Let the cool times roll

Three factors that will shape the cool chain industry

This issue of LOG.Middle East focuses on what’s cool in the logistics industry, from trends, such as RFID and FFASs, to Sohar Port, the hottest new shipping hub. We also bring you some pretty cool industry players such as David Christmas, Regional Managing Director, Middle East, DHL Exel, and Albert Tan, Logistics Professor with the University of Wollongong Dubai.

And what is a ‘cool’ issue without a feature on the cool chain? Unfortunately,
the title ‘cool chain’ does not make it inherently cool. Until recently, the transportation and logistics arrangements for perishable products in the Middle East have been far less sophisticated than other regions, as demonstrated by broken cool chains, representing a significant cost to the industry and threats to customers’ health.

So what can be done to change all of this?

• FOLLOW THE RULES Building a globally compliant temperature-controlled transportation process is vital. This framework will have to cover the best practices that support the cool chain industry’s regulatory compliance requirements relative to temperature control product transportation and distribution. Having the entire chain onboard under a single compliance framework will limit the number of breaks and give clients greater confidence.

I suggest we base these rules on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), conceived in the 1960s when the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) asked Pillsbury to design and manufacture the first foods for space flights. Since then, HACCP has been recognised internationally as a logical tool for adapting traditional inspection methods to a modern, science based, food safety system. Galadari, which supplies the UAE with Baskin Robbins, is HACCP compliant, and I hope other Middle East companies will follow suit.

• FLY SAFELY Anyone who ships perishables by air also needs to take a look at the IATA Perishable Goods Manual. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has instituted specific guidelines on how airlines handle temperature-sensitive healthcare products. Not only will it provide you with the most efficient practices for your shipping of perishable cargo throughout the entire supply chain, but it will also answer all your questions regarding urgent time-and temperature-sensitive shipping.
• PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY Finally, packaging has always and will play an ever-increasing role in the cool chain process. With technological improvements in the packaging industry, it could act as a safety net in case there are breaks and delays in the chain. How soon the industry will induct these new technologies will be interesting to watch.

How can you profit from these factors? Simple. Be cool.

Jacob Joseph
Executive Editor
jacob.joseph@dvvmedia.com