Japan-based logistics and distribution firm Yamato Holdings Co, Ltd has called for a concerted effort in the industry to develop a global end-to-end cold chain platform.

Speaking at the Asian Logistics and Maritime Conference 2019 in Hong Kong, Katsuhiko Umetsu, senior executive officer at Yamato, shared that the company's goal is to develop a shared co-creation value platform to allow logistics providers to deliver perishable food safely.

Umetsu called on all companies at the forum to work with the Yamato to achieve the goal of building a food safety cold chain that can trace products and temperature using a physical internet-driven network.

“The food supply chain will be enhanced by innovative logistics, making temperature control, manufacturing, distribution and logistics transparent,” he said. “Yamato’s goal is to develop an end-to-end cold chain platform to allow perishable food to be delivered safely around the world.”

Yamato is the largest logistics firm in Japan, and 11% of the parcels it delivers are in the cold chain, so the company is ready to create a global platform, he said.

Umetsu outlined the future for logistics, information and financial technology. For governments, he said this involves food safety standards, digitalisation of customs and quarantine regulations, and development of cryptocurrency.

For business, this involves developing and implementing new cold chain technology.

He then called on the industry to join forces in creating a global cold chain platform together.