The comprehensive management of temperature-controlled supply chains ensuring perishable goods maintain required conditions from production through final delivery. This specialized logistics discipline integrates refrigerated storage facilities, temperature-controlled transport, monitoring technology, trained personnel, and coordinated processes. Cold chain logistics is essential for frozen foods, fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive products. In South Africa, cold chain logistics supports a R50+ billion frozen food ecosystem while addressing unique challenges including long distances, variable infrastructure quality, and significant temperature variations across regions. Effective cold chain logistics preserves product quality, ensures food safety compliance, minimizes waste, and enables market access for perishable products.
