DHL Supply Chain signs MOU with RLCold to accelerate next-gen food & beverage cold-chain infrastructure

DHL Supply Chain, a leading third-party contract logistics provider, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with RLCold, a real estate development firm specializing in cold storage warehousing and processing for the food and beverage (F&B) sector. The partners are set to develop more than five million square feet of advanced temperature-controlled facilities across North America and will jointly pursue multi-temperature distribution centers.

Under the MOU, DHL Supply Chain will combine its operational expertise and customer insights with RLCold’s design, project management, and construction capabilities to accelerate the delivery of turnkey food-grade cold storage solutions across North America.“In top U.S. markets, the average age of cold-storage warehouses is about 31 years[1], making the need for modern, automation-ready facilities in the right locations a priority for food & beverage brands,” said Dennis Lutwen, President, Consumer, DHL Supply Chain North America. “This effort is not simply about expanding capacity. It will close the critical gaps in today’s cold-chain infrastructure and deliver smarter, technology-enabled facilities online where they’re needed most.”

The partners will deliver warehouses designed to meet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) programs and include multi-temperature zones and docks; humidity management and air quality control systems; as well as high-clearance, high-density racking designed for intelligent, space-efficient storage. Additionally, airtight construction, advanced refrigeration controls, and innovative sustainable energy solutions will be featured in building designs to optimize operation costs and reduce carbon footprint.

“Food and beverage tenants are demanding modern buildings that deliver higher throughput, tighter temperature control, and lower energy intensity,” said Josh Lewis, President, RL Cold. “Together with DHL Supply Chain, we can deliver purpose‑built, operationally optimized, and flexible warehouses faster and at scale across North America.”

Addressing F&B Industry NeedsShifts in demographics and the rise of online grocery and food delivery services are driving demand for strategically located, multi-node cold storage networks with high-capacity storage and automated handling that improve accuracy, protect freshness, and reduce obsolescence. The DHL/RLCold partnership will offer both dedicated and multi-tenant facilities, allowing customers the flexibility to scale seasonally and by channel. Additionally, DHL’s IT platforms and operational solutions will provide end-to-end visibility, support food-safety programs, and manage shifting demands.

Initial sites are expected to progress through design and pre‑development during 2026, with phased deliveries based on customer commitments and regional demand.

Making the Case for Advanced F&B Cold Storage Solutions

• Aging infrastructure: The average age of U.S. cold storage facilities is ~31 years2 underscoring the need for modernization.
• Shifting consumer preferences: Consumers are buying more fresh, organic, and premium foods, which require robust cold chains.3
• E-grocery sales reached record levels: U.S. online grocery sales reached a record $12.7 billion in Dec. 20254driving the push for advanced facilities in populous areas.
• Growing meal-kit delivery market: U.S. meal-kit delivery service is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.7% by 20305, driving demand for near-consumer multi-temperature networks.
• New traceability requirements: By July 2028, the U.S. FDA FSMA 204 will require enhanced traceability for foods on the Food Traceability List (FTL)6