The Van Horne Institute is releasing a report entitled, “Reefers in North American Cold Chain Logistics: Evidence from Western Canadian Supply Chains”.  The study, authored by Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue of Hofstra University, demonstrates the growing importance of the North American refrigerated ISO maritime container (reefers) industry.  These cold chain logistics account for an ever-growing share of the refrigerated cargo volumes being transported around the world.  Particular attention is placed in this study, upon Western Canadian supply chains, which allow exporters of perishable goods such as meat to expand their access to world markets, particularly in Asia. The report underlines that the public sector needs to fully investigate this specialized transport chain to better understand the market opportunities and the operational challenges linked with cold chain logistics.  In Western Canada, Port Metro Vancouver handles the majority of the regional and national cold chain reefer traffic.  The port accounts for roughly half the Canadian reefer trade.  Produce, meat, fish and poultry account for 92% of all reefer imports, while meat, fish poultry and prepared food products account for 95% of all reefer exports. The overseas market serviced by the reefer trade represents an opportunity and a challenge for Canadian producers.  The opportunity is to expand Canada’s export markets.  The challenge is to locate buyers for such products that can be carried in a reefer container, to which a high degree of cold chain logistics management can be applied to ensure that the products reach their destination in prime condition with an extended shelf life.