By Eamonn Ryan
This series is based on a joint GCCA–IFC webinar on the topic Cold Chain Insights in Emerging Markets, moderated by Amanda Brondy (GCCA), with contributions from Harsh Gupta, Cold Chain Lead, IFC; Rusmir Music, Global Cooling Lead, IFC; Selcuk Tanatar, TechEmerge Lead, IFC; Sunil Nair, Cooling Markets Lead India, GCCA; and Adam Thocher, Senior VP of Global Programs, GCCA.
This is part six of an eight-part series with this first part covering the topic: TechEmerge reduced innovation risk by testing cooling technologies in real operating environments.
Snowman Logistics provides temperature-controlled logistics services to a wide range of clients, including food manufacturers, ice cream brands, and quick-service restaurants. To explore alternatives to diesel-powered refrigeration, the company participated in TechEmerge pilots testing phase change material (PCM) transport systems, which maintain cold temperatures autonomously after being charged with electricity.
The PCM systems were deployed across multiple Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, subjecting them to extreme ambient heat, heavy traffic and long transit times. The pilot included frozen products, chilled dairy and ready-to-eat food items, providing a rigorous test of system reliability under real operating conditions.
Results were encouraging. The PCM systems reduced refrigeration operating costs by approximately 70%, eliminated reliance on diesel for multi-stop deliveries, and maintained product temperatures within safety thresholds. Importantly, the pilot reported zero food loss, demonstrating that the technology could protect inventory even in challenging conditions.
While operationally successful, the pilot highlighted some trade-offs. PCM units had higher upfront costs compared to traditional diesel-powered systems, and reduced payload capacity posed logistical challenges. However, for Snowman, the value lay in risk reduction and operational insight. The pilot allowed the company to evaluate performance without exposing customers to potential spoilage, helping build confidence in future investment decisions.
The project also underscored the broader importance of operator engagement in technology adoption. Snowman’s technicians and drivers received hands-on training to understand how PCM systems function, how to monitor temperatures effectively, and how to troubleshoot minor issues. This human factor proved critical to maintaining reliability and achieving energy savings.
Beyond cost and operational metrics, the pilot offered lessons in scaling innovations. Snowman learned that while PCM transport systems are technically viable, successful deployment at scale would require adjustments to fleet design, scheduling and customer service. Insights from the pilot are being fed into IFC’s broader cold chain investment strategy, demonstrating how operator feedback can inform system design, maintenance protocols, and training programmes.
In sum, Snowman Logistics’ pilot demonstrates the value of evidence-based technology evaluation. By combining innovative systems with careful operational oversight, companies can achieve efficiency gains, reduce environmental impact and safeguard food quality – all while building confidence in new solutions that could redefine cold chain operations in emerging markets.