Editor-in-Chief Michael Costa details how COVID-19 has helped cold storage become a hot business in 2020, and conversely how the pandemic has devastated the traditional model for foodservice distribution.

Looking back on what we’ll call 2020 B.C. (Before Coronavirus), the pipeline for cold storage construction was already robust and healthy. According to research by commercial real estate firm CBRE, overall industrial construction—which encompasses cold storage, along with warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, self-storage, office and flex space—was at 298 million square feet (MSF) before COVID-19, bolstered by the ongoing rise of e-commerce. 

Dollar General announces the planned addition of three new DG Fresh facilities to support its strategic, multi-phased shift to self-distribution of frozen and refrigerated products such as dairy, deli and other perishable items. As Dollar General works to build the infrastructure to better support customers, the Company is investing in communities across the country and creating new career opportunities.  As of May 2020, Dollar General was self-distributing to more than 9,000 stores from six DG Fresh cold storage facilities. 

The Port of Mobile’s newest refrigerated cargo facility is on track for an early 2021 opening at one of the nation’s fastest growing container ports. The facility is located outside the gates of the seaport’s container terminal operated by APM Terminals and has immediate access to I-10. The distribution center will be one of the largest of its kind in the Southeast. Its proximity to the container terminal and max loading capabilities will not only add value but help customers reduce their carbon footprint by limiting the number of trucks on the road. 

In order to increase production capabilities, Jones Dairy Farm underwent an expansion and renovation of the former McCain Foods Inc. plant. This included a 68,183 sq-ft. addition to the existing processing plant, resulting in a 306,263 sq-ft. total facility. The expansion consisted of a new process area, refrigerated truck dock, employee area mezzanine, and parking and site improvements.

Check out this in-depth editorial outlining trends and challenges impacting the cold storage construction industry.