Kolkata, 5th October,2024: REFCOLD India 2024, India’s leading exhibition for refrigeration and cold chain technologies, has officially commenced at the Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, Kolkata. Taking place from October 3rd to 5th, the event catering to the region’s growing demand for advanced cold chain and refrigeration solutions. With India’s cold chain logistics market poised to grow from $11.64 billion in 2024 to $18.19 billion by 2029, the event serves as a crucial platform for industry advancement.
The grand inauguration was led by key dignitaries including Mr. Asheesh Fotedar, COO, National Centre for Cold chain development, NCCD; Dr Subrata Gupta, IAS; Addl. Chief Secretary, Department of Science and Technology and Biotechnology, Govt. of West Bengal; Dr Rajeev Singh – Director General, Indian Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Anup Ballaney – National President, ISHRAE; Mr. Manoj Chakravorti – Chair, Refcold 2024 and Mr. Ritesh Modi, CFO, Informa Markets in India.
Featuring over 130 exhibitors and attracting more than 10,000 visitors, REFCOLD India 2024, highlighted innovations across key industries, including seafood, pharmaceuticals, dairy, meat, agriculture, hospitality, and food processing. The event featured a strong lineup of notable exhibitors, including BlueStar, Daikin, Copeland, Tecumseh, Danfoss, Carrier Transicold, Paharpur, Johnson Controls, Frascold and Tecumseh among others.
Strategic Industry Support
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 highlights its importance as a hub for industry collaboration and innovation.
Dr Subrata Gupta, IAS; Addl. Chief Secretary, Department of Science and Technology and Biotechnology, Govt. of West Bengal, said “REFCOLD India 2024 highlights the critical need for greater awareness of the refrigeration sector’s impact on both people and the environment. While cooling technologies benefit homes, factories, food, and medicines, they also contribute to global warming—a pressing issue. The challenge for the industry is to address this paradox by embracing net zero cooling technologies, which are essential in mitigating climate change.
Global temperatures have risen by 1°C in the past 140 years, with 17 of the hottest years recorded after 2001. Every day, we lose 150-200 species due to global warming. Therefore, energy efficiency, sustainable solutions, and natural refrigerants like carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons are crucial in this fight. Additionally, solar-powered AC systems and advanced insulation materials offer promising alternatives. Encouraging industries to embrace these advancements is vital to reducing the environmental footprint. This three-day exhibition has attracted global and Indian leaders in the HVAC industry, which will further drive innovation in cooling technologies.”
Mr. Asheesh Fotedar, COO, National Centre for Cold chain development, NCCD, said “REFCOLD India is a vital platform for advancing India’s cold chain infrastructure, bringing together industry stakeholders to showcase the latest technologies and sustainable solutions. As a joint initiative by ISHRAE and Informa Markets in India, REFCOLD India facilitates innovation and supports the sector’s growth through strategic collaborations like the NCCD partnership. Key initiatives, including programs in the Himalayan region, address unique challenges in cold chain development, while partnerships with bodies such as the Bureau of Energy Efficiency focus on improving energy efficiency. With its emphasis on sustainable technologies and energy-efficient practices, REFCOLD India continues to shape the future of the cold chain industry in India”
Mr. Ashish Gupta, Managing Director, Standard Refrigeration Pvt Ltd, said “The Refrigeration industry is witnessing significant growth, with the cold chain market size reaching ₹1,81,000 crores in 2022 and experiencing a CAGR of over 12.5%. This growth is projected to continue over the next 15 to 20 years. However, the focus is not just on expanding numbers; there is also an emphasis on reducing energy impact while enhancing cold chain efficiency. Government initiatives aimed at doubling farmers’ incomes and increasing yield per acre are also driving expectations. Additionally, there’s a strong push towards expanding export markets and ensuring better-preserved, nutritionally rich food reaches even the remotest areas of India.”
Speaking on the inauguration of the 7th Edition of REFCOLD India in Kolkata, Mr. Manoj Chakravorti – Chair, Refcold 2024 said “As we inaugurate REFCOLD 2024 in Kolkata, we are excited to address the cold chain challenges unique to Eastern India, which is a key hub for sectors like seafood, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. With ISHRAE’s deep industry expertise and our collaboration with Informa Markets, this year’s expo highlights cutting-edge refrigeration technologies and energy-efficient solutions that are set to revolutionize the cold chain industry. We are particularly proud to emphasize innovations in natural refrigerants and renewable energy-powered cold storage, crucial for the sector’s sustainable future. By fostering partnerships and knowledge exchange, REFCOLD 2024 will pave the way for more advanced and resilient supply chains that meet the growing demands of a modern economy.”
Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, Informa Markets in India said, “The cold chain sector in India is witnessing remarkable growth, fuelled by technological innovations that emphasize energy efficiency and sustainable design. Government-backed initiatives, such as the Scheme of Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure, have been crucial in creating a seamless logistics network from farm to consumer. With a rapidly expanding infrastructure and increasing financial incentives, the industry is evolving to meet the rising demand driven by sectors like food and beverage, smart homes, and e-commerce.”
“We are proud to partner with ISHRAE, whose invaluable support has been integral to the success of REFCOLD India 2024. This collaboration has enhanced industry engagement while showcasing the sector’s readiness to address the growing demand for efficient cold chain logistics and energy-saving solutions.”
Comprehensive Industry Engagement
REFCOLD India 2024 is not just an exhibition but a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange. The Knowledge Zone, Innovation Zone, and Demo Zone have garnered significant attention, offering key insights into industry advancements. With over 20 sessions scheduled, Day 1 saw strong participation, particularly in the Global Poster Competition and interactive demonstrations, fostering engagement and collaboration across sectors.
The event also featured a series of well-attended webinars on 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 sessions provided valuable insights for professionals in industries ranging from food processing to pharmaceuticals.
The colloquium featured engaging panel discussions and presentations on crucial topics shaping the future of the cold chain sector. Highlights included sessions on ‘The Cold Chain Revolution in India: Growth Drivers and Opportunity’ and ‘National Policies, Subsidies, Government Schemes for the Cold Chain Sector’ and ’Natural Refrigerants Application – The Landscape’.
The event continues on Day 2 with a special session titled ‘Women in ‘Cool’ Careers: HerStory of Cooling,’ highlighting the contributions of women to the industry, followed by discussions on ‘Sustainable Refrigeration: Redefining the Cold Chain Landscape.’ Day 3 will conclude with a power-packed session on the ‘Successful Demonstration and Future Scope of Natural Refrigerant Systems in India,’ where industry leaders will share their insights and experiences.
Alongside the REFCOLD India Expo, the industry will witness the 5th edition of the REFCOLD India Copeland Awards that serves as a significant highlight of the event. These awards provide a platform to honour outstanding contributions, breakthrough innovations, and excellence within the refrigeration and cold chain industry. Recognising individuals and organisations that are driving progress and spearheading energy-efficient solutions, the awards celebrate those at the forefront of the industry’s development.
This year’s edition received 79 competitive nominations across four categories, reflecting the high level of talent and innovation within the sector. Each nomination demonstrated impressive advancements, making the selection process particularly challenging. The REFCOLD India Copeland Awards continue to highlight the vital role innovation plays in shaping the future of the cold chain and refrigeration industries in South Asia.
