Quick Go-through
This guide explains what to look for when selecting a food grade storage facility, including factors such as storage type, location, certifications, hygiene practices, and the role of technology and staff. It also highlights how working with the right partner, like Cargoz, can help you rent the right facility and save costs.
Selecting the right food grade storage facility that meets your business requirements can be exhausting. A lot of work goes into the safe management, distribution, packaging, and delivery of food. Different foods will have separate storage and shipping requirements based on their shelf life.
According to a World Food Program (WFP) report, around 30% of the food produced globally is wasted somewhere in the food supply chain. That's why renting a warehouse that preserves the food and increases its shelf life is essential.
But how do you determine which warehouse is right for your business needs?
This blog enumerates the top six factors to consider when choosing a food-grade warehouse.
Table of Contents |
● What are the Top Factors to Consider When Selecting a Food Grade Storage Facility? ● Wrapping Up ● Frequently Asked Questions |
What are the Top Factors to Consider When Selecting a Food Grade Storage Facility?
A well-maintained food-grade warehouse helps you preserve product quality and freshness while also ensuring compliance with industry regulations. But what are the factors that help you determine which warehouse is right for your business? Let's find out.
1. Type of food to be stored
Different types of food require different storage environments to maintain their quality and shelf life. Assess your product categories and match them with the appropriate storage solution:
Dry storage warehouse:
Ideal for storing canned goods, packaged snacks, grains, nuts, and non-perishables that require stable room temperatures and controlled humidity.
Frozen food storage:
Essential for items such as frozen meats, prepared meals, or certain pharmaceuticals that require temperatures of -18°C or lower to maintain quality and safety.
Refrigerated food storage:
Suitable for perishable items such as fresh produce, dairy, meat, and seafood that require cool but not frozen temperatures (typically between 0°C and 4°C).
2. Location of the warehouse
Your warehouse's location impacts distribution speed, transport costs, and product freshness. That’s why, when selecting a storage location, you should consider some essential factors. Select a warehouse:
● Close to major highways and transport corridors
●Located near key markets and your customers or suppliers
For instance, if you are doing business in the UAE, consider selecting a warehouse in one of the major logistics hubs, such as Jebel Ali Port, Dubai Industrial City, or Umm Ramool.
Suggested Read: Why is Location an Important Factor when Selecting a Warehouse?
3. Cleanliness and Hygiene
Maintaining hygiene and cleanliness is another crucial factor to consider when renting a food-grade storage facility. You should inspect the facility physically to check cleanliness, pest control measures, and hygiene standards. Check if the facility has:
● Routine sanitation protocols and documented cleaning schedules.
● Effective pest prevention measures (bait stations, traps, regular inspections).
● Proper drainage systems to avoid contamination risks.
● Staff training programs on hygiene and food handling.
● Automated temperature monitoring systems or digital pest management tools.
● Clear policies on employee health checks and the use of protective gear.
4. Compliance with Regulatory Standards
Compliance with international and local food safety regulations is crucial for maintaining food quality and avoiding legal issues. Ensure the facility meets the following standards, where applicable:
- HACCP Certification: Validates the facility's hazard analysis and preventive controls.
- ISO 22000:Comprehensive food safety management system certification.
- ISO 9001 / 14001 / 45001: Additional quality, environmental, and health & safety certifications.
- FSMA Compliance: Especially relevant if exporting goods to the US market.
For instance, if you are looking for a facility for food storage in the UAE, you must ensure compliance with the UAE Food Control Authority's regulations and local municipality guidelines.
5. Supply Chain and Technology Capabilities
Implementing modern technologies in food-grade warehouses is crucial for improving efficiency, ensuring food safety, and optimizing operations in the food industry. These technologies enable businesses to manage complex supply chains, minimize waste, and meet consumer demands for fresh and safe products. Look for a warehouse that has:
● Real-time inventory tracking and automated reorder alerts.
● Integrated WMS (Warehouse Management System) with your ERP or eCommerce platform.
● Cold chain monitoring systems with real-time temperature logs.
●Custom reporting dashboards provide visibility on stock levels, expiry dates, and shipping timelines.
6. Provider Reputation and Experience
Many businesses rent a warehouse without considering the provider’s reputation, but that’s not a wise decision. You should partner with a provider known for reliability and experience in the warehousing industry. Choose a warehouse provider that has:
●Experience in handling similar food products or industries.
● Client references and case studies.
● History of food safety incidents, recalls, or regulatory violations.
● Investment in staff training, infrastructure upgrades, and continuous improvement.
A warehouse marketplace like Cargoz has a proven track record of providing top-class food grade warehouses in free zones and mainland locations across the UAE.
With Cargoz, you can rent only the space you need for long-term and short-term requirements.
Wrapping Up
● Many food products spoil due to a slight change in temperature or climate conditions. That's why choosing a warehouse that complies with the food safety regulations is essential to maintain quality and safety.
● With a strong network of certified warehouses for food grade storage in UAE and on-demand warehousing, Cargoz can help you find a warehouse that meets your storage needs.
● Schedule a consultation to explore our offerings and select the one that best suits your business needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is temperature control essential in food storage?
Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial for a food grade storage facility because even a slight temperature change can spoil food and render it unsafe for consumption.
2. Where does Cargoz offer food-grade warehouse services?
Cargoz provides warehouses in key business hubs in the UAE, including free zones and mainland locations, such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
3. Does Cargoz have food-grade storage facilities in Dubai that meet the regulatory compliance requirements in the UAE?
Yes, Cargoz verifies the storage facilities before listing them and ensures the partners meet UAE and international food safety regulations.
4. Can I visit and inspect a warehouse before signing an agreement?
Yes, you should always check the facility, examine cleanliness, pest control measures, and certifications before renting a warehouse. At Cargoz, we encourage business owners and decision-makers to visit us in person before making a commitment.
5. How do I rent a facility with Cargoz?
You can check the available options on the Cargoz platform and get in touch with us to discuss your storage needs.