The number of cold storage warehouses (CSWs) nationwide accredited by the Department of Agriculture (DA) has risen to 233 as of May 22, 2015, 31% more than the 178 CSWs listed as of May 1 last year.
DA said that of the total 233, 158 CSWs are located in Luzon, 32 in Visayas, and 43 in Mindanao.
The bulk of the accredited CSWs — 91 — are in the National Capital Region.
On a city basis, Cebu has the highest number of CSWs with 18, followed by Navotas with 17, and by Quezon City with 13. Davao and Manila each have 11 CSWs.
Aside from accredited CSWs, DA also lists six CSWs that have applied for accreditation and are up for inspection, while one has been inspected but lacks documentary requirements. Another one is set for re-evaluation, while another has a pending approval with DA.
From 2012 to May 2015, DA noted that11 CSWs in various areas in the country have ceased operations.
The DA requires mandatory accreditation of CSWs storing agricultural and fishery products. Under DA Administrative Order (AO) No. 23-2013, which amended DA AO No. 21-2011 or the mandatory accreditation of CSWs, CSWs that have to be accredited include those for meat and meat products; fish and aquatic products; fruits, vegetables, and other plant products; milk and derivatives of milk and egg; and animal feeds; as well as stationary refrigerated container vans.
Earlier, Anthony Dizon, Cold Chain Association of the Philippines president, told PortCalls the country’s cold chain industry is expected to grow due to high domestic consumption, the market’s growing food safety concerns and awareness, and the continuing shift in buying patterns that is seeing more consumers buying frozen products in supermarkets than in wet markets. – Roumina Pablo
