Peak Season Pressure: Why Food Logistics Fail Without the Right Cartons & Crates
Every October through December, food distributors in the Philippines brace for the peak season rush. With rising demand for fresh produce, perishable goods, and holiday food deliveries, supply chains stretch thin. While many businesses focus on vehicles, cold storage, and last-mile delivery, one critical piece is often overlooked: the cartons and crates that protect products in transit.
The Reality of Food Logistics in the Philippines
In a study by Bluewave Consulting, the Philippine cold chain logistics market was valued at around USD 1.61 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 3.14 billion by 2031, growing at about 10% annually. This growth reflects increasing demand for fresh and perishable goods, but infrastructure gaps remain. Only about 20% of required cold storage capacity is currently available nationwide, making efficient handling and protection even more important.
Why Cartons & Crates Matter
During peak season, poor packaging leads to damaged products, inefficient stacking, and increased spoilage. Durable cartons protect goods during transit, while stackable crates improve storage, palletization, and handling efficiency. These are all essential when volumes surge and time is limited.
For cold and fresh food, packaging must work alongside refrigeration systems to maintain product quality from warehouse to retail shelf.
Critical Distribution Challenges in Peak Season
Longer lead times due to demand spikes
Higher risk of spoilage with limited cold chain infrastructure
Increased logistics costs when products are damaged or mishandled
The Philippine Cold Chain and Food Logistics Market Report highlighted that with the Philippine e-commerce and food delivery continuing to grow, expectations for speed and freshness are higher than ever.
Strategic Advantage of Cartons & Crates
✔ Stronger Cartons Reduce Product Damage
✔ Stackable Crates Improve Warehouse and Pallet Utilization
✔ Durable Solutions Minimize Spoilage and Returns
✔ Sustainable Materials Support Environmentally Conscious Brands
Peak season logistics failures aren’t always caused by transport or storage alone. Often, they start with packaging that isn’t built for real distribution challenges. In a fast-growing but capacity-strained logistics environment, choosing the right cartons and crates can make all the difference.
Our wide range of sustainable and smart packaging solutions are available anytime of the year, not just during the holidays.
