Staff Reporter –
The 7th edition of REFCOLD India 2024, making its debut in Kolkata, will address the growing refrigeration and cold chain needs of East India. Organised in partnership with ISHRAE (The Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers) and Informa Markets in India, this premier exhibition and conference is set to take place from 3rd to 5th October 2024 at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, Kolkata. With ISHRAE’s leadership and expertise at the forefront, REFCOLD India 2024 is poised to play a pivotal role in supporting and advancing India’s rapidly expanding cold chain market, which grew to INR 2 lakh crores in 2023 and is projected to reach INR 5.6 lakh crores by 2032 at a CAGR of 11.4%.
This event is set to host over 130 exhibitors and attract more than 10,000 visitors, including innovators and professionals from diverse sectors such as the seafood industry, pharmaceutical industry, laboratory and blood bank industry, dairy and ice cream industry, meat industry, agriculture, floriculture and horticulture, retail industry, hospitality and hotel industry, cold chain logistics, food processing industry, ice-making industry, and bakery industry. Additionally, it will offer a platform for the international community to connect with key players in India’s rapidly evolving refrigeration and cold chain industries.
The event will feature a strong lineup of notable exhibitors, including BlueStar, Daikin, Copeland, Tecumseh, Danfoss, Carrier Transicold, Paharpur, Johnson Controls, Frascold and Tecumseh among others. Supported by prestigious domestic and international associations such as the UNEP, International Institute of Refrigeration (IIF-IIR), National Centre for Cold-chain Development (NCCD), Federation of European Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (REHVA), Refrigeration and Airconditioning Trade Association (RATA), Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), All India Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Association (ACRA), International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration (IIAR), ASSOCHAM India,Department of Food Processing – Govt of W Bengal, Odisha Cold Storage Association, NHB and more, the event highlightsits importance as a hub for industry collaboration and innovation.
This year’s event will feature a Knowledge Zone, Innovation Zone, Global Poster Competition, and Demo Zone, offering a diverse array of activities and opportunities for industry engagement. As a prelude to the event, a series of webinars will delve into critical topics such as “Multi-Commodity Temperature-Controlled Warehousing & Distribution,” “Design and Selection of FREON-Based Refrigeration Systems for Cold Warehouses,” and “Standalone Solar Milk Coolers.” These webinars will provide valuable insights and knowledge for professionals across the refrigeration and cold chain sectors, enriching their understanding ahead of the main event.
Commenting on the upcoming REFCOLD 2024 event in Kolkata, Mr. Manoj Chakravorti, Chairman of REFCOLD 2024, stated, “India’s cold chain and refrigeration industry is on the brink of unprecedented growth, and ISHRAE is committed to being a catalyst in this evolution. As an association dedicated to advancing the fields of heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning, ISHRAE continues to drive innovation, education, and best practices within the industry. REFCOLD India 2024, being held for the first time in Kolkata, presents a unique opportunity for industry professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and explore solutions tailored to the needs of the eastern region. By partnering with Informa Markets in India, we are creating a platform that highlights breakthrough technologies and fosters meaningful collaborations, solidifying ISHRAE’s commitment to shaping a more efficient and sustainable future for India’s refrigeration and cold chain sectors. Kolkata is gateway to East India which is a huge belt for Refrigeration & Cold Chai Applications, covering Sea Food, Agriculture, Dairy, Floriculture, Horticulture, Pharma, Hospitality & Healthcare. Refcold 2024 shall attract visitors from West Bengal, Odisha, North-East India, Jharkand, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Sikkim, Bhutan and from all over the country.”
Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India said, “India’s cold chain industry is on the cusp of significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for temperature-controlled logistics across a wide range of sectors. With advancements in technology, infrastructure development, and strategic collaborations, India is well-positioned to emerge as a global leader in cold chain solutions. Government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana, which aims to generate 55 lakh employment opportunities by 2024-25, and the National Agricultural Market (e-NAM), are playing a vital role in modernising cold storage facilities and developing integrated cold chain networks.”
“REFCOLD India 2024 will play a key role in accelerating this momentum by uniting industry leaders, showcasing cutting-edge technologies, and fostering strategic partnerships. As India’s largest event dedicated to the refrigeration and cold chain sector, REFCOLD India 2024 offers a vital platform for stakeholders to explore innovative solutions, exchange insights, and shape the future of the cold chain industry in India.” He further added.
The dynamic symposium will host a series of panel discussions and presentations, covering an array of topics crucial to the cold chain sector. Key sessions include “The Cold Chain Revolution in India: Growth Drivers and Opportunity,” as well as “National Policies, Subsidies, and Government Schemes for the Cold Chain Sector” by Mr. Asheesh Fotedar and Mr Diptendu Bera. Further discussions will delve into “Natural Refrigerants Application – The Landscape” by Mr. Prasad Sannagowder. Attendees can also engage with Interactive Success Stories presented by Mr. Kartik Jalan and a Round table discussion between Cold Storage / Fisheries Association heads and Government representatives On Day 2, a special session titled “Women in ‘Cool’ Careers: HerStory of Cooling” will witness the contributions of women in the industry Globally – an event supported by UNEP and International Network of Women In Cooling (INWIC). This will be followed by multiple presentations and case studies on “Sustainable Refrigeration: Redefining the Cold Chain Landscape.” Day 3 will feature a power-packed session on “Successful Demonstration and Future Scope of Natural Refrigerant Systems in India” led by industry leaders.
REFCOLD INDIA 2024 is a premier industry trade show where the entire cold-chain ecosystem converges under one roof. From cold storage and refrigeration to ripening chambers, reefer transport, tracking & IoT, packaging, cold logistics, and infrastructure, the event covers all facets of the cold-chain supply segments, making it a must-attend for industry professionals seeking to stay ahead of the curve.
India’s refrigeration and cold chain industry is evolving rapidly, driven by the increasing demand for temperature-sensitive products in sectors like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and e-commerce. Key trends include the integration of IoT for real-time temperature monitoring and AI-based predictive maintenance systems, which are enhancing operational efficiency. However, challenges such as fragmented logistics networks, energy inefficiency, and a lack of trained personnel persist. To address these, solutions like renewable energy-powered cold storage, advanced refrigeration systems, and government incentives aimed at modernising cold chain infrastructure are helping bridge the gaps and drive sustainable growth in the sector.