Securing the Future UK Cold Chain
The 2026 Policy Strategy sets out how the Cold Chain Federation will work with government, regulators, and industry stakeholders to ensure the UK cold chain is recognised, protected, and enabled to support national resilience, food security, public health, and the transition to net zero.
Building on the foundations of our 2024 manifesto, this strategy does not represent a change in direction. It provides greater clarity on where we will focus our efforts in 2026 and the outcomes we are seeking to deliver for the cold chain and the wider UK economy.
Why the cold chain matters
The UK cold chain underpins everyday life. It protects food safety and availability, supports public health, enables global trade, and plays a critical role in national resilience during periods of disruption.
As the UK faces increasing pressures from climate change, energy insecurity, global supply chain disruption, and the transition to a net zero economy, the cold chain must be better recognised within government policy and planning. Without clear leadership, protection, and coordination, the resilience of temperature controlled supply chains is put at risk.
This strategy sets out how the Cold Chain Federation will work with government and stakeholders throughout 2026 to strengthen the sector’s position and ensure it can continue to deliver for the UK.
Our focus for 2026
In 2026, the Cold Chain Federation will prioritise action that delivers:
- Stronger government leadership and accountability for the cold chain
- Formal recognition of the cold chain as critical national infrastructure
- Improved national preparedness for disruption and emergencies
- Greater energy resilience, flexibility, and efficiency
- Accelerated decarbonisation of refrigerated transport through industry led solutions
Alongside these core priorities, we continue to actively advocate on and respond to emerging and ongoing policy issues – including business rates reform, fuel duty, and other matters critical to our sector’s success.
These priorities provide a clear framework for our engagement with policymakers and regulators and guide our advocacy work throughout the year.
Policy priority 1: Recognising the critical value of the cold chain
The cold chain is essential to the UK’s food security, public health, and economic stability. Despite this, responsibility for the sector is fragmented across government and its role in national resilience is not consistently recognised.
In 2026, we will work with government to strengthen leadership and protection for the cold chain by calling for:
- Clear ministerial responsibility
Cross departmental responsibility for the cold chain, anchored within a dedicated Cabinet Office ministerial portfolio, to provide leadership and coordination across government. - Recognition as Critical National Infrastructure
Formal designation of the UK cold chain as part of the nation’s Critical National Infrastructure, ensuring it is prioritised in policy making, investment decisions, and resilience planning. - Stronger national preparedness
Integration of the cold chain into national risk assessment and contingency planning, including early warning systems and prioritised access to emergency energy supplies during crises.
These measures are essential to protecting perishable supply chains and safeguarding the public during periods of disruption.
Policy priority 2: Sustainability, energy resilience, and security
Cold chain infrastructure is both energy intensive and uniquely positioned to support a more resilient and flexible energy system. With the right policy framework, the sector can play a strategic role in delivering clean energy goals while strengthening its own resilience.
In 2026, we will advocate for:
- Recognition of the cold chain as a strategic energy asset
Government recognition of the Cold Chain Federation’s vision for cold chain microgrids, demonstrating the sector’s commitment to net zero and energy security. - Secure energy supplies during crises
A clear and deliverable plan to ensure continuity of energy supply to critical cold chain sites during emergencies, including protection from cyber security risks and infrastructure failures. - A role in delivering energy flexibility
Positioning the cold storage sector as a key partner in the government’s Clean Flexibility Roadmap by harnessing thermal storage to support demand balancing and grid stability. - Clarity on long term energy efficiency expectations
Clear guidance on future energy efficiency requirements for cold storage beyond existing schemes, providing confidence for long term investment and planning.
These actions will enable the sector to support the UK’s clean energy transition while maintaining secure and resilient operations.
Policy priority 3: Leading the transition to zero emission refrigerated transport
Decarbonising refrigerated transport is a critical challenge for the sector and a key opportunity to deliver meaningful emissions reductions.
The Cold Chain Federation believes this transition is best achieved through collaboration rather than regulation alone. In 2026, we will work with government to support industry led solutions that are practical, cost effective, and scalable.
Our priorities include:
- A collaborative phase out of diesel TRUs
Establishing a government endorsed, industry led phase out timeline for diesel Transport Refrigeration Units, with mutually agreed target dates and recognition of early progress. - Voluntary registration and incentives
Developing an industry led voluntary registration scheme for TRUs, supported by incentives or recognition for early adopters of zero emission technologies.
This approach supports innovation, provides certainty for operators, and aligns with the government’s clean transport objectives.
Other policy priorities
Alongside our core policy areas, we will continue to prioritise related issues that are fundamental to the sector’s resilience and future development.
These include:
- Temperature setpoint optimisation
Supporting the Move to -15°C initiative where peer reviewed evidence demonstrates no impact on food safety or quality, and promoting research and engagement across the sector. - Removing barriers to trade
Advocating for barrier free trade in temperature sensitive products, including reducing friction in UK EU trade and supporting the critical role of UK ports. - Reform of F Gas regulations
Seeking clarity on proposed regulatory changes, assessing the impact on cold chain resilience, and calling for improved training standards to manage new safety risks.
How we will use this strategy
Throughout 2026, this Policy Strategy will guide our engagement with government departments, regulators, and stakeholders. It will shape our policy positions, inform our advocacy work, and ensure we continue to represent the collective interests of our members and the wider cold chain sector.
Our focus is on delivering tangible outcomes that strengthen resilience, support sustainability, and protect the critical services the cold chain provides.
Read the full strategy or get in touch
To explore our policy priorities and Key Policy Asks in more detail, download the full CCF Policy Strategy 2026.
For further information or queries, please contact Maddy Coupe, Policy Manager, at [email protected].