Cold Chain Management: Balancing Stock Availability and Value Preservation of Frozen Food

Purpose – This study aims to analyze cold chain management, operational implementation patterns, and strategic development approaches at Jobbas Frozen Food Store in Malang City to address supply chain vulnerabilities and temperature control constraints faced by medium-scaled frozen food retailers. Design/Methodology/Approach – A descriptive qualitative approach with a single case study design was employed. Primary and secondary data were collected through in-depth interviews, direct observations, and documentation, and subsequently analyzed using the Miles, Huberman, and Saldana qualitative framework. Findings – The findings demonstrate that Jobbas Frozen Food Store operates a functional cold chain across seven key operational components, despite relying on manual processes and lacking specialized refrigerated logistics infrastructure. The operational execution is highly adaptive and simultaneous, incorporating a 10–20% adaptive safety stock and leveraging predictable weekly demand surges to achieve a positive supply chain surplus. Originality/Value – This study offers practical and managerial insights into cold chain resilience for medium-scale local retailers. It highlights the strategic necessity of transitioning from intuitive management to structured, proactive measures—specifically optimizing early warning systems, refining safety stocks, and strengthening supplier coordination to prevent product degradation and support sustainable growth.