Cool Logistics Asia sets focus on supply chain strategies

Cool Logistics Asia Conference announced Simon Pearson, founder and managing director of supply chain consultancy Simon Pearson and Associates, will join the speaker platform at the event taking place Sept. 7 at Asia World Expo.

Cool Logistics Asia Conference runs alongside Asia Fruit Logistica, a trade fair dedicated to the fresh produce trade across Asia, returning to Hong Kong Sept. 7-9.

Shanghai-based Pearson will discuss whether modern demand chain concepts including multi-channel retail and e-commerce strategies can be reconciled with the more traditional trade lane approach developed by international transport companies such as ocean carriers and airlines.

With experience in senior logistics and supply chain leadership roles with Asda Walmart, Pearson will cover issues such as network optimization flow planning, DC operations, transportation, and global inbound logistics, as well as overall supply chain strategies best suited for different markets.

Connecting perishable food logistics by rail will be the focus of a presentation by Jan Koolen, managing director of Unit 45. The Dutch-based company will provide insights into how perishable commodities such as fruit and vegetables, as well as pharmaceuticals, can be transported by rail between different continents. The rationale behind this is that with no end in sight for slow steaming, coupled with massive overcapacity in shipping sector, time-to-market between countries such as Spain and China could make rail an attractive logistical alternative to container shipping.

“The biggest challenge in countries such as China, but also large swathes of South East Asia, is the lack of cold chain and reliable temperature-controlled distribution along the last mile,” said Alex von Stempel, managing director at Cool Logistics Resources Ltd.

“By bringing experts in logistics and perishables together under one roof, Cool Logistics Asia offers a unique chance for fresh produce exporters and importers attending Asia Fruit Logistica to add value to their experience,” von Stempel said.

The one-day conference will provide ocean, air and intermodal carriers, food manufacturers, transport and equipment providers, ports and freight forwarders with unique insights into trends in Asian perishable supply chain operations, including specific commodity and logistics market analyses.