Enhancing the Efficiency of Cold Supply Chain for Agricultural and Food Logistics Providers in Thailand

Abstract

The cold supply chain plays a crucial role in minimizing food losses, particularly for perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables. These losses occur throughout the supply chain, from agricultural production and transportation to final consumption. Food wastage, coupled with substandard agricultural product quality especially in terms of nutritional value negatively impacts the economy and leads to inefficient resource utilization. Consequently, cold chain logistics have been developed and continuously optimized to enhance supply chain efficiency. This study aimed to propose strategies for improving the efficiency of cold supply chains in Thailand’s agricultural and food logistics sector, aligning with the current industry landscape. The findings revealed that effective storage and distribution practices, strong supply chain collaboration, and well-structured supply chain flexibility contributed significantly to overall performance enhancement. To achieve this, cold supply chain operators should focus on optimizing storage and distribution systems, implementing standardized operating procedures, establishing comprehensive quality management frameworks, and strengthening monitoring mechanisms. Moreover, supply chain collaboration and flexibility should be strategically defined with clear objectives, while the integration of advanced technologies can foster long-term business sustainability. Additionally, operations should be designed to minimize social and environmental impacts, ensuring a balance between business growth and sustainability.