The countdown is on.

Entries are now open for the 2026 Refrigerated & Frozen Foods Cold Storage Facility of the Year Award, and we are looking for the facilities that are redefining excellence in cold storage, temperature-controlled logistics and food distribution.

From groundbreaking automation and sustainability initiatives to food safety innovations, facility expansions and operational efficiency gains, today's cold storage facilities are setting new standards for the entire cold chain. 

Whether your facility is a recently completed greenfield development or a decades-old operation that continues to innovate, we want to hear your story.

The Cold Storage Facility of the Year Award honors a specific U.S.-based cold storage warehouse or temperature-controlled distribution facility that demonstrates leadership, growth and measurable results across its operations.

The winning facility earns more than industry recognition.

The 2026 recipient will be featured on the cover of Refrigerated & Frozen Foods, highlighted on the From the Cold Corner podcast, and showcased across our newsletters, social media channels and BNP Media's food and beverage brands—putting your facility's achievements in front of decision-makers throughout the cold chain.

We're looking for facilities that can demonstrate excellence in areas such as:

• Warehouse automation and technology deployment
• Food safety and quality assurance
• Sustainability and energy management initiatives
• Facility construction and expansion projects
• Operational efficiency and throughput improvements
• Fleet management and logistics innovation
• Customer service and performance-driven results

Cold storage and third-party logistics providers may self-nominate, and nominations are also welcome from industry peers, design-build firms, architects, engineers and suppliers. If your company operates multiple facilities, you may submit more than one nomination, provided each entry is for a specific location.

But don't wait — the submission deadline is June 30.

If your facility is helping shape the future of refrigerated warehousing, cold chain logistics and food distribution, now is the time to showcase your accomplishments and gain the industry recognition your team deserves. For complete rules, check out the nomination form. 

Questions? Contact Kelley Rodriguez, R&FF editor in chief, at rodriguezk@bnpmedia.com.