Danfoss India, in association with Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) India, presented the 9th edition of the Danfoss-Indian Cold Chain (ICE) Awards to players involved at various levels in the Indian cold chain industry for their remarkable contributions to the sector. These awardees have been integral to realising the Indian Government’s vision to transform India as the food factory of the world. The results were announced at a mega event that took place at the Feathers Hotel on Friday, Chennai on the sidelines of the ICE India Expo 2017. 

 

The annual Danfoss-ICE Awards that was being held in Chennai for the first time since its inception, was attended by various policy leaders and industry stalwarts such as Pawanexh Kohli, Chairman, National Centre for Cold Chain Development; Pankaj Mehta, Managing Director, Carrier Transicold and Mahendra Swaroop, President, All India Cold Storage Association who came together to highlight and celebrate the success stories of leaders in the cold chain industry who have strived to achieve greater heights in the food infrastructure space.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Ravichandran Purushothaman, President, Danfoss India, said, “In spite of India being the second largest country in terms of total farm output, over 35 % of its agricultural produce gets lost owing to the lack of sufficient cold storage facilities in the country. Through our association with ICE and GCCA, we are looking at new business models to emerge and the awardees can be taken as an inspiration. We also aim to increase awareness on the benefits of developing the infrastructure for healthy food chain throughout the country that can help in minimising food losses and contribute to doubling farmers’ incomes. We believe an efficient cold chain infrastructure will engineer tomorrow’s producers and ensure safe, quality food to the consumers.”

 

The winners of the Danfoss-ICE Awards 2017 include: Delhi Cold Storage Association bagged the Danfoss – ICE Best Progressive Association Award 2017; Adani Agri Fresh Ltd. in the category for Best Maintained Facility Award 2017; Hatsun Agro Product Ltd. (HAP) was presented with the Danfoss – ICE Best Processing Unit Award 2017; Tamil Nadu Banana Growers Federation was awarded the Danfoss – ICE Best Progressive Association Award 2017; Danfoss – ICE Dynamic Leadership Award 2017 was awarded to Dr. R.K. Ramasamy, Vice-Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Agriculture University; Dr. V.G. Sivamani – SMV Exports in the category of Danfoss – ICE Best Progressive Farmer Award 2017; Ms. Seema Gulati – Director Elle Farms in the category of Danfoss ICE Women Achievers Award 2017; The Danfoss – ICE GenX Award 2017 was jointly shared by Ecozen Solutions and New Lead Dynamics Technologies Pvt. Ltd.; Bangalore Fresh Fruits Pvt. Ltd. was awarded the Danfoss – ICE Best Maintained Facility Award 2017; Frick India Ltd. was presented with the Danfoss – ICE Best Manufacturer Award 2017.

 

Atul Khanna, Director, ICE Centre of Excellence and GCCA India, said, “Through the 9 editions of the Danfoss – ICE Awards, we have been committed to recognising and rewarding leadership initiatives in the cold chain industry that has been instrumental in driving the growth of the sector. We hope that this recognition motivates these industry leaders to work towards further development of the sector and also acts as an inspiration for upcoming businesses to adopt the best practices, thereby transforming the Indian Cold Chain Infrastructure.”

 

The various Danfoss–ICE Awards were presented for achievements and contributions to the industry in terms of adaption and innovation of newer technologies that help in strengthening our cold chain. Through the initiative, cold chain companies showcase best practices that can be adopted and it also provides companies an opportunity to present a broader perspective on the current status on the organizations’ practices, systems and performances towards competitiveness.

 

Every year, nominations are drawn from all over the country where several Cold Chain Industry professionals from Indian organisations with relevant technical expertise, competence, experience and exposure to global Cold Chain standards and practices participate in the awards.