Unlocking the Cold Chain: How Our New Memphis Warehouse Delivers High-Performance IQF Storage
At Five Star Logistics, we’re proud to announce the opening of our new Memphis warehouse, equipped with state-of-the-art Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) storage. This facility represents a major leap forward in our cold chain capabilities—providing food manufacturers, distributors, and retailers with a powerful solution for preserving product quality, extending shelf life, and maintaining safety standards from freezer to fork.
But what exactly is IQF storage, and why is it different from traditional frozen storage? Let’s break it down.
What Is IQF?
Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) is a method used to freeze food items rapidly and separately. Unlike bulk freezing, which can cause clumping and ice crystal formation, IQF freezing locks in freshness by freezing items individually at extremely low temperatures in a matter of minutes. This process is commonly used for fruits, vegetables, proteins, and ready-to-eat products that benefit from precise temperature control and minimal product damage.
Think of it like flash freezing—each item is frozen on its own, preserving its shape, texture, and nutritional value far better than conventional methods.
How IQF Storage Is Different from a Traditional Frozen Warehouse
Not all cold storage is created equal. A traditional food warehouse may simply provide general refrigeration or freezing zones designed to keep large quantities of product cold. While this works for some applications, it doesn’t meet the unique requirements of IQF products, which require:
Consistently ultra-low temperatures (often -10°F or lower)
High airflow to maintain even freezing conditions
Specialized racking systems to prevent clumping or compression
Strict humidity and temperature monitoring to maintain product integrity
In contrast, our Memphis facility is designed specifically to handle IQF products, with temperature stability and airflow control built into every square foot. This ensures that our customers’ IQF goods remain in optimal condition throughout storage and handling.
Advantages of IQF Storage
Our investment in IQF-capable storage isn’t just about keeping things cold—it’s about offering meaningful advantages to our partners in the food supply chain.
Superior Product Integrity
IQF storage preserves the individual shape, moisture content, and texture of each piece of food. That means no clumping, no freezer burn, and better quality when the product is cooked or consumed.
Portion Control & Flexibility
Because items are frozen individually, they can be portioned more easily without defrosting an entire case or bag. This reduces waste, simplifies meal prep for end users, and allows for more accurate inventory control.
Longer Shelf-Life
IQF products typically have longer shelf lives due to the rapid freezing process, which slows the growth of microorganisms and preserves freshness. That means less spoilage and better cost efficiency across the board.
Expanded Product Capabilities
With our Memphis IQF warehouse, clients can now store a wider range of products, including premium frozen fruits, diced proteins, ready-to-heat sides, and more—products that require special care and precise storage conditions.
Strategic Location in Memphis
Memphis is a national logistics hub, offering easy access to major highways, rail, and air cargo networks. By placing IQF storage in the heart of the country, we help reduce time in transit, minimize spoilage risk, and streamline regional and national distribution.
Why It Matters
As consumer demand for high-quality frozen foods continues to grow—especially in health, convenience, and prepared meal categories—IQF is becoming a key differentiator in the cold supply chain. Our Memphis warehouse positions Five Star Logistics as a trusted partner for companies who value precision, reliability, and cold chain excellence.
Whether you’re storing frozen vegetables, marinated proteins, or gourmet convenience meals, our new IQF-capable facility is built to meet your needs—and exceed your expectations.