Agenda will tackle a range of issues, including digitization, AI and building tomorrow’s cold chain workforce
The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) has released details of its 29th GCCA European Cold Chain Conference, which will take place 18-20 March 2026 in Dusseldorf, Germany.
The annual GCCA European Cold Chain Conference is the major event in Europe’s temperature-controlled logistics calendar, bringing together leading food and healthcare logistics operators, partners and contractors from throughout Europe to discuss industry trends and common challenges, to share the latest knowledge, and to identify opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
The event is delivered in partnership with VDKL (Association of German Cold Storage and Refrigerated Logistics Companies) and Deutsches Tiefkühlinstitut (The German Frozen Food Institute).
The conference programme will examine a range of topics, such as: How cold chains are navigating the reshaping European market; new trade routes and trade digitization; building tomorrow’s cold chain workforce; harnessing AI for practical operational benefits; and funding a resilient, low carbon future.
“The conference agenda will deliver insights and experiences from cold chain colleagues from around the world, data and advice from consultants and analysts, and discussion with politicians and officials about the policy environment for cold chain businesses,” GCCA said. Full speaker and programme details will be announced in early 2026.
The three-day event will also feature a dedicated Cold Chain Expo where attendees can see the latest technologies and innovations designed to improve operational efficiency and business performance in temperature-controlled logistics; a Cold Chain Café for roundtable discussion; and the chance to spend time with colleagues and peers at social receptions.
Attendees can also register to visit leading online supermarket Picnic’s new highly-automated fulfilment centre facility in nearby Oberhausen on the final day of the conference.
GCCA director for Europe Julie Hanson said: “We are looking forward to welcoming the European cold chain to Dusseldorf in March 2026 for three days of discussion, connection and learning.
“This is a time of change for temperature-controlled logistics around the world, and businesses operating in Europe are presented with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Gathering together to explore how to navigate this time of transition, and to consider where transformation can create new opportunities, is of high value for cold chain businesses and for the resilience of our global food supply chain”.
Registration for the GCCA European Cold Chain Conference 2026 is now open at www.gcca.org/events/gcca-european-cold-chain-conference/
