Twenty years of cold chain

Chapter 332 Three Minutes

When people saw the meeting agenda in the Diamond Hall, Yang Chenghai slammed his fist on the table. The agenda was meticulously organized and the timelines were clearly defined, but none of the topics were related to Tongxing. The first day was for representatives from various companies to take the stage one after another to present their products and explain their needs; the second day was for distributors to showcase their advantages and highlight their channels; and the third day was for preliminary discussions and targeted selection of downstream distributors.

From beginning to end, distributors below the first tier don't even have a chance to show their faces. This is the way logistics giants control the market, and it's also the most efficient way. If hundreds of companies were involved, things would only get more chaotic. As for the cooperation of downstream distributors, that's never been a concern.

For example, if Zhonglong Eurocold Chain and Panhu Ocean Logistics reach a cooperation agreement to enter the Qingnan market and choose Qingtong Cold Chain as a second- or third-tier distributor, Qingtong Cold Chain will definitely seize this upstream opportunity. The benefits of this cooperation are multifaceted, including technology, distribution channels, and human resources.

Since Tongxing is targeting Kunhai, wouldn't it be faster to bypass the Diamond Hall and directly express their intention to negotiate with Kunhai? This idea had flashed through the minds of all three, but it was quickly rejected.

First, that would make Tongxing appear even more subservient, as if it would be exposed to the elements without this powerful backer, and it would be even less valued. It would lose the first move before even presenting its plan, and its prospects would be even less optimistic.

Furthermore, bypassing the Diamond Hall for private negotiations contradicts the Fisheries Expo's principle of open consultation and comprehensive cooperation, which it touts as a platform for diverse collaborations. Such actions will inevitably attract criticism, making Tongxing appear even more unprofessional.

Hu Shutong further realized that the more they targeted Kunhai, the more important it was to make Tongxing known and understood by a wider audience on a higher level. Only by competing and venturing on a larger platform could they see greater benefits for the future; this kind of demonstration was just as important as business cooperation.

The Diamond Hall meeting was scheduled for the third day after the opening of the Fisheries Expo. Exhibition is an important function of the Fisheries Expo, and it is also a window for distributors to understand tangible products.

This year's Fisheries Expo featured numerous highlights from various product vendors, showcasing the vibrant diversity of the edible aquatic world. The three major fish producers' pavilions were particularly noteworthy, displaying giant grouper weighing over 100 kilograms and bluefin tuna weighing nearly 100 kilograms. The expo also included a fishing tackle pavilion showcasing finished fishing rods, fishing gear accessories, and more.

While browsing the exhibition, Hu Shutong chatted with the reception staff of many companies. Compared to the colorful and eye-catching categories, Hu Shutong was more concerned about which aquatic products could be traded in bulk.

The Fisheries Expo's appeal lies not only in its museum-like collection of aquatic products, but also in its demonstration of the greater potential of cold chain logistics. Throughout history, these have been products that cannot function without cold transport, and the stronger the supply of goods, the greater the application of cold chain transportation.

On the first day of the Diamond Hall conference, companies led by Sheng Nuo Aquatic Products, Panhu Ocean Shipping, and Kunpeng Fisheries elaborated on their respective development strategies. With the improvement of fishing technology and the expansion of sea areas, there are higher requirements for cold chain storage and transportation. Taking advantage of the Fisheries Expo to reorganize and optimize the distribution network is the key point.

On the second day, cold chain logistics companies took the stage one after another. Zhonglong Eurocold and Minghe Cold Chain, among others, showcased their strengths and outlined their renowned and extensive cold chain logistics networks, all taking a macro-level approach. In addition to distribution channels, they also highlighted advanced freezing and preservation technologies, transportation temperature control technologies, and so on.

These powerful distributors stood on the stage, speaking eloquently, exuding a strong sense of confidence. Companies like Huawai Cold Chain, with a market value of tens of billions, possessed an even more formidable aura, capable of outlining grand plans and guiding the industry, allowing one to deeply appreciate their high-level demeanor.

From Huayi's perspective, there are no cities like Qingyan or Mingyuan, and you can't even hear of provincial concepts like Qingning or Mingjiang. What supports its corporate map is the larger regional division of East China, South China, Central China, and Southwest China, which is to allocate aquatic products in a more far-reaching framework.

They possess detailed market reports for each region, allowing them to expertly grasp the increases and decreases in aquatic product volume. Furthermore, Huawai Cold Chain has completed its Series C financing and its IPO is imminent—all significant advantages.

Not to mention Tongxing, after Huawai's statement, even five other top-tier distributors, including Zhonglong Eurocold and Minghe Cold Chain, were firmly overshadowed.

Everyone is returning to the basics, and everyone is also creating new terms, resulting in more than a dozen new ideas for cold chain logistics. Some talk about "blockchain," some about "flexible access," and some about "tiered pricing." Some focus on how to go further, while others focus on how to make more money—the list goes on and on.

The agenda, originally scheduled to end at six o'clock, didn't finally come to a close until the lights were on. Six companies, three in the morning and three in the afternoon, spoke for a full day.

Just as the meeting was about to be adjourned, Hu Shutong suddenly stood up and hurriedly walked to the front of the stage.

Few people in the audience cooperated; those who were tidying up their documents continued tidying up, and those who were getting up continued getting up. Hu Shutong's sudden appearance made many people start to recall how Tongxing had gotten in in the first place. Connecting the dots, and looking at this reckless act, it was as if a fluorescent stick had suddenly appeared between large and small businesses, dazzling and clearly separating them.

But at that very moment, a ticking sound rang out, and a countdown projection suddenly appeared on one side of the screen.

One hundred and eighty seconds.

He only talked about three minutes.

When the countdown clock lit up and the seconds ticked away, the people present felt a little more at ease. Three minutes was just a blink of an eye for the Diamond Hall today.

Only Liu Zhiying and Yang Chenghai, sitting in the audience, were filled with resentment. More than half a month of effort—how could they possibly explain it all in three minutes? The business representatives in the audience had been listening to hours of presentations, each painting a picture that would leave a lasting impression. Besides, in their eyes, Tongxing didn't deserve a name in this Diamond Hall; what dazzling sparks could a mere three minutes possibly ignite?

Three minutes is less than the time it takes for someone to break down a single technical detail; three minutes is less than the time it takes for someone to release energy at a market terminal or a dispatch center; three minutes isn't even enough time to flip through the plan.

Standing on the stage, Hu Shutong glanced at the Tongxing team members. He wanted to tell them that as long as the proposal could be presented, there would be room for them to perform.

Don't listen to the sound of forest hitting leaves, why not scream and walk slowly.

The scene at that moment perfectly captured Hu Shutong's state of mind.

"Tongxing only wants to tell you a story about time, such as how long it takes for a rainbow trout from the Northwest to reach the dining table of the people of Panhu. That's all."

……

I've loved cold chain logistics for twenty years.