What is the Cold Storage Facility of the Year Award and why should my company enter?

The Refrigerated & Frozen Foods Cold Storage Facility of the Year award is debuting in 2025 as a way for R&FF to honor a cold storage/3PL facility for its growth and leadership in the cold storage industry. The recognition is open to U.S. cold storage warehouses/3PL providers operating temperature-controlled facilities for cold foods distribution. Regardless of age or size, the cold storage facility must demonstrate how construction/expansions, food safety, sustainability, efficiency, etc. relate to its overall operation and customer satisfaction. Complete requirements are found in the submission form. 

Is the award open to foreign cold storage facilities?

No. The award is only open to facilities operating in the United States at this time. 

My company has multiple facilities/locations. Can I just nominate the entire company?
 
No. This award seeks to highlight industry advancements through specific cold storage facilities/locations. 

Can I nominate more than one facility? 

Yes, a company may nominate more than one location. If a company has multiple facilities, nominations must be for a specific site/location. Food manufacturers/processors with onsite or owned cold storage operations are eligible.

My company just broke ground on a great new cold storage site – can I submit a nomination? 

No. Greenfield developments are invited to submit nominations; however, the facility does not need to be new! It must be currently operational. We encourage you to submit your project for the 2026 award.

What information does the form require? 

• Facility address
• Year built
• General contractor
• Design-build firm
• Fully leased? (If not, what type of capacity do you have available?)
• Why are you nominating this company?
• Why should this cold storage facility be considered?
• Detail applicant’s sustainability initiatives at this facility (including but not limited to energy management, natural resources management, recycling, solar, etc.
• Any aspects of sustainable construction may also be highlighted).  
• Detail applicant’s use of technology/automation at this facility:
• Detail applicant’s overall site (building size, pallet positions, # of employees, dock doors, etc.):  
• Detail services provided at this site:
• Detail specific KPIs for this site and outcomes: (targets for throughput, operational efficiencies, new technology deployments, fleet management solutions, food safety, automation, etc. Anything that sets the facility and its operations apart). 

When are entries due? 

June 30, 2025.

Who can submit nominations?

Cold storage and third-party logistics providers may self-nominate. Nominations are welcome from industry peers, including A/E and design-build firms, suppliers or others qualified to provide a detailed rationale for a particular facility. Submissions from suppliers does not imply your company name, personnel or image will appear in final content.

Have more questions?

Contact Editor-in-Chief Kelley Rodriguez at rodriguezk@bnpmedia.com.