Announcement of New Company Establishment: 12 Fresh Produce Wholesalers in the Chubu Region Unite to Establish Team Fresh Logistics Chubu Co., Ltd. (TFL Chubu)

Team Fresh Logistics Chubu Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tsushima City, Aichi Prefecture; Representative Director: Shintaro Yoshida; hereinafter "TFL Chubu") announces its establishment on June 1, 2026, with the goal of creating a new "shared logistics infrastructure for fresh produce" in the Chubu region.

TFL Chubu is a jointly funded company established by 12 fresh produce wholesalers in the Chubu region. Positioning the Nagoya Nishi Distribution Center as a relay hub serving as a "consumer-area stockpoint," the company is building a new logistics infrastructure connecting production areas to markets, aiming to commence operations from June 2027 onward. The 12 companies are joining hands to realize sustainable logistics for fresh produce, ensuring that the availability of fresh produce on Chubu-region dining tables remains a given for future generations.

At the founding ceremony held on June 8, representatives from all 12 participating fresh produce wholesalers in the Chubu region gathered.

About Team Fresh Logistics Chubu Co., Ltd. (TFL Chubu)

For a rich food culture that lasts 100 years into the future: 12 fresh produce wholesalers in the Chubu region are transforming logistics.

TFL Chubu was established to transcend individual company boundaries, uniting participating fresh produce wholesalers across the Chubu region to operate sustainable shared logistics. The company name "Team Fresh Logistics Chubu" embodies the determination of Chubu-region fresh produce ("Fresh") wholesalers to pool their logistics ("Logi") capabilities, working as one team together with markets, producers, and transportation partners.

Business Overview

Creating a sustainable future for the fresh produce industry through logistics.

To prepare for operations starting from June 2027, we will operate a new logistics infrastructure centered on the following three core functions:

【Function 1: Maximizing Loading Efficiency through Shared Transportation and Relay Delivery】

We will consolidate part of the shipments previously delivered separately by the 12 companies to individual markets, bringing them to the Nagoya Nishi Distribution Center as a "consumer-area stockpoint," to achieve "shared transportation" that maximizes loading efficiency. Additionally, we will promote "relay transportation" to transfer goods from remote production areas—where direct transport is becoming increasingly difficult—to the Kanto and Kansai regions.

【Function 2: Optimizing Logistics through Joint Receiving and Systematization at Nagoya Nishi Distribution Center】

At the Nagoya Nishi Distribution Center, we will conduct joint receiving, inspection, and sorting. We are also considering the introduction of systems designed to reduce truck drivers’ waiting times and streamline inbound and outbound operations.

【Function 3: Maintaining Freshness and Quality through Cold Chain Implementation】

We will further strengthen centralized temperature control (cold chain) by utilizing the temperature-controlled and refrigerated facilities being developed at the Nagoya Nishi Distribution Center. By preventing freshness degradation during long-distance transport, we aim to improve product quality evaluations in markets and enhance sales competitiveness.

Future Outlook

Through the construction of this new shared logistics infrastructure, we will promote "shared transportation" and "relay transportation," aiming to collect 50,750 tons of produce by FY2030 (Reiwa 12). By continuously achieving tangible results such as improved truck loading efficiency and reduced environmental impact, we will disseminate initiatives beyond market frameworks—from the Chubu region to the entire nation. By carrying forward the vital baton entrusted by producers, we will contribute to building a sustainable regional society by passing on a rich food future to the next generation.

Comment from the Representative

Our fresh produce industry currently faces declining production volumes, rising costs, and driver shortages due to the logistics "2024 problem," entering an unprecedented period of structural transformation. Overcoming this difficult situation and ensuring a sustainable fresh produce logistics network for future generations is, we believe, the mission of fresh produce wholesalers.

Stepping into unprecedented territory by launching "shared logistics for fresh produce"—a collaborative effort beyond individual companies—poses a major challenge for us, especially in a field where freshness management and delivery present numerous difficulties.

To meet this challenge, 12 fresh produce wholesalers in the Chubu region, united by a shared vision, have come together with a spirit of co-creation. We aim to achieve both stable fresh produce supply in the Chubu region and the functionality of "shared logistics" in transportation and distribution, striving to build a safe and secure next-generation logistics infrastructure.

Team Fresh Logistics Chubu Co., Ltd.

Representative Director, Shintaro Yoshida

【Company Overview: Team Fresh Logistics Chubu Co., Ltd.】

Company Name: Team Fresh Logistics Chubu Co., Ltd. (Commonly known as: TFL Chubu)

Representative Director: Shintaro Yoshida

Head Office Location: 1 Shinkai, Takajishimachi, Tsushima City, Aichi Prefecture

Established: June 1, 2026

Capital: 40 million yen

Shareholders: Nagoya Seika Co., Ltd., Centralai Seika Co., Ltd., Gifu Chuo Seika Co., Ltd., Maruka Ishikawa Chuo Seika Co., Ltd., Yokkaichi Godo Seika Co., Ltd., Mie VF Co., Ltd., Kenjiru Mie Chuo Seika Co., Ltd., Ise Yamada Seika Co., Ltd., Yuiichi Toyota Seika Co., Ltd., Daiichi Seika Co., Ltd., Nagoya Nishi Seika Co., Ltd., Hida Takayama Market Co., Ltd.

Main Business Activities: Storage, processing, manufacturing, and sales of vegetables, fruits, and food products

Operation and management of shared logistics centers and distribution hubs

General freight motor carrier services, light freight vehicle transport services, cargo utilization transport services, warehouse operations, etc.