In addition to the challenges facing logistics, the cold chain also faces other challenges, as indicated by Arturo Frías, specialist and consultant, who warned that the logistics of products that require temperature control, such as food, ice cream and pharmaceuticals, represents between 15% and 20% of the total value of the product , due to the operational complexity and the necessary infrastructure.
During the 17th Cold Chain Congress , the specialist highlighted that Mexico still faces a significant lag in installed capacity. Currently, the country has around 15 million cubic meters (m3) of cold storage, well below the 130 million m3 of the United States , reflecting a significant gap compared to potential demand.
Given this scenario, he stressed that one of the main challenges is to increase infrastructure, reduce costs, and strengthen regulatory compliance throughout the supply chain.
He also stressed the need to promote collaborative schemes between companies, such as the sharing of logistics networks to generate efficiencies.
“The competition isn’t about sharing infrastructure, but about the market. Logistical synergies can generate very significant savings,” he stated.
Frías also highlighted the growing role of technology, from real-time monitoring to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize operations, as well as the importance of improving transport configuration, category integration, and packaging engineering to reduce costs.
For his part, Manuel Córdova, Director of Consumer and Automotive Logistics at Schnellecke Logistics , outlined other challenges and opportunities in the sector.
From his experience at one of the logistics operators with a strong presence in the country, the executive highlighted that the evolution of the sector has been marked by the need to generate value beyond the simple transfer of goods.
“Logistics is not just moving a product from point A to point B. It’s understanding everything that happens before, during, and after, especially when we’re talking about sensitive products like food or pharmaceuticals,” he said.
Córdova explained that Schnellecke Logistics, of German origin, began operations in Mexico more than two decades ago focused on the automotive sector, but has evolved towards industries such as consumer goods and cold chain.
This process involved transferring operational capabilities , but also learning new complexities, such as managing expiration dates, temperature control, and health regulations.
“The reality is that the cold chain has a completely different level of complexity,” he acknowledged.
One of the main challenges in the cold chain is optimizing storage and distribution in highly variable environments . Today, customers demand solutions that integrate frozen, chilled, and dry goods in the same space.
This implies high investments, not only in infrastructure, but also in energy and regulatory compliance.
“The challenge is how to optimize the same space to handle different types of products, with different needs, without driving up costs,” he explained.
Furthermore, factors such as seasonality further complicate operations. Product demand fluctuates throughout the year, leading to peaks and troughs in infrastructure utilization.
For Córdova, if there is a key concept in the cold chain, it is traceability .
“The key word to remember is traceability. There is nothing more important in the sector, because any failure can have implications for consumer health,” he emphasized.
Detailed product tracking from origin to shelf not only ensures quality, but also enables more efficient operational decisions and reduces losses.
On the other hand, beyond transportation, the logistical cost in the cold chain is deeply influenced by factors such as shrinkage, expiration, and temperature chain breakage.
“It’s not about filling a truck, but about understanding the real cost of losing product due to mismanagement or breaking the cold chain,” he stressed.
In this regard, he highlighted the importance of processes such as the correct assembly of orders, including logic of weight, rotation and expiration, as well as the use of algorithms and systems to optimize the operation.
Infrastructure and sustainability
Mexico still faces significant challenges in cold chain logistics infrastructure. Although the country maintains a middle position globally, its growth potential is significant.
Added to this is the pressure to reduce the carbon footprint, especially in highly energy-intensive operations.
“The cold chain consumes a lot of energy. We have to find ways to be more efficient and sustainable, because it is also a social responsibility,” he pointed out.
One of the most relevant points of the presentation was the need to promote collaborative models between companies, even competitors, to share logistics infrastructure.
“Why not share space in warehouses or transport? In the end, the consumer doesn’t see who moved the product, they only see price, quality and availability,” he said.
This co-distribution approach would reduce costs, optimize resources, and improve the efficiency of the system as a whole.
The executive also stressed the importance of integrating technology, although he acknowledged that full automation still faces barriers in Mexico, mainly due to costs.
However, he insisted that tools such as warehouse management systems (WMS) , data analytics, and cybersecurity are no longer optional.
“You can’t operate without digital traceability or without protecting your information. Today, even a WhatsApp message can compromise an entire logistics operation,” he warned.
He also highlighted the challenge of training specialized talent capable of handling sensitive products under strict operating conditions.
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