As we bid farewell to the year 2023, ColdHubs takes pride in reflecting on a yearly activity marked by resilience, innovation, and commitment to achieve excellence in the vision of addressing food loss and waste across Nigeria and other sub-Saharan Africa. In all challenges, our company stood tall, adapting to the taste of time and setting new benchmarks in the cold chain industry.
Significant Highlight of 2023
Team Expansion
In 2023, ColdHubs expanded its workforce to strategically position itself to meet the growing demand of our organization. This expansion not only increased our capacity but also enhanced our ability to serve diverse industries across the agricultural supply chain.
Launching of over 8 ColdHubs Across Nigeria and Introduction of 2 Ice Points
In 2023, ColdHubs discovered markets, farms, and rehabilitation homes where this cold room is of high need to ensure that the issue of food losses is addressed.
Some of these hubs are 3-ton capacity cold rooms located in the following markets: Bodija Market, Ibadan; Aje Market, Oshogbo, Osun State; Abat Market, Ibeji-Lekki, Lagos; Vegetable Market, Benin City, Benin; New Market, Abakilika; Nigeria; Petite Abuja Ice Point, etc. The activation of these hubs has reduced waste within this region and benefited farmers and retailers by helping them make more profits along the fruit and vegetable supply chain.
Launching of First 100-Ton Cold Room in West Africa
On May 24, ColdHubs, with support from Heifer International, launched a 100-ton solar-powered cold room for fruit and vegetable storage and preservation in Dan Magaji Fruit and Vegetable Market and Aggregation Centre, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, and the commencement of another 100-ton in Farin Gada Market, Jos.
UnveilIng of 5 Units, 20 Tonnes, Refrigerated Trucks
ColdHubs Logistics also unveiled five 20-ton refrigerated trucks as part of its refrigeration transportation services in Nigeria in July. This was a result of the high demand from our clients and customers for more transportation for fresh produce and sensitive products, so as to maintain the integrity of the goods.
The five additional refrigerated trucks make a total of seven trucks that ColdHubs deployed to ensure the safe transportation, storage, and distribution of temperature-sensitive products such as fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, milk, and other perishable foods. It also increased operational efficiency, production rates, inventory control, and customer and supplier satisfaction and experience.
Integration of Hybrid Technologies for Efficiency Cold-Chain Connections
One of our major achievements in 2023 is leveraging technologies. Our company embraced automation, IoT, and data analytics to optimize all our cooling operations. The implementation of real-time monitoring systems by "Virtual Coldchain Assistant" in all our operational hubs not only improved the precision of temperature control but also provided our clients with enhanced visibility and transparency throughout the supply chain.
In November, our team announced the development of a new digital app that will provide quick access and bookings for all cold storage, refrigerated transportation, and packaging services, bridging the communication gap between users and ColdHubs. The app will be officially launched in the first quarter of 2024.
Outlook For 2024
As we step into 2024, ColdHubs remains committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation, sustainability, and service excellence. We will continue to develop more optimal cooling services, strategic collaborations, and environmental responsibility to address spoilage in the agricultural supply chain.
We look forward to expanding its operations by launching 40 new 3 tons and more 100 tons of ColdHubs in farms, aggregation centers, and outdoor marketplaces, integrating more refrigerated transportation services, having an end-to-end cold chain, and producing returnable plastic crates to reduce food spoilage and improve efficiency of cold chain services.