Mindanao Cold Chain Summit 2025: Strengthening Food Supply Chain through Strategic Partnerships

Organized by GMAC Logitech Refrigeration Corp., the Mindanao Cold Chain Summit 2025 gathered industry leaders to discuss the evolving logistics and cold storage needs in Mindanao on May 29, 2025 at the New World Makati Hotel. ([From left to right] GMAC Chief Operating Officer Marco Carlo Quiray, GMAC Chief Finance Officer Sandra Jalandoni, Damosa Land President Ricardo Lagdameo, AC Logistics Contract Logistics and National Distribution President Irma Diaz-Guevara, CCAP President Anthony Dizon, GMI President and GMAC Chairman and President Arturo Yan, GMAC Chief Commercial Officer Carlos Antonio Villanueva)

 

The Mindanao Cold Chain Summit 2025 brought together industry leaders, customers, and innovators to discuss and advance cold chain solutions that will bolster Mindanao’s food supply chain. This year’s summit highlights the partnership and collaboration between AC Logistics, Glacier Megafridge through the formation of GMAC, and Damosa Land.

 

AC Logistics and Glacier Megafridge, renowned for their expertise in logistics and cold storage solutions, have joined forces under the initiative of their joint venture GMAC Logitech Refrigeration Corporation to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the food supply chain in Mindanao. This collaboration aims to address the region’s unique challenges by implementing state-of-the-art cold chain technologies and infrastructure.

 

Damosa Land, a key player in real estate and agribusiness development as part of the Anflocor Group, has been bringing in investments in the region for the last 75 years. They have partnered with GMAC to provide strategic locations and support for the establishment of advanced cold storage facilities.

 

This synergy between logistics, cold storage, and real estate development is poised to create a robust and sustainable food supply chain that will benefit local farmers, businesses, and consumers.

 

The summit features keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, focusing on the expert solutions and innovations in cold chain solutions, best practices, and the future of food supply chain management in Mindanao. Attendees gain valuable insights into how these partnerships are driving progress and ensuring food security in the region.

 

“We are excited to showcase the collaborative efforts of AC Logistics, Glacier Megafridge, and Damosa Land,” said Arturo Yan, Chairman and President of GMAC Logitech Refrigeration Corporation. “Our combined expertise and resources will significantly enhance the food supply chain in Mindanao, ensuring that fresh and safe food reaches every corner of the region.”

 

GMAC has made significant strides in expanding cold storage capacities in Mindanao. Notably, they have set up around 5,500-pallet position cold storage facility in Cagayan de Oro, located in Tablon. Additionally, GMAC has established around 12,000 pallet positions for cold storage capacity in Davao del Norte, specifically in Panabo. These facilities are crucial in addressing the storage needs for various products, including tuna, bananas, and other crops and seafood.

 

Infrastructure and Development

The infrastructure and development efforts by GMAC in Cagayan de Oro and Davao are pivotal in promoting efficient cold chain logistics. The cold storage facilities in these locations are designed to meet the specific needs of different products, ensuring optimal storage conditions and minimizing food spoilage. The strategic placement of these facilities enhances the overall logistics network, making it easier to manage the distribution of goods across Mindanao and beyond.

 

GMAC’s Davao cold storage will be located within the ANFLO Industrial Estate, a PEZA-registered Special Economic Zone in Davao del Norte that is owned and operated by Damosa Land, Inc. (DLI). The 63-hectare industrial park, equipped with modern facilities and logistics support that serve agri-industrial operations, is ideal due to its proximity to the Davao International Container Terminal, Sasa Davao port, and Davao City Airport.

 

Meanwhile, the CDO cold storage, which is in Tablon City, is just a few minutes away from Cagayan de Oro Port and Laguindingan International Airport.

 

Partnership of the Three Corporations

The partnership between AC Logistics, Glacier Megafridge, and Damosa Land is a testament to the power of collaboration in achieving common goals. By combining their expertise in logistics, cold storage, and real estate development, these corporations are creating a comprehensive solution to address the challenges faced by the food supply chain in Mindanao. This partnership is not only beneficial for the businesses involved but also for the local communities and farmers who rely on efficient logistics to bring their products to the market.

 

“We in the cold chain industry salute this move from these three organizations, and we look forward to working with them continuing in the future so that we can also pursue the advocacies that Cold Chain Association of the Philippines has set forth, which is essentially food security and food sufficiency,” Cold Chain Association of the Philippines President Anthony Dizon said in the panel discussion.

 

Food Security and Cold Chain Solutions

Food security is a critical issue that the Mindanao Cold Chain Summit 2025 aims to address. We have a shortage in capacity, power, and infrastructure. The implementation of advanced cold chain solutions is essential in ensuring that food remains fresh and safe from farm to table. The summit highlighted the importance of technological advancements, such as IoT and radio frequency identification, in enhancing the operations of cold storage facilities. These technologies help in monitoring and managing the storage conditions, reducing food waste, and ensuring that consumers receive high-quality products. GMAC is committed to building scalable, resilient cold chain infrastructure to meet growing demand.

 

As a demonstration of Ayala’s commitment to ensuring food safety and preservation, AC Logistics’ Contract Logistics and National Distribution President Irma Diaz-Guevara emphasized the need for solarization of cold storage facilities to reduce costs and improve efficiency. “We need to solarize our cold storage facilities so we can save on costs. We have more than 100 company owned reefers and temperature-controlled trucks, which we will electrify anytime soon.” she stated. This approach not only helps in cutting down operational expenses but also contributes to sustainability efforts. GMAC CDO and Davao have recently transitioned to renewable energy through the Green Energy Option Program with ACEN.

 

AC Logistics brings to this partnership integrated supply chain capabilities and a nationwide footprint, with over 114 temperature-controlled trucks and a strong track record managing cold chain operations for top FMCG and pharma clients.

 

Future Outlook

The cold chain industry in the Philippines is expected to grow significantly, driven by increasing population, urbanization, and demand for fresh, healthy, and locally sourced food. The industry is projected to reach USD 1.5 billion by 2026 and USD 1.6-1.7 billion by 2027. This growth underscores the importance of continued investment and innovation in cold chain logistics to ensure food security and minimize food waste.

 

The Mindanao Cold Chain Summit 2025 underscored the importance of strategic partnerships and technological advancements in strengthening the food supply chain in Mindanao. With the collaborative efforts of AC Logistics, Glacier Megafridge, and Damosa Land, the region is well-positioned to meet its cold storage needs and ensure the efficient distribution of fresh and safe food.

 

AC Logistics welcomes partnerships with producers, retailers, and exporters as we continue to build a resilient, future-ready supply chain for Mindanao and beyond. Email us at sales@aclogistics.com.ph.