GCCA to host transformative European Cold Chain Conference in Düsseldorf 2026
The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) will stage the 29th GCCA European Cold Chain Conference in Düsseldorf, Germany, from 18–20 March 2026, the organisation has announced. Registration for the three‑day event at the Hilton Düsseldorf is now open, and discounted accommodation rates are being offered for delegates.
The conference, delivered in partnership with VDKL (Association of German Cold Storage and Refrigerated Logistics Companies) and Deutsches Tiefkühlinstitut (The German Frozen Food Institute) is described by organisers as the major event in Europe’s temperature‑controlled logistics calendar, drawing operators from food and healthcare logistics, transport and warehousing, construction, technology suppliers and ancillary services. According to the announcement, the programme will include plenaries, breakout and education sessions.
Organisers say the agenda will focus on how cold chains are navigating a reshaping European market, the emergence of new trade routes and trade digitisation, and the sector’s transition away from F‑Gas to alternative refrigerants. The programme also promises debate on building the cold‑chain workforce of tomorrow, harnessing AI for operational benefit, and financing a resilient, low‑carbon future. Full speaker and session details are expected to be published in early 2026.
The conference will include a Cold Chain Expo showcasing technologies and innovations aimed at improving operational efficiency and business performance in temperature‑controlled logistics, plus networking formats such as a Cold Chain Café for roundtable exchanges and social receptions designed to foster industry collaboration. According to GCCA event information, the programme balances learning with supplier engagement and peer discussion.
A practical highlight for delegates will be an optional facility visit: a guided tour of online supermarket Picnic’s new highly automated fulfilment centre in nearby Oberhausen, offered on the final day. GCCA materials frame facility visits as an opportunity for attendees to see automation, fulfilment and warehouse technology in operation.
Julie Hanson, GCCA Director for Europe, said the event will be “three days of discussion, connection and learning” and underlined the value of gathering to consider where transformation can create new opportunities for cold‑chain businesses and the resilience of the global food supply chain. Speaking in the GCCA announcement, Hanson emphasised the unique set of challenges and opportunities facing businesses operating in Europe.
The 2026 conference follows the 28th GCCA European Cold Chain Conference held in Copenhagen in March 2025, which brought together more than 200 cold‑chain professionals across warehousing, transport, construction, technology and equipment. Industry delegates and association leaders will watch for how the 2026 agenda addresses policy, decarbonisation and digitisation pressures shaping Europe’s temperature‑controlled logistics sector.