Logista Parcel Meetings bring together the food sector in Málaga to discuss the challenges of modern cold chain logistics and last-mile delivery

Logista Parcel has held a new edition of the Logista Parcel Meetings in Málaga, an initiative launched by the company as a forum for dialogue and knowledge-sharing on the key challenges facing the logistics sector. Focused on the food industry, the event brought together professionals and companies from across the value chain to explore how market demands are evolving and what this means for day-to-day operations, particularly in temperature-controlled distribution and last-mile delivery.

The event forms part of Logista Parcel’s activity in the province, where the company operates a dedicated food logistics infrastructure that includes four temperature-controlled chambers, more than 2,400 storage positions and a fleet of 50 delivery vehicles. Through this operational capacity, it serves 130 customers across Málaga and the surrounding area and contributes to the creation of 32 direct jobs and around 60 indirect jobs in the region.

This local presence enables Logista Parcel to strengthen a close-to-customer operation focused on preserving product quality while responding to increasingly demanding requirements in traceability, temperature control and delivery reliability.

During the session, Rosa Muñoz, brand and trends consultant at OHAYŌ, addressed the changing consumer habits that are reshaping the food sector in Spain and the implications for logistics providers. She described the emergence of a consumer who approaches household management with a strong focus on efficiency, acting almost as a financial director, planning purchases, comparing options and prioritising solutions that simplify daily life. This shift is driving greater demand for reliable scheduled deliveries, flexible delivery windows and robust last-mile performance. Muñoz also highlighted the growing appreciation for local and seasonal products, which reinforces the value of short supply chains capable of connecting producers with consumers while preserving freshness. At the same time, she pointed to the rise of personalised health and nutrition, leading to an increase in functional and niche products. This trend requires the management of a broader range of SKUs in smaller volumes, places greater importance on online channels and creates new temperature-control requirements. In this context, she stressed the need to adapt packaging to individual shipments and the increasing demand for lighter, recyclable and reusable packaging solutions. Summarising this shift in the market, she concluded that: “Logistics is no longer an invisible service; it has become part of the customer experience.”

The territorial dimension and the value of origin were also key themes during the intervention by Leonor García-Agua, Director of Sabor a Málaga, who highlighted the factors that help local producers expand into new markets without compromising quality. Discussions emphasised the importance of strengthening logistical capabilities related to preservation, product conditioning and transport under appropriate conditions, as well as ensuring effective coordination between preparation and distribution points to protect products throughout the supply chain and facilitate access to new markets.

The cold chain was another central topic of the programme. Manuel Fernández, Commercial Manager for Branch Operations at COFRICO, discussed the role of temperature control as a competitive advantage in the food industry, helping to guarantee food safety, product quality and shelf life, while reducing waste and operational incidents. The session explored the transition towards a smart cold chain model, combining real-time monitoring, automation and data analytics to improve energy efficiency, strengthen traceability and, importantly, anticipate equipment failures and minimise operational risk.

Building on this theme, Martín Queijas, Head of Engineering at GRADHOC, analysed the practical impact that artificial intelligence is already having on temperature management in logistics. He compared traditional approaches based on fixed setpoints with intelligent systems capable of anticipating and adapting to real operational conditions, incorporating variables such as the availability of renewable energy and fluctuations in energy prices. This approach helps to reduce energy consumption and costs, identify deviations at an early stage and support maintenance decision-making while ensuring strict compliance with cold chain requirements.

A broader strategic perspective was provided by Abel Rodríguez, CEO of Brotherfood Quality, who discussed international expansion projects and the role of logistics as a key enabler of business viability and profitability. In the food sector, Rodríguez highlighted the importance of integrating logistics planning from the outset, given the varying requirements for preservation, traceability and regulatory compliance across different markets. He also stressed the importance of factors beyond transport costs, including supplier reliability, transit times, customs procedures and the operational characteristics of each destination market. Drawing on Brotherfood Quality’s more than 30 years of experience in international trade, he concluded with a message especially relevant for business leaders and decision-makers: “Logistics should not be viewed solely as the cost of getting a product to its destination, but as a strategic investment.”

For his part, Jose Manuel Morales, Food Vertical Market Manager at Logista Parcel, focused on the evolution of food last-mile logistics and the key requirements expected today from logistics operators. He emphasised that the market demands not only punctual deliveries but also the assurance that the cold chain is maintained at all times, together with operational consistency, traceability and the ability to respond effectively to incidents. Summarising the operational approach required in the final stage of the supply chain, Morales stated that: “Trust is built on three pillars: quality, traceability and responsiveness.”

The event concluded with a networking session where participants exchanged experiences and views on the challenges transforming the food supply chain. Through this initiative, Logista Parcel reinforces its commitment to creating forums that bring together knowledge, operations and innovation, while promoting logistics solutions aligned with evolving market demands and the specific needs of each territory.