was particularly notable for good attendance, insightful presentations, and multiple panels discussing critical issues affecting the cold chain worldwide, including labour shortages to energy costs and sustainability imperatives.

Opening Highlights

The event commenced with a welcome by Julie Hanson, GCCA’s Europe Director, alongside Ben van Leeuwen, Vice Chair of the European Council, and Tim Ludwig, Chair of the GCCA Warehouse Board. Their introductions set the tone for a forward-looking conference centered around resilience and adaptation in an evolving global market.

These leaders emphasised the importance of international collaboration in navigating supply chain disruptions, climate regulations, and technological evolution. Their remarks were followed by a panel discussion featuring some of the larger European GCCA members, who shared operational insights and strategic outlooks.

Critical Themes and Expert Contributions

This year’s agenda focused on five central themes:

1. European Market Outlook: Speakers such as Sean Vanderelzen (Lineage), Jonas Swarttouw (NewCold), and Mathew Moore (Americold Logistics) shared forecasts and strategic insights on shifting consumer behavior, regional investment patterns, and supply chain agility.

2. Energy & Sustainability: The industry’s push toward carbon reduction and energy efficiency was a dominant topic. Presenters discussed integrating renewables, heat recovery systems, and automation technologies to balance environmental stewardship with operational performance.

3. Innovation & Technology: Companies like Thermotraffic and Rob Haesakkers highlighted the importance of digital transformation, AI-enabled logistics, and IoT tracking solutions to streamline warehousing and transport operations.

4. Global Trade Dynamics: Discussions explored how geopolitical shifts, EU trade regulations, and infrastructure modernization are influencing cross-border cold chain logistics.

5. Labour Force Investment: Delegates explored ways to attract and retain talent in a tight labour market, including upskilling, automation, and more inclusive workplace cultures.

Interactive Engagement: The Cold Chain Café

The GCCA conduct a Cold Chain Café, this year facilitated by Ndustrial, which provided a collaborative space for attendees to engage in structured conversations around key operational challenges and best practices. This setting encouraged practical dialogue and problem-solving among executives, managers, and solution providers.

Industry Collaboration and Sponsors

The success of the conference was made possible thanks to the support from a broad array of sponsors and exhibitors. Key contributors included Boltrics, FlexiTog Global, Honeywell, Isopan, WAGNER Fire Safety, B-Built BV, EFAFLEX, Movu Robotics, and QuickFreeze, among others. Their innovations were showcased in the exhibitor space, highlighting the future of cold chain infrastructure and safety.

The 28th European Cold Chain Conference  went well and it is recommended that any member of the RWTA attend in the future to consolidate contacts and ensure a broad cold chain perspective is realised through this information sharing opportunity. 

As with cold chain internationally, this conference supported the value of united efforts in securing a sustainable, efficient, and resilient cold chain for years to come.