The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Emergent Cold Latin America (Emergent Cold LatAm) has inaugurated its facilities in the Dominican Republic, intending to invest up to $40 million in the country. The operation aims to position the cold storage specialist as a hub and strategic ally for importers and exporters throughout the Caribbean. The modern warehouse has the capacity for 8,000 frozen pallets and a large anteroom for value-added operations. In the initial stage, 50 job positions will be generated as the company marks the beginning of its operations in the country. According to Emergent Cold LatAm, construction followed the EDGE Advanced sustainability standards, with a focus on environmentally efficient operations. For example, non-ozone-depleting refrigerants are being used, along with energy and water-saving systems. Emergent Cold LatAm’s warehouse is located within the facilities of DP World Dominicana, which also holds a port terminal considered one of the logistics hubs of Latin America and the Caribbean. Carlos Fernandez, the head of Emergent Cold LatAm in the country, highlighted that the Dominican Republic is a significant exporter and producer of cocoa, bananas and avocados in addition to having a strong food industry. He added: “By starting our operations in the country, Emergent Cold LatAm reaffirms its commitment to logistics services throughout Latin America and contributes to the consolidation of the Dominican Republic as the ideal logistics hub for distribution in the Americas and the Caribbean”. Ramón Badía, commercial director of DP World Dominicana, said that with the opening of the warehouse, clients of Emergent Cold LatAm and of DP World Dominicana will have access to cold chain solutions that will integrate into both supply chains. "DP World Dominicana aims to further enhance the nation's attractiveness by integrating the port, logistics, and manufacturing into a single platform, generating new job opportunities, boosting the Dominican economy, and improving the quality of life of its population,” Badía commented. “Therefore, the partnership with Emergent Cold LatAm perfectly fits the future vision and growth plan of our organisation, not only for the region but for entire country.” The company inaugurated another new facility in Ecuador last month, with several more under construction to complete a total of 11 countries across Latin America.