In a recent New York Times review, journalist Nicola Twilley’s new book “Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves” delves into the fascinating, often overlooked system that keeps the world’s food fresh—the cold chain.
In a recent New York Times review, journalist Nicola Twilley’s new book “Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves” delves into the fascinating, often overlooked system that keeps the world’s food fresh—the cold chain.
At Cold Summit, we understand the critical role cold storage plays in today’s global food supply chain. Twilley’s book reinforces what we see every day: refrigeration is the backbone of modern logistics, allowing perishable products to reach customers safely, efficiently, and reliably.
Twilley paints a vivid picture, tracing the journey of something as simple as a banana through refrigerated trucks, rail cars, warehouses, and ripening rooms, all tightly controlled to deliver freshness to consumers year-round. She underscores how cold storage is not just about convenience—it’s a sophisticated network that shapes economies, cities, and even our diets.
A particularly powerful takeaway is Twilley’s acknowledgment of the delicate balance cold storage must maintain. As one warehouse owner tells her, “We’re in the business of trying to sell a dying product. It’s always a race to get it to where it needs to be before it dies.” This sentiment mirrors the mission at Cold Summit: providing state-of-the-art, strategically located cold storage facilities that keep food safe, reduce waste, and sustain supply chains.
The book also touches on broader implications—how refrigeration transformed urban life, reshaped agriculture, and fueled global trade. It’s a reminder of the essential service providers like Cold Summit offer, especially as demand for fresh produce, protein, and pharmaceuticals continues to rise.
However, Twilley doesn’t shy away from the challenges. She highlights concerns over food waste, environmental impacts, and over-reliance on technology. At Cold Summit, we recognize these challenges and are actively investing in energy-efficient technologies, sustainable designs, and best practices to ensure we’re part of a responsible, forward-thinking cold chain.
“Frostbite” is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the intricate systems behind the food we consume every day. For Cold Summit Development, it affirms the importance of our mission: advancing the cold chain infrastructure while continually innovating for a more sustainable, efficient future.
Read the full article: The New York Times – Frostbite Review
Whether you’re exploring financing options, need guidance on design and development, or want expert construction management, we’re just a call or message away. Contact us today, and let’s discuss how we can turn your vision into a state-of-the-art cold storage solution that meets your unique needs.
