Innovation in Food Supply Chain: FAST Highlights Agro-Logistics Solutions at AgriLink Seminar

Oct 3, 2025

FAST Logistics Group, the Philippines’ leading end-to-end logistics provider, hosted a seminar on agro-logistics during AgriLink 2025, highlighting tech-driven and innovative solutions designed to support the country’s agricultural sector.

The event, titled Smart Agro-Logistics: A Seminar on Digital Innovations and Solutions Transforming the Farm-to-Market Supply Chain, was held on Friday, October 3. It brought together farmers, agribusiness owners, farmer cooperatives, government representatives, and other stakeholders in the agriculture industry.

During the session, expert speakers discussed the different factors that contribute to the high prices of goods and demonstrated how digital tools and smart logistics practices can help close these gaps. Participants also learned about how FAST’s integrated logistics solutions — covering transport, warehousing, ColdChain, and value-added services — can address the unique requirements of agribusinesses in the Philippines.

Integrated, End-to-End, Professional Logistics

FAST CEO for Logistics, Manuel L. Onrejas Jr., emphasized that the organization is deepening its involvement in the agriculture sector as part of its commitment to contribute to food affordability, safety, and security.

He explained that with FAST’s nationwide capabilities — operating the country’s largest warehouse footprint and the most extensive transport fleet — agribusinesses can access the same world-class logistics support trusted by multinational companies and leading Filipino conglomerates.

FAST, he added, is proud to count agribusinesses among its growing client portfolio.

FAST CEO for Logistics, Manuel L. Onrejas Jr., shared that FAST Logistics Group is committed to serving companies of all sizes across various sectors, including agriculture, by providing integrated, end-to-end logistics solutions that support growth, efficiency, and sustainability.

“At FAST Logistics Group, we believe smart agro-logistics is not only about speed. Rather, it is about sustainability, efficiency, and empowering the agri-sector to achieve our shared objectives: food affordability, food safety, and food security,” Manny said.

He further underscored the need for stronger collaboration among private companies, agricultural players, and government agencies to bring down the cost of fresh produce while ensuring fair prices for both farmers and consumers.

This call for collaboration highlighted the central theme of the seminar: that food security cannot be achieved by one group alone, but through collective effort.

FAST Vice President for Strategy Gladys Ceniza spoke at the seminar organized by FAST Logistics Group during AgriLink 2025. She explained, based on FAST’s work with farming communities, that while farmers are often forced to sell their fresh produce at low prices, these same products end up being sold at much higher prices in major urban markets. This price disparity stems mainly from fragmented supply chain and inefficient transport and storage.

Cutting Waste, Connecting Markets

FAST Vice President for Strategy Gladys Ceniza shed light on why food prices remain high despite the country’s agricultural potential.

Drawing from FAST’s work with farming communities, she explained that farmers often sell their fresh produce at low prices, yet these same goods are sold at significantly higher prices in major urban markets. This disparity is largely due to fragmented supply chain systems, long transport distances, and logistical inefficiencies.

Citing government data, Ceniza pointed out that up to 30% of fresh produce is lost to wastage each year because of inadequate logistics and a lack of cohesive supply chain networks.

Marc Dizon, FAST ColdChain Business Unit Head, highlighted the importance of Intelligent ColdChain solutions in keeping food fresh, safe, and of high quality throughout its journey from farm to market. He explained that with proper temperature control and advanced monitoring systems, spoilage can be significantly reduced, ensuring that farmers earn more from their harvests while consumers gain access to affordable and nutritious food.

To illustrate solutions to this challenge, FAST ColdChain Business Unit Head Marc Anthony Dizon presented how FAST’s ColdChain services successfully preserved the quality of Guimaras mangoes when they were transported to Manila for the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) last May.

These mangoes, sourced directly from local growers, arrived in excellent condition, demonstrating how proper ColdChain management reduces spoilage, maintains quality, and increases farmers’ income.

This example showed how integrating technology and logistics can open up new opportunities for farmers to reach wider markets without sacrificing product quality.

FAST Senior Manager for MSME Support and Solutions Amz Ortiz shared that FAST supports agribusinesses of all sizes through tailored end-to-end logistics solutions. These include transport, warehousing, and value-added services designed to meet their specific business requirements.

FAST Senior Manager for MSME Support and Solutions Amz Ortiz elaborated on how FAST continues to support agribusinesses of all sizes, helping them thrive by providing comprehensive end-to-end logistics tailored to their operational needs.

From small-scale farmers to companies producing farm input and heavy machinery, Ortiz stressed that every player in the agri-sector benefits from professionalized logistics systems.

Beyond the seminar, FAST also showcased its logistics solutions during the three-day AgriLink exhibition, further reinforcing its commitment to helping Filipino agribusinesses succeed.

Tech for the Common Good

Guest speaker Henry James Sison, CEO and co-founder of Agro-DigitalPH, shared how his social enterprise aggregates fresh produce from farmer cooperatives to supply directly to institutional buyers.

By leveraging grassroots engagement and technology-driven value chain solutions, Agro-DigitalPH helps reduce unnecessary markups, making food more affordable for consumers while improving farmers’ margins.

Henry James Sison, CEO and co-founder of Agro-DigitalPH, was one of the speakers of Smart Agro-Logistics: A Seminar on Digital Innovations and Solutions Transforming the Farm-to-Market Supply Chain, where he shared how his social enterprise leverages grassroots engagement and technology-driven value chain solutions to aggregate fresh produce from farmer cooperatives to supply institutional buyers directly across Luzon and the Visayas.

As an all-in-one digital platform for demand capture, production, warehousing, and distribution, Agro-DigitalPH empowers cooperatives and associations to retain greater value from their produce.

Henry noted that since its establishment, Agro-DigitalPH has expanded its network across Luzon and the Visayas, enabling cooperatives to earn higher profits while significantly reducing post-harvest losses.

Strengthening Agribusiness Through Logistics

The seminar left participants with a deeper appreciation of how modern logistics can directly influence food security, affordability, and availability across the Philippines.

With more than 50 years of industry leadership, FAST continues to support agribusinesses by providing scalable, efficient, and sustainable supply chain solutions. Connect with our Solutions Experts to discover how we can help your business get ahead