The National Association of Federal Inspection Type Establishments (ANETIF) and the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at improving Mexico’s cold chain capabilities. The agreement was formalized during ANETIF’s second regular Board of Directors session in Guadalajara and seeks to strengthen infrastructure, enhance food safety, and support regulatory improvements across the country.
Alonso Fernández Flores, President of ANETIF, stated that although cold storage capacity in Mexico has grown, gaps remain in strategic regions - particularly in the south - affecting the availability of perishable products. He cited high operating costs, infrastructure shortages, and compliance with environmental and health regulations as key industry challenges.
“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,” said Fernández. He emphasized the importance of workforce training and the risks climate change poses to food quality due to temperature fluctuations.
Demand for temperature-controlled storage has increased since the pandemic, with more consumers seeking practical and safe food options. The northern and central regions, home to major food distribution centers, have been identified as high-priority areas for cold storage investment.
Adam T. Thocher, Senior Vice President of Programs and Global Insights at GCCA, noted that the partnership will focus on strengthening certification processes, promoting renewable energy use, and simplifying regulatory requirements for refrigerated warehouses.
“This agreement will allow ANETIF and GCCA to collaborate on advocacy initiatives to improve the regulatory framework for the sector,” said Thocher. He also highlighted the need to update the NOM-008-ZOO-1994 standard to include specific construction criteria for cold storage facilities.
The collaboration aims to support modernization of Mexico’s cold chain through certification programs, training, and best practices. ANETIF members will have access to resources provided by GCCA, including market intelligence, legal support, and international certifications.
Both organizations committed to fostering the development and expansion of temperature-controlled infrastructure, contributing to improved food safety and supply chain reliability nationwide.
As of October 2024, Mexico ranked 47th in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index, slightly above the global average for cold chain capabilities.
Through this alliance, ANETIF and GCCA aim to strengthen the competitiveness of Mexico’s cold chain sector while supporting sustainable growth and regulatory alignment.