Definition
A temperature-controlled supply chain in which perishable goods — fruit, meat, fish, pharmaceuticals, wine — are kept within a specified temperature range from packing to final delivery, without interruption. It relies on reefer containers, refrigerated trucks and cold stores, plus temperature monitoring at every handover. It is critical to South Africa's citrus, table-grape and other agri-exports, where a single temperature breach in port can cost an entire container's value.