FAST Logistics eyes P2B cold chain expansion

0
1742
FAST Logistics' new cold chain facility in North Cebu. Screengrab from the virtual launch of the facility on October 21.
  • FAST Logistics plans to spend P2 billion over the next two years to further expand its cold chain operation
  • The company launched two new cold chain facilities in Cavite and North Cebu
  • The facilities expand the company’s cold chain footprint to as much as 30,000 pallet positions
  • FAST Logistics also introduced its new cold chain brand, Fresh by FAST, a new-generation temperature-controlled logistics solution

End-to-end supply chains solutions firm FAST Logistics is eyeing to spend P2 billion over the next two years to further expand its cold chain operation, according to FAST Logistics Group president and chief executive officer William Chiongbian II.

The company recently launched two cold storage facilities in Cavite and North Cebu, expanding its cold chain footprint to as much as 30,000 pallet positions. It also introduced its new cold chain brand, Fresh by FAST.

The North Cebu hub, located in Consolacion, has 10,000 pallet positions and is equipped with temperature and humidity sensors capable of mobile- and web-based monitoring, offering real-time visibility 24/7 to customers from the comfort of their own homes or offices, it said.

The Cavite hub was opened last July to cater to Luzon clients.

The new cold chain brand, Fresh by FAST is a new-generation temperature-controlled logistics solution that offers an integration of refrigerated transport; cold storage for frozen and chilled temperatures; and value-added services such as blast freezing, meat processing, packaging, and dry warehousing for related items that do not require refrigeration.

“Our new generation cold chain solutions are integrated, intelligent, and flexible, specifically designed to better help companies navigate the evolving supply and demand logistical challenges in the new normal and beyond,” Chiongbian II said in a statement.

According to Cold Chain Association of the Philippines president Anthony Dizon, the cold chain industry is expected to grow nationwide at a rate of 8% to 10% annually over the next five years, the growth largely driven by population growth, shifting consumer preferences for frozen products, and access to regional export markets like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations economic community.