This concept paper presents different existing and potential cold chains for food products and give an overview of existing challenges and possible solutions towards better cold chain coverage, improved cold chain management and reduced food losses in developing countries.
As food cold chains are not at all or not fully developed in many countries, the primary objective of this paper is to gain an increased understanding of well-functioning cold chains, drivers that have helped the development of functioning cold chains as well as barriers that need to be addressed. Energy supply, which is not currently available at a sufficiently high and consistent quality, poses a barrier in rural areas where cold chain elements are lacking. Consequently, the paper takes a look into ways of supplying the energy required for cooling in a climate-friendly manner.
The focus was placed on perishable foodstuffs, more specifically vegetables and fruits, dairy, as well as meat and fish.