FOOD & BEVERAGE


DELIVERING REAL-TIME CONFIDENCE


Jason Webb, managing director, Electronic Temperature Instruments, explains the importance of continuous and accurate temperature control when dealing with perishable food goods in transit


n the food and beverage sector, timing is everything. It’s especially true for cold chain logistics. From chilled ready meals to frozen ingredients, the integrity of temperature- sensitive goods depends on more than just keeping things cold. It hinges on precise, continuous control across increasingly complex distribution networks.


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The journey from production site to retail shelf now involves long-distance transit, delays at borders, and time-consuming paperwork, with the risk of temperature deviation at every stage. Small temperature fluctuations can have big consequences. A rise of just a few degrees during transit can accelerate spoilage and shorten shelf life significantly. This risks damaging the products of course, but the potential product recalls and retailer penalties also threaten consumer trust and brand reputation. In this high-stakes environment, traditional temperature checks such as manual logs and occasional spot readings are no longer enough. What’s needed is real- time visibility, giving food and beverage operators the ability to act the moment something goes wrong.


Historically, temperature in the cold chain was monitored at fixed points. Sensors logged readings at intervals, and teams checked paper records to confirm compliance after the fact. While this might satisfy basic audit requirements, it doesn’t help when issues occur in transit or happen out of sight. The good news is that the industry is shifting towards real-time temperature management. Smart systems not only monitor conditions but also actively alert operators when thresholds are crossed. This shift transforms temperature from a static measurement into a live, operational control point.


With sensors feeding data continuously to cloud-based platforms or integrated control systems, logistics teams can respond immediately. A refrigeration unit underperforming on the motorway, or a door left ajar too long, can trigger an alert in seconds. That visibility allows for quick decisions, whether that means rerouting a delivery or isolating a load before wider impact happens.


For those working within the food and beverage supply chain, these developments


Consumers expect


freshness, retailers demand reliability, and regulators require proof, which is why cold chain logistics must deliver confidence


raise important considerations. It’s no longer just about choosing accurate thermometers, but about ensuring temperature monitoring integrates into wider systems in a way that supports compliance and user confidence.


Equipment must be robust enough for changing environments: vibration in transport, high humidity in chillers, rapid fluctuations during loading and unloading. It must also be simple enough for staff at every level to operate without confusion, especially in time- critical settings where it pays to be quick. Ease of integration is key.


Digital records offer more than peace of mind


Real-time systems prevent incidents and provide assurance. By automatically capturing digital records, operators have clear, time- stamped evidence of temperature control across every stage of the cold chain. In the event of a customer complaint or quality concern, being able to show exactly where a product has been, and under what conditions, removes uncertainty and can help protect relationships with retail customers or third- party partners.


Improved temperature control has clear environmental benefits too. According to the


24 JULY/AUGUST 2025 | PROCESS & CONTROL


Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) charity temperature issues during transport and storage are a key contributor to the UK’s food waste problem. In their food waste reduction roadmap, WRAP states that nearly one quarter of the food produced in the UK is lost or wasted every year.


It’s important to consider that if goods are discarded due to unclear or unreliable temperature history, the waste extends beyond the product itself, including packaging, energy and distribution resources.


Cold chain confidence


Consumers expect freshness, retailers demand reliability, and regulators require proof. Against that backdrop, cold chain logistics must deliver more than chilled transport. It must deliver confidence – in the product, the process and the data.


Real-time temperature control is the foundation of a resilient, responsive cold chain – one that keeps food and consumers safe and supports the high standards the industry depends on. When it comes to perishable goods, knowing what’s happening right now, is far more valuable than knowing what went wrong yesterday.


Electronic Temperature Instruments thermometer.co.uk


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