ANETIF and GCCA Sign Agreement to Strengthen the Cold Chain in Mexico

Guadalajara, Jalisco, March 25, 2025 – Mexico has experienced growth in cold storage capacity, but there is still a gap in some strategic areas, affecting product availability. The country faces insufficient infrastructure in certain regions, particularly in the south, as well as the high cost of operating and maintaining refrigerated warehouses, energy efficiency challenges, and the need to comply with health and environmental regulations.

This was highlighted by Alonso Fernández Flores, President of the National Association of Federal Inspection Type Establishments (ANETIF), during the signing of an agreement with the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA). The event took place during ANETIF’s second regular Board of Directors session in Guadalajara to strengthen Mexico’s cold chain and ensure quality, safety, and efficiency in handling perishable products at national and international levels.

He added that various areas in the country have been identified as having a high demand for refrigerated warehouses, particularly in the northern and central regions, where the main food distribution centers are located. It is worth noting that, as of October 2024, the World Bank ranked Mexico 47th in its Logistics Performance Index, slightly above the global industry average in cold chain capabilities.

“The rise in extreme temperatures has driven the need to expand and modernize refrigeration infrastructure, focusing on more energy-efficient technologies with lower environmental impact. Additionally, it is crucial to enhance workforce training to ensure the proper handling of perishable products and minimize losses due to supply chain failures. Climate change could severely affect products if strict and efficient control is not maintained, as even minor temperature changes directly impact product shelf life,” stated the ANETIF President.

He added that demand for the cold chain increased significantly after the pandemic, as the market became more demanding and had to adapt to consumer needs for practical and safe food products.

Adam T. Thocher, Senior Vice President of Programs and Global Insights at GCCA, pointed out that this agreement will help strengthen regulations related to certification and quality standards to ensure that perishable products meet food safety requirements. It will also promote policies that facilitate investment in refrigeration infrastructure, encourage the use of renewable energy in cold chain operations, and streamline regulatory procedures for the construction and operation of temperature-controlled warehouses.

“Without a doubt, this agreement will allow ANETIF and GCCA to collaborate on advocacy initiatives to improve the regulatory framework for the sector. Current regulations for cold storage facilities within TIF establishments need to be updated, particularly by adding a specific section on cold storage facilities to the NOM-008-ZOO-1994 standard: ‘Construction Specifications for Establishments and Animal Slaughter Facilities,'” noted Thocher.

Regarding consumer preferences for fresh or frozen products, he pointed out that, traditionally, consumers have preferred fresh products in most cases. However, in recent years, there has been a growing demand for frozen products due to their convenience, availability, and advancements in preservation technologies, which ensure freshness and quality. Additionally, consumer habits have evolved as a result of the pandemic.

“In Mexico and across the Americas, GCCA is seeing increasing demand for temperature-controlled storage capacity, which has led companies to implement investment and expansion strategies to better serve their customers and meet the needs of the population.”

COMMITMENTS OF THE AGREEMENT

The ANETIF-GCCA alliance aims to optimize perishable product preservation processes in Mexico, promote compliance with international regulations, and encourage innovative solutions that enhance the competitiveness of the industry. This will be achieved through certification programs, training, and infrastructure modernization, reaffirming a commitment to excellence in the cold chain.

Through this agreement, ANETIF members will gain access to:

• Best industry practices
• Market intelligence
• Legal assistance
• Training programs and international certifications

These benefits will be available through the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA). Additionally, the agreement aims to expand Mexico’s network of temperature-controlled warehouses, improving food safety and the quality of meat products across the country.

Both organizations agree to contribute to the development, dissemination, and growth of the temperature-controlled food industry in Mexico, leveraging their expertise, specialized programs, and professional networks to benefit the industry and their members.

ANETIF

As the leading organization in Mexico’s meat sector, ANETIF works closely with industry stakeholders and regulatory authorities to ensure that meat products meet the highest quality and safety standards. Through this alliance with GCCA, ANETIF will drive strategic initiatives to enhance infrastructure, training, and technology adoption within the country’s cold chain.

GCCA

The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) is a global organization that brings together key players in temperature-controlled storage, logistics, and transportation. GCCA promotes best practices through research, industry benchmarking, networking, and education. The organization is composed of four sectors:

• GCCA Warehouse
• GCCA Transportation
• Controlled Environment Building Association (CEBA)
• Global Cold Chain Foundation (GCCF)

Its mission is to strengthen the efficiency and sustainability of the cold chain sector worldwide.

The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) represents all major industries dedicated to temperature-controlled storage, logistics, and transportation. GCCA unites stakeholders to drive innovation in perishable product movement worldwide. Through its four sectors—Cold Storage, Transportation, Construction, and the Global Cold Chain Foundation (GCCF)—GCCA fosters best practices through research, industry benchmarking, networking, and education. The Global Cold Chain Foundation (GCCF) supports cold chain development globally. For more information, visit www.gcca.org.

ANETIF is the leading, representative, and proactive national association that brings together the country’s TIF establishments. It is considered a consultative and reference body for society and governments in matters of food safety and health, achieving recognition of the TIF seal in national and international markets.