Temperature-controlled storage is a critical element of the food supply chain and working with a storage provider that understands and supports your business is essential to ensuring your food products are managed with the appropriate care and professional standards.

What products can be stored in temperature-controlled storage?

Cold stores are suitable for a range of goods from pharmaceuticals to food products, however, at Magnavale we primarily specialise in the storage of food products in the form of both raw materials and finished goods. Chilled and frozen warehouses are usually designed to house large volumes of palletised perishable food products, whereas ambient warehousing usually hold non-perishable goods or long-life food products that do not require chilled or frozen temperatures.

However, even “ambient” food products require appropriate storage conditions; humidity and temperature control is often still required to maintain product quality, so the term “controlled ambient” is frequently used to differentiate a warehouse that has monitoring systems, or air conditioning.

Additional services that support the storage of food products are also a significant factor to consider, Magnavale facilities all offer a range of other services, from blast freezing to picking and packing.

What temperature does a cold store typically operate at?

Standard temperatures across the industry vary depending on the specific product being stored, but for multi-user chambers, which accommodate products for many customers, there are 3 main temperature ranges.

Ambient – For goods which do not require temperature control

Chilled – Between -5°C and +5°C

Frozen – At -18°C

How is a warehouse managed and organised?

Our temperature-controlled facilities use warehouse racking systems that can store all types of pallet presentations including CHEP and Euro pallets.

To keep track of stock and ensure full traceability temperature-controlled facilities use Warehouse Management System (WMS). Our WMS systems allow us to track and monitor our customer’s stock down to individual case levels whilst also providing our customers with personalised web access giving the benefit of real-time stock enquiries and bespoke stock reports. We have over 325,000 pallet spaces in our cold storage network, and without an advanced WMS, it would be impossible to supply our partners will full stock traceability.

Why Choose Magnavale for a Cold Storage UK operation?

With decades of experience in temperature-controlled logistics, the team at Magnavale has developed one of the most advanced cold storage networks in the UK. Our combination of scale, technology, and expertise allows us to offer dependable, efficient, and sustainable solutions for food manufacturers, retailers, and distributors.

Whether you require frozen or chilled warehousing, food co-packing, or food tempering, our Coldstore facilities and teams are designed to meet your needs – helping your business deliver consistent quality and reliability to customers nationwide.

If you are interested in exploring our cold storage solutions or value-added services, enquire below to learn how Magnavale can support your operations with precision and care.

Cold Storage Q&A

What is temperature-controlled storage?

Temperature-controlled storage refers to warehouse environments where temperature and humidity are carefully maintained to protect perishable or sensitive goods. In the food industry, this ensures that raw materials and finished products remain safe, fresh, and compliant with food safety standards throughout the supply chain.

What products can be stored in temperature-controlled storage (a cold store)?

Temperature-controlled warehouses are suitable for a wide range of goods, from pharmaceuticals to food. At Magnavale, we specialise in storing chilled and frozen food products, including proteins, dairy, bakery items, and prepared meals. We also offer controlled ambient storage for long-life goods that require stable humidity and temperature conditions.

What temperatures do cold stores operate at?

Cold storage facilities can operate a wide range of temperature regimes depending on the specific products that they store, the three main temperature ranges that are often referred to are:

• Ambient – For non-perishable goods that do not require temperature control.
• Chilled – Generally between -5 and +5°C, suitable for perishable foods like dairy and produce.
• Frozen – At -18°C, ideal for storage of frozen food products.

These controlled environments ensure the quality, and safety of food products during storage.

What is the difference between temperature-controlled storage and cold storage?

While both refer to environments where temperature is monitored and maintained, cold storage usually applies to chilled or frozen facilities (0°C to -18°C) designed for perishable foods.

Temperature-controlled storage is a broader term that can also include controlled ambient environments for products that do not need refrigeration but still require stability in temperature and humidity.

Can I rent space in a cold storage warehouse?

Yes. Magnavale offers pallet storage at all temperature regimes, supported by real-time inventory tracking, full traceability, and a range of value-added services such as co-packing, blast freezing, and tempering.

How are temperature-controlled warehouses managed?

At Magnavale, our warehouses use advanced Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) that provide full visibility of every pallet and case. This technology allows real-time stock tracking, automated reporting, and web access for our customers. Combined with structured racking systems and digital monitoring, this ensures precision, efficiency, and full traceability across our network of over 325,000 pallet spaces.