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SMALL farmers and fishermen in Luzon can now trade their goods as
far as Mindanao or vice versa without worrying about the quality of
their products deteriorating.
2GO, the total supply chain solution provider,
launched the “Less than a Containerload” cold chain service that
allows the transport perishable products, which needs refrigeration,
like vegetables, poultry, meat, fruits and ice cream, with a low
minimum requirement of 0.5 cubic meters. 2GO is an Aboitiz company.
Sabin Aboitiz, president and chief executive of
2GO, said the cold chain service is a sachet concept of shipping a
container of perishable goods, which can increase the income of the
farmers as much as 40 percent.
The 2GO cold chain eliminates the need to fill
up an entire truck or container, before goods can be shipped to the
intended market or buyer.
“Through 2GO cold chain, farmers and
businessmen can now ship small volumes of their products, regardless
of seasonality, as frequently as they require and without having to
worry about building up inventory to fill a truck or container,”
said Colin Ricardo, 2GO chief operating officer.
“This helps farmers meet the demand of the
market for a year-round supply of fresh quality vegetables. This can
also make potential savings in warehousing [and] storage for direct
deliveries,” he added.
2GO piloted its cold chain service in October
2007 as support for the Department of Agriculture’s Barangay Food
Terminal and Bagsakan Center initiatives, where vegetable products
from Valley Fresh Farm in Bukidnon were delivered to the said
facilities in Metro Manila.
Aboitiz also assured that all products shipped
through their service are insured.
Some of the customers of 2GO cold chain shipping
service are Mekeni Food Corp., Creamline Dairy Corp., Fruits in Ice
Cream and Healthy Options, whose products are delivered as far as
Mindanao.
Aboitiz said more than P300 million was invested
for the system, particularly for the distribution center, supply
chain center and delivery vans.
-- Ira Karen Apanay
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