Energy costs jump highlighted

A KEY worry for the sector is that energy costs jumped by 46% in 2023 compared to 2022. On a more positive note, the sector has seen over a quarter of cold stores running on renewable energy. Other key numbers include:

• The number of cold stores operating blast freezers increased by 3% in 2023, when compared to 2022.
• The use of CO2 as a primary refrigerant in cold stores increased by 4%, while ammonia and HFCs each reduced by 2%.
• The cost of diesel used in Transport Refrigeration Units increased by 4% in 2023.

The report reveals that nearly half (49%) of all food and beverages produced in the UK – valued at £50 billion – require chilling or freezing. This underscores the importance of the cold chain for sectors like food and beverage processing and pharmaceuticals.

Cold Chain Federation deputy CEO Tom Southall, says: “The Cold Chain Report 2024 unequivocally demonstrates the cold chain's status as a cornerstone of the UK economy, from supporting millions of jobs to facilitating billions in trade, this sector is a vital engine of growth. We urge policymakers and industry leaders to recognise the cold chain's immense potential and invest in its continued development."

Find out more about the Cold Chain Report at https://www.coldchainfederation.org.uk/cold-chain-report-2024/