Cold Chains are temperature controlled supply chain intended to optimize product quality and cost for specific commodities while minimizing wastage. CSS Group has now been setup to handle refrigerated cargo as a first step towards building an unbroken cold chain. Recent investment in technically adept personnel in addition to leveraging on new partner strengths overseas, CSS will now actively pursue temperature controlled commodities both for sea and air.
While CSS is already entrenched in managing substantial quantities of frozen foodstuff under its existing airfreight division, the foray into the chilled side of the business is a first of its kind for the Group. As with all new product developments, key areas within this new segment have been identified in order to focus on the finest product implementation in the marketplace. Fresh produce, pharmaceuticals and high end technology products form 3 key areas that the CSS Group will work on whilst creating a door to door cold chain.
“Our objective to enter into this segment of business is largely to help add value to our existing customers who engage in any of the 3 verticals we have identified, creating this as a full scale commercial product is on track as well for the coming year. We have with us today, the personnel and the infrastructure (overseas and in our region) required to pursue this segment. Our recent success with select trial customers in the fresh produce and pharmaceutical verticals bodes well for the Group and the initiative,” added Ajay Krishnan, Senior General Manager, Ocean Freight, CSS.
As the UAE imports 90% of its food and its position at the centre of a US$9.4 billion market serving the GCC and Africa, a high level of supply chain safety becomes even more critical. For this reason, CSS has carefully identified and isolated possible problem areas and have designed solutions that will ensure this is seamless, both in terms of a process and delivery. Quality Management Systems are essential for a successful Cold Chain. CSS, already has an effective QMS in place for core products whilst building on the same fundamentals to ensure effective quality checks will not be an issue.