The 18th edition of the All India Cold Chain Seminar (AICCS) took place on 10th & 11th January, 2025, at the Autocluster Exhibition Centre in Pune, Maharashtra. Organized by the Federation of Cold Storage Associations of India (FCAOI) and managed by Future Market Events, the seminar brought together key stakeholders from the cold chain industry, including cold storage owners, agro-industry professionals, farmers, and growers.
With over 150 exhibitors and approximately 6,000 attendees, the event aimed to explore advancements in cold chain technologies, address industry challenges, and foster collaboration among stakeholders. The program featured high-profile activities such as the felicitation of FCAOI’s Executive Committee, a keynote address by Mr. Mukesh Aggarwal, and innovation showcases from leading companies.
AICCS 2025 demonstrated its commitment to advancing India’s cold chain infrastructure to support agricultural and pharmaceutical growth, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices, cutting-edge technologies, and collaborative efforts to revolutionize the sector.
Overview of the Event
The seminar was a two-day event that offered a comprehensive platform for stakeholders to engage, learn, and network. Key elements of the event included:
- Felicitation of FCAOI Executive Committee: Recognizing their contributions to the cold chain industry.
- Keynote Address: Delivered by Mr. Mukesh Aggarwal, President of FCAOI, emphasizing the importance of innovation and integration in the cold chain sector.
- Innovation Showcases: Featuring new technologies and solutions from companies such as:
- BlueCold Refrigeration
- Tata Power Solaroof
- Star Coolers and Condensers
- Kosol Energie
- Panel Discussions: Focused on integrating storage and logistics for sustainable cold chain ecosystems, tackling topics such as technology adoption, operational efficiency, and eco-friendly practices.
Panel Discussion – I
Theme: Future-Ready Cold Chains: Integrating Storage and Connectivity for a Sustainable Ecosystem
Opening Remarks
- Overview of the theme: How storage and logistics work together in cold chains
- Designing Multi-Commodity Cold Storage for Connectivity
- Creating storage systems for different products
- Using smart technology to monitor and manage temperature and space
- Special focus on needs of online grocery and retail businesses
- Bridging the Gap – From Production to Cold Storage
- Improving coordination between production, processing, and storage
- Strengthening logistics to solve challenges from farms to storage
- Innovations in Frozen Food Logistics and Last-Mile Delivery
- Using AI, IoT, and route optimization for better efficiency
- Promoting solar-powered and electric vehicles for eco-friendly transport
- New packaging methods for goods that need specific temperatures
Panelists:
- Baasit Shukri – National Cold Chain Manager – Hindustan Unilever Limited
- Alok Kumar – Sr. Director (West) – DHL Express
- Sumit Kumar – CEO – TCI Cold Chain Solutions
- Mansi Mahansaria – CEO & Founder – JustDeliveries
- Raghavan Santhanam – Director – School of Ports, Terminal Management, Logistics and Supply Chain Management – Symbiosis Skills & Professional University
- Kailash Gupta – GM – Sales and Business Development – West – Metaflex Doors India
Moderator
Commodore (Dr.) AP Golaya VSM (Retd.) – Former OiC Technology Development Acceleration Cell – Indian Navy
Panel Discussion – II
Theme: Innovations in Refrigeration Systems – Association of Ammonia Refrigeration (AAR)
Address: Types of condensers for refrigeration systems: advantages and disadvantages
Speaker: Mr. Ramesh Paranjpe
Panel: The Right Choice of Refrigerant for Cold Storage
- Availability: Ensuring consistent supply for operational efficiency
- Impact on Nature: Assessing environmental considerations and compliance
- Sustainability: Balancing ecological responsibility with performance
- CAPEX: Evaluating initial investment implications
- OPEX: Understanding long-term operational costs Panelists: ∙ By AAR – To be announced (TBA) ∙ Dalip Singh – Sr. Technical Analyst – Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)
Key Highlights
For attendees, the seminar offered the following valuable insights:
- Industry Trends:
- Understanding the growth potential of the Indian cold chain market.
- Identifying key players and their competitive strategies.
- Exploring emerging trends like IoT, AI, blockchain, and sustainable practices.
- Supply Chain Management:
- Learning the complexities of cold chain logistics, including temperature control, transportation, and inventory management.
- Exploring supply chain optimization techniques such as route planning, risk management, and inventory forecasting.
- Understanding the role of technology in enhancing efficiency and visibility.
- Business Opportunities:
- Spotting potential business ventures in cold storage, value-added services, and new market segments.
- Evaluating investment opportunities and strategic partnerships.
- Networking and Collaboration:
- Building industry connections with leaders, experts, and peers.
- Exploring collaborative research and business opportunities.
Learning and Outcomes
- Enhanced Understanding of Cold Chain Market Dynamics
Gained a clear picture of the growth potential and key players in India’s cold chain industry. Learned how emerging technologies like IoT, AI, and blockchain are reshaping the sector. - Improved Knowledge of Supply Chain Optimization
Developed insights into the complexities of managing cold chain logistics, including temperature control and route planning. Learned practical techniques for minimizing risks and improving inventory forecasting. - Recognition of Business Opportunities
Identified potential ventures in cold storage, value-added services, and untapped market segments. Learned to evaluate investment opportunities and establish strategic partnerships effectively. - Clarity on Policy and Infrastructure
Acquired knowledge about government policies and infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving storage and transportation networks in the cold chain sector. - Practical Sustainability and Technology Integration
Understood the critical role of adopting sustainable practices and advanced technologies to reduce wastage and enhance efficiency in cold chain operations. - Networking and Collaboration Skills
Built valuable connections with industry leaders and peers. Explored opportunities for collaborative research and partnerships, enabling future growth in the cold chain sector.
Insights Gained
The seminar provided actionable insights into the cold chain industry, including the importance of integrating logistics and storage to create efficient ecosystems. Key takeaways included:
- The critical role of sustainability and technology in transforming the sector.
- Strategies to optimize cold chain operations and reduce wastage.
- Opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic collaborations within the industry.
Conclusion
The 18th All India Cold Chain Seminar was an enriching experience, offering a blend of knowledge, innovation, and networking opportunities. The event successfully showcased how advancements in cold chain technologies can address industry challenges while driving agricultural and pharmaceutical growth.
Attending the seminar has provided valuable insights into the industry’s dynamics, opening doors for potential collaborations and career opportunities. As India continues to enhance its cold chain infrastructure, such initiatives will play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable and efficient future for the sector.
