Yamato Holdings plans to launch a refrigerated transport service in Vietnam this September for delivering perishable foods from Japan to such retailers as Japanese restaurants and specialty supermarkets.
A joint venture will be set up with local logistics company Ba Sau Nam Trading Logistics, or 365 Express, with Yamato to hold a 51% stake through a Singaporean unit. The Japanese parcel delivery giant will provide know-how to help 365 introduce and operate refrigerated vehicles.
Fresh produce and other perishables from Japanese producers will be consolidated, flown overnight to Vietnam, and then delivered via truck and motorcycle after clearing customs and quarantine. Goods will reach their destinations as quickly as the afternoon of the day after leaving Japan.
Yamato plans to start out in Ho Chi Minh City and expand to Hanoi in 2019. Fees will be based on the volume of goods and negotiated with individual clients.