Role of Cold Storage Supply Chain in Food Industry

What Is Cold Supply Chain? A cold chain involves handling perishable food at a low temperature and hence keeping them fresh. This is one of the most popular methods for reducing food loss and wastage.
It is an easy method that does not require much, but only needs equipment for proper handling and excellent management skills. The role of cold supply chain in the food industry is extremely critical.

The nutritional value of food highly depends upon the temperature it is kept in. The difference in temperature can make the food material lose the nutritional value. With a difference in the temperature the fresh harvest, starts to degrade losing their color, flavor, texture. The Storage chains help the food from the resulting damages.

§  Plummets respiration hence reducing the perishability of the fresh

§  Reduces transpiration, therefore, lessening the water loss

§  Slows ripening

§  Decreases the activity of microorganisms

§  Reduces loss of texture, flavor, and nutrients

There are wide ranges of technologies available for the cold supply chain that includes not only keeping the food cold but also handling, processing and transporting it. There are both expensive and inexpensive cooling technologies. For storage and transportations, there are many options available ranging from a small cold room or cargo to a large refrigerated warehouse. Small storage rooms and cargoes can be designed in a simple traditional low-cost method or as an evaporative cooling chambers. During transportation the cargoes in which the food are kept in ice, trailer mounted refrigeration systems, and evaporative coolers via passive cooling technologies.

How Does Supply Chain Help The Food Industry?

Every fresh or agricultural produce have their specific storage potential according to their physiological nature and need the lowest safest temperature to be stored in. The usage of the cold chain can achieve this. It will help in preventing food loss. The role of cold chain supply in the food industry is significant, although people tend not to take it seriously. Marketers and handlers usually avoid this technique because it comes across as a little expensive and complicated process. But it is imperative to promote this technology for the sake of food safety and preservation.

The lack of usage of cold chains can lead to high losses of food. This method has to be promoted. Another reason why cold chains plays an essential role in the industry is that they prevent the loss of natural resources. The resources required for agricultural productions include land, water, fertilizers, and fuels. These resources are becoming scarce day by day and becoming more expensive. So the wastage of perishable goods is equal to the wastage of these valuable resources. With the reduction of food wreckage the water, labor, seeds, and chemicals are also saved. So, cold chain supply does not only reduce the wastage of food, but it also reduces the wastage of valuable natural resources. With the increasing consumer demand for perishable goods, this technology is essential and must be taken into consideration. Source:- http://www.crystalgroup.in/