#Japan #Tokyo #Yamato Holdings #KURONEKO Innovation Fund #SECAI MARCHE

Yamato Holdings Invests in SECAI MARCHE to Transform Southeast Asia's Fresh Food Distribution

Yamato Holdings Co., Ltd., headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo and led by President Yu Nagao, has made a strategic investment in SECAI MARCHE Co., Ltd., a company renowned for its innovative cold chain and e-commerce (EC) platform that directly connects producers with consumers in Southeast Asia. This investment was executed through the KURONEKO Innovation Fund No. 2 (KIF No. 2), which is managed by Global Brain Corporation.

Introduction to SECAI MARCHE

SECAI MARCHE is making significant strides in transforming the supply chain for fresh produce in Southeast Asia. By establishing a unique distribution network centered around cold chain logistics, the company has successfully implemented direct shipments of fresh goods from producers to consumers. Additionally, SECAI MARCHE is enhancing its operational processes—from order placement to delivery—by utilizing advanced functions and improving demand forecasting accuracy through AI techniques. This approach not only optimizes logistics but also aims to reduce costs and lead times, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction.

Investment Rationale

The decision by KIF No. 2 to invest in SECAI MARCHE was driven by the latter's innovative efforts in building a robust distribution network for fresh produce in Southeast Asia. The EC platform capitalizes on digital technologies to deliver fresh ingredients to consumers at competitive prices in a timely manner. By joining forces with SECAI MARCHE, Yamato Holdings aims to leverage its extensive logistics network and cold chain expertise, creating synergies that benefit both companies and the regional market.

Partnership Opportunities

Incorporating SECAI MARCHE into the portfolio of the KURONEKO Innovation Fund allows for an interesting blend of Yamato Group's logistics capabilities with SECAI MARCHE's established presence in Southeast Asia. This collaboration is set to foster the expansion of Japanese producers into the Southeast Asian market, unlocking potential for new logistics frameworks and enhanced value propositions.

SECAI MARCHE Overview

• - Headquarters: 1F-3F, Otemachi Building, 1-6-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
• - Executives: Shusaku Hayakawa and Ami Sugiyama
• - Business Focus: Developing an EC platform for fresh food in Southeast Asia, known as SECAI MARCHE.
• - Website: SECAI MARCHE Official Website

Future Prospects

As Southeast Asia continues to evolve as a key player in the global food supply chain, the partnership between Yamato Holdings and SECAI MARCHE is poised to not only advance logistics innovation but also deliver new value for consumers seeking fresh and accessible produce. This strategic investment underscores Yamato Holdings' commitment to transforming the agricultural and food industry supply chains with cutting-edge technology.

Through collaborative efforts, both companies aim to create a fresh food distribution model that not only supports local producers but also meets the growing demands of consumers in Southeast Asia. With a focus on sustainability and efficiency, the collaboration holds promising prospects for the future agricultural landscape in the region.