Cold Storage Facility Solutions in Iraq: Infrastructure, Services, and Market Outlook
Iraq faces a significant challenge in its food supply chain: an estimated 30% to 40% of fresh produce is lost post-harvest due to inadequate cold-chain infrastructure, resulting in roughly 6 million tons of food wasted annually . This pressing issue, combined with growth in the pharmaceutical, food, and agricultural sectors, is driving an increasing demand for professional cold storage facility services across the country. A cold storage facility provides temperature-controlled environments to preserve perishable goods, reducing waste, extending shelf life, and ensuring product quality from import to consumption. Major Cold Storage Facilities The Umm Qasr Logistics Centre (UQLC) represents Iraq's most significant cold storage infrastructure. Operated by Gulftainer and located north of Umm Qasr Port, this 750,000 square meter integrated logistics hub features two cold stores with 6 chambers providing 6,000 pallet positions . The facility offers ambient, chilled, and frozen sto...