Cool Logistics Resources Ltd (CLR) has teamed up with Global Produce Events GmbH (GPE) to launch Cool Logistics Asia, a high-level forum addressing perishable logistics and temperature-controlled transport, handling and distribution services across Asia.
“The cold chain market in Asia will explode in the short and medium term, with 40-50% growth rates over the next few years, due to higher demand and the development of e-commerce. Asia-Pacific is set to remain the largest exporter of perishables over the next three years, but Asian imports will be the main driver of growth,” said Seabury Group.
The first Cool Logistics Asia conference will take place in Hong Kong this year on 2 September, as part of Asia Fruit Logistica.
“Harnessing the full potential of the Asian perishables market requires significant investment in logistics expertise, refrigerated transport services and cold chain infrastructure across the region,” said Gerald Lamusse, managing director, GPE.
According to the organizers, in China alone, close to 30% of all temperature sensitive cargoes are being wasted and need to be destroyed, because of lack of infrastructure. By the end of 2013, total cold store capacity in China barely reached 20 million cubic meters, with less than 40,000 refrigerated trucks in operation.
“Losses due to poor handling in the process of transportation, storage and retailing are estimated to be in the region of USD16 billion,” said Alfred Cheung, perishable logistics practitioner, who is among the industry experts advising on the development of the Cool Logistics Asia conference topics and speakers.