The International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses has released its annual Top 20 lists of the largest IARW-affiliated public refrigerated warehouses in North America and the world. The combined space of the group's total membership increased by 18 percent over the same period of last year. The International Top 20 operates more than 2 billion cubic feet, while the North American Top 20 offers more than 1.7 billion cubic feet. In all, IARW's 318 member companies operate 995 public refrigerated warehouses in 63 countries, including 676 in North America and 319 in other parts of the world. According to IARW, the latest totals are higher than the previous year's because of significant growth and expansion among its members. The numbers were further boosted with the joining of AmeriCold Logistics, the largest provider of temperature-controlled food distribution services in the U.S. By itself, AmeriCold represents 82 facilities and 416 million cubic feet of public refrigerated warehouse (PRW) space. "The new Top 20 lists show how IARW represents the expanse of the PRW industry," said group president and chief executive officer Bill Hudson. "Companies looking to use public refrigerated warehouse space now have more options than ever before in all corners of the globe." IARW also publishes the "Global Cold Chain Directory," in partnership with several other industry groups, available free of charge to food companies and PRW customers.
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