Core Insights - Americold Realty Trust (COLD) has partnered with On the Run (OTR) to enhance storage and distribution solutions for OTR's supply chain in Adelaide, Australia, and its expanding national presence [1][7] Group 1: Partnership and Expansion - The partnership with OTR allows Americold to leverage its expertise in managing high-service inventory, particularly in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) sector, where it supports over 1,500 locations across five major brands in the Asia-Pacific region [2][3] - This collaboration signifies a strategic move for Americold into the convenience retail sector, marking a significant milestone in its expansion efforts [3][5] Group 2: Market Opportunities - Australia and New Zealand present substantial opportunities for cold chain innovation, with Americold's investments and operational capabilities aligning with increasing consumer demands for freshness and convenience [3][4] - The partnership is expected to diversify Americold's customer base and create new, recurring revenue streams, contributing to sustained growth [5] Group 3: Operational Efficiency - Americold's operations in Adelaide are designed for speed, accuracy, and flexibility, which are essential for the P&C retail sector, as highlighted by Richard Winnall, president of International, Americold [4]

ATLANTA and ADELAIDE, Australia, Dec. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Americold Realty Trust (NYSE: COLD) (“Americold” or the “Company”), a global leader in temperature-controlled logistics, real estate, and value-added services focused on the ownership, operation, acquisition, and development of temperature-controlled warehouses, today announced a new partnership with On the Run (“OTR”), one of Australia’s most recognized P&C brands. Americold will provide storage and distribution services to support OTR’s su ...

Core Insights - Bluejay Capital Partners has completed a recapitalization of Quality Life Science Logistics & Transportation (QLS), aiming to expand QLS's market reach and strengthen its position in the cold chain logistics sector for pharmaceuticals and life sciences [1][3] Company Overview - QLS, headquartered in Coopersville, Michigan, specializes in advanced dual temperature trailers for transporting refrigerated, frozen, and ambient high-value cargo, earning a reputation for precision and reliability [2] - The company holds a TAPA Level 1 Certification, making it the only U.S. pharmaceutical carrier with this designation, which underscores its commitment to security and operational excellence [2] Strategic Partnership - The partnership between Bluejay Capital and QLS is expected to leverage QLS's expertise in cold chain transportation and Bluejay Capital's growth experience, creating a powerful alliance [3] - Terry Fewless, founder of QLS, stated that the recapitalization marks a new growth chapter while maintaining the company's core values and culture, with him retaining a significant ownership stake [3] Financial Backing - The recapitalization was supported by Revelation Partners and Oxford Finance LLC, indicating strong financial backing from firms experienced in healthcare and business services [4] Bluejay Capital Profile - Founded in 2021, Bluejay Capital focuses on partnering with transportation and logistics businesses, having completed twelve acquisitions totaling over $700 million in acquired enterprise value [5]

Core Insights - Texas is emerging as a significant cold chain hub in North America, with substantial investments in temperature-controlled infrastructure from cold-storage developers, produce importers, third-party logistics (3PLs), and tech-forward warehouse operators [1][5] Group 1: Trade and Economic Context - Mexico remains the top trading partner with the U.S., with trade valued at $226.4 billion for the year, slightly surpassing Canada [1] - The cold chain industry is noticing Texas's rapid developments, positioning it as a new competitor alongside established states like New Jersey and California [2] Group 2: Geographic Advantages - Texas benefits from strategic location along major freight routes, including north-south interstates to the Midwest and east-west lanes to the coasts, as well as two busy air cargo gateways in Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston [3] - Proximity to Mexico enhances Texas's role as a key entry point for perishable goods, with cities like Laredo, Pharr, and McAllen evolving into advanced cold-chain ecosystems [4] Group 3: Infrastructure and Technology - New cold storage facilities in Texas are equipped with advanced automation, sensor networks, and real-time monitoring systems, enhancing operational efficiency [6] - RealCold has opened a 14 million cubic foot temperature-controlled warehouse near Austin, emphasizing flexibility in design to meet diverse customer needs [7]

Core Insights - CN and Congebec are collaborating to develop a state-of-the-art cold storage facility at CN's Calgary Logistics Park in Alberta, enhancing the efficiency of temperature-sensitive goods transportation [1][3] - The new facility will integrate cold storage, cross-docking, transloading, and first- and last-mile services, streamlining operations and reducing dwell times for temperature-sensitive goods [2][3] - This initiative aims to address challenges in the cold supply chain, providing faster container flows and more reliable delivery schedules, thereby reinforcing Canada's food distribution network [3][4] Company Overview - CN operates a nearly 20,000-mile rail network, transporting over 300 million tons of goods annually, contributing to sustainable trade across North America [6] - Congebec is a leader in multi-temperature logistics, with over 50 years of experience and 16 facilities totaling nearly 70 million cubic feet, focusing on food safety and value-added distribution services [7] - Matthews Tribal specializes in logistics and industrial properties, delivering strategic infrastructure solutions that enhance supply chain efficiency [8]

Core Insights - Peli BioThermal is expanding its capabilities in cryogenic transport through the acquisition of Evo Cold Chain from BioLife Solutions, aiming to enhance its position in the growing cell and gene therapy logistics market [1][2] Company Developments - The acquisition of Evo Cold Chain is part of a broader trend in the supply chain and logistics sectors towards strategic consolidation to manage specialized, high-value freight, particularly in the cell therapy market where shipments can exceed $500,000 [2] - Peli BioThermal's integration of Evo's cryogenic shippers and evoIS platform, which provides real-time tracking of shipments and temperature data, complements its existing packaging systems [3] - The acquisition allows Peli BioThermal to offer a more comprehensive range of temperature-controlled solutions, including Crēdo reusable shippers and NanoCool systems, thereby serving a wider segment of the life sciences supply chain [4] Market Context - The global cell and gene therapy market is projected to reach $93 billion by 2030, indicating a significant demand for reliable temperature-controlled logistics solutions [2] - The global cold chain logistics market is expected to exceed $500 billion by 2032, driven by growth in pharmaceuticals, biologics, and precision medicine [5] - Investor interest in logistics providers capable of managing the complexities of cold chain management is increasing, as evidenced by Platinum Equity's involvement with Peli BioThermal [6]

Core Insights - Environmental accountability is becoming essential for pharmaceutical manufacturers, with increasing pressure to ensure logistics are both safe and sustainable [1] - CSafe's Silverskin RE reusable thermal cover aims to provide robust product protection while significantly reducing waste and carbon footprint [1][5] Product Features - The Silverskin RE is designed for repeated use, maintaining high performance and thermal integrity across multiple shipping cycles [2] - It is made from durable, weather-resistant materials, features a cleanable exterior, and includes a zip-closure door for one-person operation [2] - Integrated tracking and tamper-evident features enhance visibility and security in complex logistics networks, conforming to U.S. and EU pallet standards [2] Market Context - The cold chain logistics sector is resource-intensive, consuming about 5% of the world's total energy and contributing approximately 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions [5] - The pharmaceutical cold chain is particularly carbon-intensive, producing 55% more greenhouse gas emissions than the automotive sector [5] - The global healthcare industry is responsible for around 4.4% of total greenhouse gas emissions, driven by transportation, manufacturing, and packaging of medical goods [5] Waste Management - The biopharma sector generates approximately 300 million tons of plastic waste annually, primarily from single-use packaging [6] - Over 90% of all packaging waste ends up in landfills or the environment, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives [6] Sustainability Commitment - CSafe emphasizes sustainability as a critical design criterion for next-generation cold chain logistics, offering an alternative to single-use thermal covers [5] - The Silverskin RE aims to reduce waste, emissions, and lifecycle costs, aligning with the industry's shift towards more sustainable practices [5]

Core Insights - The Southeast Produce Council's "What's New 2025" report highlights the recovery potential of cold chain refrigerated transportation within the trucking industry, which is currently facing challenges due to a prolonged downturn [1] - The produce industry, valued at $48 billion in retail sales, is undergoing significant changes that could impact cold chain logistics for years to come [1] Industry Overview - The freight recession that began in April 2022 has severely affected trucking revenue, with spot rates dropping by 30% in 2024 [2] - Refrigerated freight has shown more resilience compared to dry van transportation, with average spot rates for refrigerated trucks at $2.35 per mile and contract rates at $2.71 per mile in June 2025, maintaining a premium over dry van rates of $2.03 per mile [2] Market Growth - The global cold chain market was valued at approximately $316.34 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $1,611.0 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.1% from 2025 to 2033 [5] - In the U.S., the cold chain logistics market is expected to grow from $34.67 billion in 2024 to $75.96 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 10.3% from 2025 to 2032 [6] Consumer Trends - Millennials now account for 68% of all new produce dollars, representing a $4 billion growth opportunity that is transforming packaging and distribution patterns [3] - Traditional grocery stores are losing market share to value-forward channels such as supercenters and club stores, which may streamline transportation routes but could also increase delivery timing pressures [7] Transportation Dynamics - Value-added produce, while only 8% of volume, commands higher rates and requires specialized handling, presenting opportunities for carriers with advanced refrigerated capabilities [7] - The acceleration of e-commerce driven by Millennials' digital-first shopping habits is expanding online grocery needs, necessitating the development of last-mile cold chain solutions [7]

Core Insights - Americold has opened a new cold storage facility in Dubai, marking its largest operational site in the Middle East and enhancing food logistics in the region [1][4] - The facility, located in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, features 40,000 pallet positions and multi-temperature capabilities, serving as a critical hub for connecting global food producers to GCC markets [2][5] - The facility is designed to meet high international food safety standards, having earned ISO 22000 and HACCP certifications, ensuring rigorous hazard control and traceability [3][4] Company Developments - The new facility is a result of a joint venture with RSA Cold Chain and a strategic partnership with DP World, aimed at optimizing the food supply chain in the region [1][4] - Americold's global cold chain ecosystem now includes import-export hubs in Kansas City, Port Saint John, and Dubai, with plans for further developments to enhance food flows [5][6] - The facility supports various sectors including quick service restaurants, grocery retailers, and quick commerce platforms, offering a range of services from inventory cycling to customs-compliant break-bulk consolidation [3][5] Strategic Partnerships - The collaboration with DP World is intended to unlock strategic opportunities and reinforce Dubai's position as a key hub for cold chain logistics [4][5] - RSA Cold Chain, as a certified cold storage arm of RSA Global, aims to meet the growing demand for temperature-sensitive goods in the UAE and MENA region [9][10] - The facility's opening aligns with Dubai's D33 vision, focusing on future-ready infrastructure to enhance food security [5]

Core Insights - The life sciences industry is experiencing a surge in demand for precision-controlled logistics due to biopharma innovation, cellular and gene therapies, and regulatory scrutiny [1] - Companies are focusing on facility expansions, infrastructure upgrades, and strategic acquisitions to ensure reliability and compliance in the cold chain ecosystem [1] Industry Movements - Cold chain pharmaceutical companies are making significant investments in temperature-controlled facilities, expanding regionally, and enhancing crisis resilience [2] - Tobin Scientific's recent announcements, including a new cGMP-compliant warehouse and a major acquisition, reflect the company's alignment with these supply chain trends [2] Infrastructure Expansion - Tobin Scientific opened a new 40,000 sq ft cGMP-compliant warehouse in Wilmington, Massachusetts, featuring dual –20 °C storage chambers and comprehensive backup power systems [3] - This facility is Tobin's third in three years, part of a $65 million growth capital raise in 2025, highlighting the industry's need for geographically dispersed, high-integrity storage hubs [4] Strategic Integration - The acquisition of Wakefield Moving & Storage adds 300,000 sq ft of warehouse space in New England, enhancing Tobin's capabilities in lab relocations and secure facility transitions [5] - This acquisition broadens Tobin's reach into sectors like semiconductors and defense while strengthening its core services in biotech, pharma, and academic research logistics [5]