International Supermarket News

BERLIN, LONDON, HONG KONG, 05.02.2015 – 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 first Cool Logistics Asia conference will take place in Hong Kong this year on 2 September as part of Asia Fruit Logistica, GPE’s leading international trade fair for fresh fruit and vegetable marketing in Asia. The news was announced today at a joint press conference during the annual Fruit Logistica fresh produce trade exhibition in Berlin.

The cold chain market in Asia is set to explode in the short and medium term, with 40-50% growth rates over the next few years expected, due to demand for perishable goods, increasing wealth distribution 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, according to Seabury Capital.

Rising middle class incomes are already resulting in increasing demand and will provide significant new opportunities for the cold chain logistics sector for the foreseeable future, covering all stages between production and consumption. China and India will be the two dominant markets, but developments in other Asian nations will also place new demands on the cold transport chain and associated logistics services.

“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. “This collaboration with CLR will provide an opportunity to foster better understanding and relations between the fresh produce and logistics sectors, as a prerequisite to tackling the high levels of waste and inefficiency currently seen”.

“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, veteran perishable logistics practitioner, now with APTTPA. Mr. Cheung is among the industry experts advising on the development of the Cool Logistics Asia conference topics and speakers.

In China alone, it is estimated that at least 30 percent of all temperature sensitive cargoes are being wasted and have to be destroyed due to lack of infrastructure, differences in culture and communication problems. 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.

Tsunemichi Mukai, Vice President of ocean carrier MOL Liner and also a member of the conference industry advisory team, recently predicted annual growth of 7- 8% for Intra Asia reefer traffic, with 10% export growth expected from Vietnam, Philippines and Thailand. Other South East Asian countries are experiencing even higher growth of up to 20%.

The first Cool Logistics Asia conference will include perishable logistics case-studies covering the whole of Asia, including India, South East Asia and, of course, North Asia, the latest multimodal transport forecasts, analysis of key infrastructure investments and a review of the latest available refrigerated logistics technology.

“Co-locating Cool Logistics Asia with Asia Fruit Logistica will help logistics service providers and shippers to develop greater understanding for each other’s concerns and lay the foundation for creating and developing the perishable supply chains of tomorrow,” said Alex von Stempel, Managing Director, CLR.

GPE, a joint venture between Messe Berlin GmbH and Fruitnet Ltd (UK), organises the annual Asia Fruit Logistica exhibition in Hong Kong, now entering its 9th year with over 8,000 visitors from 64 countries. CLR develops specialist business conferences for the international perishable logistics and transport sectors, including Cool Logistics Global, now entering its 7th year, Cool Logistics Africa and Cool Logistics Americas.

Link: http://www.internationalsupermarketnews.com/news/17541

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Seabury Advisory Group is part of Seabury Capital, a leading global advisory and professional services firm that delivers diversified and responsive business solutions to clients in Aviation, Aerospace & Defense, Transportation, Financial Services, Insurance and related industries. Since 1995, Seabury has partnered with more than 300 clients on 1,000+ engagements to solve their most complex challenges through an integrated approach to consulting, investment banking, asset management and information technology. Our professionals worldwide are top-tier bankers, consultants, technology experts and former executives who share a passion for delivering innovative and intuitive solutions geared toward our clients’ diverse and emerging needs. Headquartered in New York, Seabury and its subsidiaries are based in 14 countries on five continents. www.seaburygroup.com