Cold Chain Logistics in China : a case study of a Chinese Food Manufacturer

Abstract: Abstract Background/motivation for the study: Since the late 1970s, China has seen an unprecedented growth in its economy and with that growth follows the improvement in the quality of life for a majority of its citizens. Naturally, people  will focus more on the quality of their daily nutritional products as a result. One of the technologies for preserving food products is called Cold Chain Logistics, which is deal with processing, transporting and storing food products. Despite its rapid development in China, the Cold Chain Logistics system still has many problems to be dealt with by its new users thus exploring how it can better adapt to a more demanding consumers is very interesting. We will use Henan Province QI County Yongda Food Industry CO.LTD as an example for illustrating how a food industry company can effectively manage its Cold Chain Logistics system.    Purpose: The purpose of  this thesis is to first learn about in Cold Chain Logistics in the food industry through different literatures and second, to understand the main differences in Cold Chain Logistics in the food industry when China is  compared with USA and Japan  and third,  to help Cold Chain Logistics in China be improved through technology and management.    Methods: In order to answer the purposes of this thesis, firstly, we read and write an extensive literature review related to this thesis. Secondly, we use Yongda Company as a case study.  Interviews with the one manager and two employees are major source of data collection.    Findings: We present and compare the differences between Chinese, American and Japaneses’ implementation of systems through various angles. China's Cold Chain Logistics is  still  in the development stage. The whole Cold Chain Logistics has not matured. Furthermore, a  case study  is conducted on how Yongda Company can have many significant advantages over its competitors in Cold Chain Logistics and how  their techniques and management styles can benefit other companies if applied correctly throughout China.     Contributions: This thesis will show that how to management Cold Chain Logistics in the real company.    Key words: Cold Chain Logistics, CCL, Yongda Company, food industry.