The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) has expressed cautious optimism over the European Commission’s evolving strategy to stockpile essential goods, viewing it as a crucial step toward enhancing resilience against future crises.
Central to the strategy is a reinforced commitment to the European Food Supply Chain Mechanism (EFSCM), which serves as the coordinating body between the EU, member states, and industry stakeholders. The plan also emphasizes deepening public-private partnerships and investing in real-time monitoring systems for European food supplies.
Julie Hanson, Europe Director at GCCA, praised the Commission’s initiative, stating, “We commend the Commission for including food in the future EU stockpiling strategy and for recognising the vital role of logistics in ensuring food security during times of disruption. This strategy lays the groundwork for much-needed cooperation between governments and food logistics operators.”
Despite welcoming the broad direction of the strategy, the GCCA has urged the Commission to provide prompt clarity on several critical issues that remain vague in the current draft. Hanson highlighted significant gaps that require urgent attention, particularly concerning the definition of “essential goods” within the food sector, the criteria for setting and enforcing minimum stock levels, and the obligations expected of private cold chain logistics operators across the European Union.
“European food security depends in large part on the quality and capacity of the infrastructure available to store and transport goods,” Hanson said. She also emphasized the need for policy measures to eliminate barriers impeding investment in food logistics infrastructure. “This includes access to affordable energy at all times, particularly during times of crisis, as well as removing bureaucratic obstacles to the construction and modernisation of vital infrastructure at all levels of government.”
The GCCA’s concerns extend to several priority areas for the cold chain industry. These include the establishment of clear criteria for what food products—ranging from fresh and chilled to frozen and packaged goods—should be subject to stockpiling mandates at both the EU and member state levels. The alliance also calls for investment to close existing data gaps and greater transparency regarding data sharing requirements, data protection, and the preservation of commercial confidentiality.
Furthermore, the GCCA stresses the importance of supporting cold chain logistics operators, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, in meeting any new regulatory obligations. This support should encompass the removal of bureaucratic hurdles. A detailed operational framework is also needed to ensure that emergency freight, especially temperature-controlled shipments, can be prioritised effectively during EU-wide disruptions.
On the issue of compliance, the GCCA argues that businesses should be incentivized rather than mandated to hold stock. It calls for clear information about the compliance burdens companies may face and realistic timelines for implementation.
Hanson concluded, “The cold chain sector stands ready to partner with EU institutions and national authorities, but cooperation must be based on clarity, practicality, and shared risk. The resilience of Europe’s food supply depends not only on the businesses that operate our warehouses and transportation fleets, but also on joined-up policy making that reflects the realities of food logistics. We urge the Commission to work closely with our industry to turn this strategy into a workable plan that strengthens preparedness without compromising supply chain efficiency.”
The Global Cold Chain Alliance represents key segments of the temperature-controlled supply chain, supporting logistics businesses critical to global food security. GCCA Europe advocates for policies that safeguard the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of cold chain logistics throughout the European Union.
Find out more at: https://www.gcca.org/