Perishable goods, whether fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products or pharmaceuticals, require strict temperature controls from point of origin to final destination. Any fluctuations in temperature, humidity or exposure to contaminants can spoil goods, resulting in significant financial losses and safety risks, especially in the case of food and pharmaceuticals. As demand for such products increases globally, especially in regions such as the Middle East, Asia and Africa, pressure is increasing to innovate cold chains.
“The perishable products sector is very time sensitive, and any error in cold chain management can lead to its spoilage. Fabrice Panza, Director of Global Cold Chain Solutions at Etihad Cargo, said: “Airlines play a crucial role in connecting global markets, but we face challenges related to different regulatory standards, inconsistent infrastructure, and sometimes even inadequate handling practices at airports and during transport.” .
Infrastructure gaps
One of the most important challenges in cold chain logistics is the lack of consistent and advanced infrastructure, especially in developing regions. Airports, ports, and warehouses play a critical role in maintaining temperature control, but many facilities lack state-of-the-art cold storage systems, automated handling equipment, or real-time tracking capabilities. This has led to inefficiencies, delays, and even product losses.
Fletcher Samuel, Senior Director, Cargo Business at Bangalore International Airport (BIAL), explained that significant investment is still needed in upgrading the facilities: “BIAL is investing in building a robust cold chain infrastructure to meet the growing demand for perishables in India and South Asia. However, there are still gaps in regional airports and last-mile logistics, which are essential to ensure the smooth movement of perishable goods.
The key to efficiency
The integration of technology into cold chain logistics has been a game-changer, enhancing efficiency, visibility and accuracy in the handling of perishable goods. IoT devices, blockchain technology, and AI-powered analytics are driving improvements in monitoring and controlling environmental conditions across the supply chain.
“Real-time visibility is essential to ensure that perishables reach their destination in optimal condition. Using IoT sensors, we can monitor shipments at every stage of the journey, providing alerts in case of temperature deviations,” emphasized Satish Lakkaraju, CEO For Nexgen Logistics, Blockchain technology can provide a tamper-proof record of a product’s journey, which is especially important for pharmaceuticals and high-value perishables.
Regulatory obstacles
Cold chain logistics for perishables is highly regulated due to the high risks involved in transporting temperature-sensitive products. From strict customs regulations to various food safety standards, complying with these regulations is often a time-consuming and expensive process.
Joy Thattil Etop, Managing Partner at Callidus, highlighted the challenges facing the industry: “Each country has its own set of regulations regarding the transport of perishable items, especially food and pharmaceuticals. Dealing with these regulations is not just about ensuring compliance; Also to maintain the integrity of goods during transportation and any delay in customs clearance can lead to damage, especially in countries where cold storage facilities at ports or airports are insufficient.
Government initiatives
Governments play a critical role in developing cold chains, especially through policy support, infrastructure investments, and facilitating public-private partnerships. In India, where the cold chain industry is still evolving, the Telangana government has been proactive in promoting logistics innovation.
Aparna Bhumi, Director Logistics, Government of Telangana, said: “The government recognizes the importance of a strong cold chain for both the agricultural and pharmaceutical sectors. We are actively working with industry stakeholders to build modern cold storage facilities, streamline regulatory processes, and foster innovation through public-sector partnerships.” Telangana, in particular, has positioned itself as a logistics hub for perishable products and we are committed to making it a leader in this space.
