GCCA’s European Cold Chain Conference Highlights Shifting Trade & Market Trends: Speakers Announced

The implications for Europe’s temperature-controlled logistics businesses of changes to trade policy landscapes and macro trends will be explored at the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA)’s 28th European Cold Chain Conference, taking place in Denmark on 26-28 March 2025.

More than 200 cold chain professionals will gather for the conference at the Copenhagen Marriott Hotel for three days of discussion and knowledge share about the major challenges and opportunities that temperature-controlled logistics operators are experiencing now, and can expect in the coming years.

Delegates will explore market developments, discuss upcoming trends and discover the latest cold chain innovations at the only European forum bringing together multiple segments of the cold chain – from temperature-controlled warehousing, refrigerated transportation and supply chain to specialist cold chain construction, technology and equipment.

The conference’s keynote speech will be delivered by John Clarke, former Director for International Relations in DG Agri and the Chief Negotiator for Agriculture in the European Commission until the end of 2023. He will lead the keynote session discussing the future direction of global trade policy, examining how it will impact food production, imports, exports and the European supply chain, and considering what this means for cold chain businesses in Europe and the wider world.

Julie Hanson, Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) Director for Europe, said: “The cold chain in Europe is changing fast. In addition to the continuing advent of new technologies, regulatory changes and evolving customer requirements, in 2025 we can also expect significant implications for temperature-controlled logistics as a result of a shifting trade and policy landscape. GCCA is delighted to announce this outstanding roster of expert speakers to lead the discussions at our European Cold Chain Conference in Copenhagen, giving their expert insights on global trade as well as exploring our industry’s other burning issues from energy and recruitment to AI and consumer trends. This conference creates a unique opportunity for people working in or with the cold chain in Europe to cement existing relationships and build new ones, while gaining invaluable insights into navigating the challenges and maximising the opportunities ahead. I look forward to welcoming the European cold chain to Copenhagen in March.”

Other expert speakers at the European Cold Chain Conference will include Ivor Queally (CEO, QK Meats); Thomas Sørensen (Head of Cold Chain Unit at UNICEF); Lars Moksness (Consumer Analyst, Norwegian Seafood Council); Casper Roex and Bram Kuijpers (Partners, OC&C Strategy Consultants); Ben van Leeuwen (Managing Director, Frigolanda Logistics Group); Kris Verbruggen (CEO, Frigo Logistics (Subsidiary of Nichirei Logistics Group); Boy Van Eesbeke (Business Unit Manager Logistics, GTS Group); Jonathan Gagg (Engineering and Procurement Director, Magnavale); Luuk Mulder (Director Facility and Engineering, Constellation Cold Storage); and Sara Stickler (GCCA President and CEO).

The conference programme will also include sessions focusing on consumer trends and market dynamics; future-proofing energy systems for cold chain logistics; digital transformation such as paperless transport flows and AI-led operations; adaptive supply chain strategies; opportunities and implications around a potential change in freezing temperatures; and the current cold chain estate in Europe. Find out more at www.gcca.org/events/gcca-european-cold-chain-conference/program/

Find out about delegate rates and how to register at www.gcca.org/events/gcca-european-cold-chain-conference/attend/

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