Two Major Markets, One Cold Storage Solution: Why Lakeland, Florida Outperforms the Competition
Kevin Tackett, Director of Business Development SE
Last updated: Jan 13th, 2025
It’s not often that a single location can satisfy multiple demands in the cold chain. However, Lakeland, Florida stands out as an exception. As the heart of the state’s cold storage and logistics network, it keeps fresh produce, retail grocer suppliers, commercial bakers, food manufacturers, and e-commerce products moving efficiently, whether you’re shipping fresh citrus or fulfilling online orders.
As the food industry embraces new flavors, fresh options, and omnichannel convenience, RealCold recognized a white space in the market: modern businesses need a partner capable of handling everything from value-added services (VAS) to sophisticated temperature requirements, all under one roof.
That’s why RealCold’s state-of-the-art facility in Lakeland leverages its strategic positioning between Orlando and Tampa to offer unparalleled connectivity and capacity. Whether citrus growers, juice processors, or poultry producers require precise temperature controls, or e-commerce brands need optimized picking and packing workflows, RealCold’s Lakeland facility delivers the agility and reliability demanded by today’s evolving cold chain.
Why Location Matters for Cold Storage
Lakeland’s position along the I-4 corridor provides direct access to two of Florida’s fastest-growing metro areas. This logistical advantage not only drives down transport costs but also allows for rapid replenishment, a must when dealing with perishable goods or short shipping windows for e-commerce.
Access to Florida’s Largest Consumer Markets
With 10 million people within a 100-mile radius, Lakeland unlocks same-day or next-day delivery opportunities that are critical for fresh produce, prepared foods, and DTC shipments. RealCold’s facility empowers brands to tap into these dense consumer clusters while maintaining temperature integrity throughout the supply chain.
Proximity to Ports and Highways
Quick access to Tampa’s port (45 miles) and other major ports across Florida enables efficient domestic and international shipments. This is a significant competitive edge for businesses looking to expand without compromising speed or quality control.
Supporting Florida’s Cold Storage Needs
Florida’s Citrus Industry
Florida produces about 70% of the U.S. citrus market, meaning oranges, grapefruits, and lemons depend on precise temperature control to stay fresh. RealCold’s multi-temp storage room, ranging from -15°F to 50°, help citrus producers meet retailer and food processor demands while keeping spoilage to a minimum.
Poultry Storage for Florida Farmers
Meat and poultry products also require careful handling from farm to table. Whether providing fresh cuts for local grocers or preparing frozen shipments for international markets, RealCold’s facility offers flexible, temperature-controlled storage solutions. With features like custom ambient, chilled, and frozen rooms plus end-to-end inventory tracking, poultry producers maintain strict food safety standards and ensure superior product quality.
Surging Demand for DTC Fulfillment
Direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands are on the rise, transforming e-commerce logistics with the need to quickly deliver fresh and frozen products, often within 1 or 2 days. Strategically located between Orlando and Tampa, RealCold’s Lakeland facility meets this demand head-on, providing access to 20 million consumers for next-day delivery and an additional 90million more for two-day shipping.
A Hub for E-Commerce Fulfillment
Consumer buying habits continue to shift online, and RealCold is equipped to handle it. Our dedicated e-commerce infrastructure includes high-accuracy picking, robust cartonization logic, and dry ice management for frozen orders, ensuring precision and promptness. By pairing next-day reach with deep cold chain expertise, RealCold enables e-commerce and digital-native food brands to scale with confidence.
Building for the Future: Sustainability & Flexibility
LEED Silver Certification
With sustainability a top priority, RealCold’s Lakeland facility is LEED Silver-certified, demonstrating our commitment to energy efficiency and eco-friendly practices. This lets partnering brands align with responsible sourcing while enhancing their environmental credentials.
4-Day Backup Power
Unplanned power outages can be devastating when dealing with perishables. RealCold’s 4-day backup power keeps operations running smoothly, protecting inventories and ensuring uninterrupted service—even during severe weather or grid disruptions.
Custom Build-to-Suit Options
Recognizing that every business has unique needs, RealCold offers build-to-suit solutions. Whether you require specialized racking configurations, unique temperature zones, or additional ambient storage, our facility adapts to help you stay ahead of an ever-changing market.
Who Benefits from RealCold’s Lakeland Facility?
RealCold’s Lakeland facility supports a wide range of businesses and industries, especially those that rely on temperature-sensitive supply chains. Here’s who benefits most:
- Food Manufacturers & Processors – From citrus to poultry, we handle a wide range of temperature-sensitive products with efficiency and care.
- Grocers & Retailers – Fast restocking and precise inventory management for fresh, chilled, or frozen goods.
- E-Commerce Brands – Next-day and two-day delivery options, powered by our dedicated e-commerce solutions.
- Third-Party Logistics Providers (3PLs) – Flexible cold storage designed to accommodate seasonal demands and diverse client needs.
Why Choose RealCold for Your Cold Storage Needs?
Proven Expertise
Backed by decades of collective cold chain experience, RealCold is a trusted partner for businesses across Florida and beyond. Our infrastructure is built for efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.
End-to-End Visibility
Real-time inventory tracking ensures your products are always accounted for, giving you actionable insights to optimize supply chain decisions.
Customer-First Flexibility
By collaborating with clients on storage terms and facility requirements, we tailor scalable solutions that keep you ahead of market trends.
Secure Your Cold Storage in Lakeland Today
Whether you manage citrus, poultry, or e-commerce fulfillment, RealCold’s LEED-certified Lakeland facility provides the capacity, expertise, and reliability for your business demands. Ready to reserve your spot? Contact RealCold today to discover why Lakeland remains Florida’s ultimate cold storage solution.