Evaluation of Cold Chain Logistics in the Scope of Sustainable Food Systems

Our global resource system is faced with problems such as urbanization, industrial development, modernization in agriculture, international and regional trade, prices, technological developments, changes in diets and climate change. In order for us to use our limited resources in a sustainable way, it is necessary to turn to solutions that consider the connection between water, energy and food. Therefore, it is important to improve the processes that cause food loss and waste for sustainable food systems and access to healthy food. Any change in the distance, time or temperature of the product in the existing agri-food supply chain causes spoilage and increases product prices. This situation negatively affects the access of individuals to food. This study focused on the importance of cold chain logistics in ensuring the sustainability of agricultural and food products. The aim of the study is to reveal the importance of cold chain logistics in the sustainable food value chain. In the first stage, the sustainable development goals of the United Nations were prioritized with the AHP method. In the second stage, the action steps of cold chain logistics were evaluated. As a result of the analysis, it was concluded that cold chain logistics is important in preventing food loss and waste, but a shared model is used to reduce logistics costs in terms of both high investment costs and following current developments in technology.