China: China's cold-chain logistics expands on stronge demand, green upgrade.

Storyline China's cold-chain logistics expands on stronge demand, green upgrade New data from the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing shows that China's refrigerated delivery and storage industry maintained steady expansion in the first half of the year. According to the CFLP, in H1 this year cold-chain logistics demand related to food reached 200 million tons, up almost five percent year on year. Officials from the federation say technological upgrades are helping the sector stay competitive, and expand their services to smaller urban areas. Qin Yuming, Secretary General, cold-chain logistics professional committee, China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing: "The cold-chain logistics sector showed steady growth in the first half of the year, with continued structural optimization, industrial transformation and upgrading. Driven by consumption upgrading and sustained policy support, demand for cold-chain logistics continued to be released, with the market expanding into third- and fourth-tier cities. Meanwhile, new business models such as instant retail and central kitchens have also spurred the sector's rapid development." Cold storage infrastructure also maintained steady growth, the data shows, with 3.5 million U.S. dollars invested into cold storage projects, a more than 8 percent annual increase. By the end of June, China's total cold storage capacity had reached 270 million cubic meters, up 4.6 percent year on year, with overall supply and demand remaining balanced. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]