Finding the Optimal Route for Cold Chain

John Ackerman Chairman South African Refrigerated Distribution Association, joined Pharma IQ to discuss finding the optimal route for cold chain products, ahead of Cold Chain South Africa 2011.

Pharma IQ: Please could you tell us a little bit about the aims of the South African Refrigerated Distribution Association?

J Ackerman: Our aim is to promote excellence in the distribution of temperature sensitive perishables in Southern Africa. An effective cold chain distribution is very much dependent on a close co-operation between all the parties in the distribution chain and SARDA was founded to provide a forum for all parties to network and bring about a closer co-operation

Pharma IQ: What are the unique challenges that face the South African cold chain industry?

J Ackerman: The consumer forms a vital link in the cold chain and our challenge is to provide all of the population with perishables with are safe for human consumption and yet a large portion of our population do not own a domestic refrigerator. In reality with have to operate within two different standards.

Pharma IQ: How are companies seeking to make the cold chain more cost-effective?

J Ackerman: By reducing wasteage, product losses and improving management skills. The very high cost of the waiting time of refrigarated vehicles at loading and unloading locations is but one example of wasteage that continues to be challenge.

Pharma IQ: How can we seek to improve co-operation and cooperation between all stakeholders in the cold chain?

J Ackerman: All stakeholders need to be more active in industry driven events eg seminars,conferences and combine projects which will benefit all.

Pharma IQ: What would be your top three tips for creating a smarter cold chain?

J Ackerman:

• Do not move product from one link to another if not at the correct temperature
• Performance of refrigeration equipment and plant needs constant monitoring.
• Monitor product temperature from source to point of sale

Pharma IQ: How green can a cold chain be?

J Ackerman: Personally I doubt if we could have an entire green cold chain from source to point of supply. Certain links can certainly be greener than others. The biggest challenge would be to have green vehicles which often form at least 3 links in the chain.

Pharma IQ: What trends do you think we will see in the South African cold chain market in the next 5 years?

J Ackerman: Far greater emphasis to reduce the energy consumption by each link in the chain eg supermarkets, cold stores, refrigerated vehicles. Secondly a greater awareness by the consumer of food safety standards.

Pharma IQ: For anyone interesting in attending the event, what will be your key take home message?

J Ackerman: Each day we all consume a large variety of perishables and we do so with complete confidence that it is safe to eat or consume. The food safety of many perishables relies on an effective cold chain of which we form a part. Many drugs can only be effective if the patient receives it at the end of a cold chain.

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Interview by Andrea Charles.