Japan is promoting its cold chain logistics standards across Southeast Asia, aiming to boost its shipping companies and food exporters. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has adopted Japan's standards as ISO 31512, which include real-time temperature recording and measures to prevent temperature increases during transport. These standards also recommend setting limits on exposure duration to outside air.
The Japanese government is actively encouraging countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand to adopt these standards. Efforts have included events in the Philippines and Vietnam, targeting government agencies and logistics companies. Japan plans to continue these initiatives to expand the adoption of its standards.
Currently, approximately 20 Japanese companies provide cold chain logistics in Vietnam and Thailand, with about 10 operating in Singapore and Indonesia. Adoption of Japan's standards could benefit these businesses in the region. Tokyo is also focused on ensuring the widespread use of the ISO standard to maintain its relevance, as standards are reviewed every five years and may be discontinued if not widely adopted.
The economic growth in Southeast Asia is increasing demand for refrigerated foods, with Indonesia and Thailand seeing rising demand due to more households acquiring refrigerators. Vietnam and the Philippines are modernizing retail standards. According to Euromonitor International, shipments of frozen and chilled food in five countries, including Indonesia and Malaysia, have approximately doubled from 2009 to 2022. Challenges such as local expertise, electricity stability, and road infrastructure remain, but improved logistics could enhance the transportation of fresh produce and support Japan's export goals for agricultural products by 2030.
Source: Nikkei Asia