Post-Brexit food logistics will be the hot topic at the 2016 Transfrigoroute International AGM

The 2016 Transfrigoroute International (TI) Annual General Meeting is set to be packed with debate and discussion, as it is the first opportunity for the industry to get together and review the impact of the Brexit vote and the introduction of the new UK Prime Minister.

Organisers say this year's gathering of around 200 senior professionals from the temperature-controlled transport and logistics sector throughout Europe is set to be 'lively' as a result of the uncertainty and potential challenges facing the industry. The theme "Keep Cool, Drive Growth – The critical role of temperature-controlled transport in the European supply chain" will address issues experienced by the European refrigerated transport and logistics sector and explore the post-Brexit impact on the industry.

Transfrigoroute UK, now part of the Food Storage & Distribution Federation (FSDF) - the UK trade association that represents the temperature-controlled storage and distribution industry - will be hosting this year's event in London on the 13th and 14th October 2016, supported by the European Cold Storage and Logistics Association (ECSLA), who represents cold logistics companies interests across Europe and internationally.

The conference programme will explore the many challenges facing the industry at this unprecedented time, addressing how the UK's exit from the EU could affect the future of food logistics with expert speakers examining potential changes in legislation and regulation, as well as issues such as skills, training, driver shortages and infrastructure. The afternoon's agenda will focus on technology and how it is helping to reduce the environmental impact of temperature controlled supply chain. Speakers include Lord Teverson, former MEP and Liberal Democrat life peer; Szabolcs Schmidt, Head of Unit, Road Safety, DG Move, European Commission; Beverly Bell, Senior Traffic Commissioner; Ian Wainwright from Transport for London and Professor John Manners-Bell from Transport Intelligence.

Chris Sturman, CEO of FSDF, commented: "There are so many questions that remain unanswered in relation to the Brexit process – what will it look like in relation to customs barriers, duties and taxes, what paper work will be involved, will there be increased delays that affect perishables, how long will the pound be affected and how will the weak pound affect the industry? But there are also many opportunities that need to be explored, and the conference is the ideal forum for such discussions. We are excited to be hosting this event and we look forward to welcoming our speakers, sponsors, delegates and partners in London soon."

The conference, which has attracted sponsorship from industry heavyweights including Thermo King, Frigoblock, Krone and Schmitz Cargobull, will take place at London's five-star Royal Garden Hotel in the heart of Kensington, situated next to Kensington Palace Gardens and Hyde Park. The conference will culminate with the 2016 Gala Dinner.