Keeping Things Fresh – FAST Showcases ColdChain Capabilities at First Solutions Roadshow in Luzon

FAST Logistics Group, the leading end-to-end logistics company in the Philippines, has showcased its Intelligent ColdChain Solutions branded as “Fresh by FAST” which are specifically tailored to address the cold storage and transport requirements of businesses based in Manila.

The third edition of the FAST Solutions Roadshow held on Friday, July 26, brought together industry leaders, company executives, entrepreneurs, ColdChain experts, and supply chain professionals from various organizations involved in the business of fresh.

Attendees from companies specializing in frozen foods, meats, agricultural products, vaccines, medicines, and other perishable goods gained valuable insights into FAST’s end-to-end ColdChain solutions. This included an in-depth exploration of FAST’s warehouse and transport capabilities for temperature-sensitive products, highlighting how these offerings maintain product quality, integrity, and safety.

They also discovered how FAST’s ColdChain Hub Cavite is expertly designed to elevate their business operations while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Participants notably discovered the specific features and benefits of Fresh by FAST which can enhance operational efficiency, lower costs, and ultimately drive business success in a competitive marketplace.

FAST CEO for Logistics Manuel L. Onrejas Jr. said the FAST Solutions Roadshow underscores the company’s dedication to addressing the logistics needs of both current and future partners in Luzon. “We are committed to a journey of continuous improvement and shared progress. At FAST, your business is our business; your growth is our growth,” he said.

What Differentiates Fresh by FAST From Other ColdChain Solutions in the Philippines

At the Solutions Roadshow, FAST ColdChain Solutions Head Marc Dizon emphasized how the company’s offerings stand out from other ColdChain solutions available in the market.

He noted that businesses seeking a single logistics provider can depend on FAST, which offers a comprehensive range of solutions including refrigerated transport, cold storage, blast freezing, and dry warehousing for non-refrigerated items. FAST also provides cold storage at multiple temperatures — frozen, chilled, and ambient. As a one-stop solution for temperature-controlled needs, he said FAST caters to all customer requirements efficiently.

Marc emphasized the flexibility of these offerings, noting that customers pay only for the pallet positions they use over different timeframes. They can choose to utilize these solutions on a daily, monthly, or annual basis, depending on their business needs. In terms of capabilities, FAST ColdChain Hub Cavite has over 13,000 pallet positions, while the facility in Cebu has 10,580 pallet positions.

Showcasing FAST’s commitment to making ColdChain operations more efficient and effective, Marc shared with the participants how the company leverages technology and innovation. In particular, FAST employs the Warehouse Management System powered by Honeywell and the Transport Management System developed by FAST Solutions Engineers to automate processes, reduce human errors, and hasten operations. These are utilized at every stage of the logistics process, including receiving goods, order picking, dispatching, and up to the last-mile deliveries. FAST also has real-time visibility over its warehouse and transport operations because of these modern systems.

Notably, Marc highlighted that the FAST ColdChain Hub in Cavite operates on renewable energy sources. He noted that a significant share of the facility’s daily energy needs is fulfilled by electricity generated from solar panels.

FAST ColdChain Solutions distinguishes itself from other providers in the Philippines by offering a comprehensive range of temperature-controlled logistics solutions and allowing customers to enjoy flexible payment options according to their business needs. FAST’s commitment to utilizing technology and renewable energy further sets it apart, ensuring efficient and sustainable operations tailored to customer needs.

“We offer a full range of services from warehousing, inventory management quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. All necessary to maintain the quality and freshness of your products,” Marc said.

Comprehensive Discussions, Best Practices

The morning session of the FAST Solutions Roadshow showcased a diverse lineup of speakers from various industries. They tackled key topics such as essential food safety practices, handling and storing pharmaceutical products, and developments in ColdChain industry in the Philippines. During the afternoon, participants visited the FAST ColdChain Hub Cavite, allowing them to experience firsthand how the hub operates.

Among the distinguished guests at the morning session was Dr. Fernando N. Lontoc, Regional Technical Director of the National Meat Inspection Service-Regional Technical Operation Center 4-A. He emphasized the agency’s vital role in ensuring the safety, quality, and wholesomeness of meat and meat products and discussed the processes in ensuring compliance with safety standards, implementing rigorous inspection protocols, and promoting best practices in meat handling and processing.

In his presentation, Dr. Lontoc highlighted that FAST has received AAA accreditation from the NMIS, indicating its compliance with the highest standards of safety, hygiene, and quality as set forth by the agency’s regulations. He said he personally visited the FAST ColdChain Hub in Cavite and commended its commitment to government standards, as well as its use of technology to enhance operational efficiency and uphold best practices in ColdChain management.

Janice W. Florenosos, Head of Business Operations at Distriphil, a pharmaceutical distribution company, provided insights into the Philippine pharmaceutical market and emphasized the critical role of cold chain logistics in ensuring the potency and safety of medicines, vaccines, and other medical supplies.

Likewise, Cold Chain Association of the Philippines Founding President Anthony S. Dizon shared with the participants the key developments in the ColdChain industry in the Philippines.

He stated that the overall outlook for the industry remains optimistic, driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, increased consumer awareness of food safety concerns, and government food security initiatives. The private sector has shown its ability and commitment to address these challenges through capacity building and capability development.

Anthony highlighted that the ColdChain industry submits that the cold chain is only one of the components of the overall food supply chain. “Our industry is still dependent on the reliability and sustainability of the production sector as the supply side of the equation, and this is the area where we hope the government can focus its efforts to create the necessary balance with the demand side which we expect will continue to grow because of the factors earlier mentioned,” he said.

Meanwhile, Meson Logistics Solutions Head of Sales-APAC JM Danga also shared the features of using the Warehouse Management System and highlighted its benefits in warehouse operations. He said what makes FAST stand out among other ColdChain solutions providers is its use of the system, which streamlines processes, enhances inventory accuracy, and improves overall efficiency in managing cold storage logistics.

After the comprehensive discussions, the participants traveled to FAST ColdChain Hub Cavite to explore its facilities and gain a deeper understanding of the operating procedures. During the visit, they toured various specialized rooms that store frozen meat, dairy products, food packs, and other temperature-sensitive goods.

Each room was equipped with advanced refrigeration systems and temperature sensors designed to maintain optimal temperatures, which is crucial for preserving the quality and safety of these products. The participants learned about the meticulous processes involved in managing inventory, monitoring temperature fluctuations, and implementing safety protocols to prevent spoilage and contamination. This hands-on experience provided valuable insights into cold chain logistics management and its importance in the supply chain.

Leadership in the Logistics Industry

The inaugural FAST Solutions Roadshow in Luzon effectively demonstrated the company’s dedication to delivering Intelligent ColdChain Solutions in the Philippines. This event served as a valuable platform for knowledge sharing among key stakeholders in the cold chain industry, while also emphasizing the vital role of logistics in maintaining the safety and quality of perishable goods such as meat, processed food, vegetables, fruits, poultry, medicines, vaccines, other medical supplies, infant formula, among others.

With its innovative utilization of cutting-edge technology, commitment to renewable energy sources, and a wide range of comprehensive services tailored to meet diverse client needs, FAST continues to lead the logistics industry in the Philippines. By prioritizing sustainability and efficiency, FAST not only enhances operational performance but also contributes to a greener future, setting a benchmark for excellence in logistics and supply chain management across the archipelago.

The participants left with practical learnings that they can apply to their respective industries, further promoting efficient and safe supply chain practices. As FAST continues to expand its operations and reach more regions in the country, it is set to continuously drive innovation and excellence in logistics, ultimately contributing to the growth of Philippine businesses.

Local companies flourish when they have access to robust logistical support, cutting-edge technologies, and a nurturing supply chain that promotes growth. With over 50 years of industry leadership, FAST has continually raised the bar in the logistics landscape by providing innovative solutions in end-to-end logistics.

To learn how FAST Logistics Group can take your business to new heights, contact our Solutions Experts or visit us at linktr.ee/fastlogisticsph