An aerial view shows the Huzhou Supply and Marketing Cooperative Cold Chain Logistics Industrial Park in Wuxing district, Huzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

A public cold-chain logistics hub began operations in Daixi town, Wuxing district, Huzhou, Zhejiang province, on Oct 13, aiming to improve storage, distribution, and supply-chain services for farmers, cooperatives, and food businesses.

The Huzhou Supply and Marketing Cooperative Cold Chain Logistics Industrial Park contains 300,000 cubic meters of temperature-controlled storage and provides warehousing, distribution, delivery, and supply-chain services. Its first phase is now in operation, while the entire project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

According to the Huzhou Supply and Marketing Cooperative, the facility is currently the largest public cold-chain hub in northern Zhejiang. It is expected to extend the sales period of local agricultural products by 15 to 20 days and reduce post-harvest losses.

The cooperative also said the park's digital and intelligent operating system is expected to use about 30 percent less energy than conventional cold-storage facilities.

Huzhou produces agricultural products including tea, aquatic products, fruit, and vegetables. The new hub is intended to improve links between local producers and consumer markets across the Yangtze River Delta region.