Logistics and Cold Chain Factors Influencing the Export Performance of Thai Durian to the Chinese Market

Abstract

Thai durian is one of Thailand's most important agricultural exports. China is the biggest market for it, both in terms of volume and value. Chanthaburi Province is very important to this trade because it is where most of the durian in Thailand is grown and shipped out. Because durian spoils quickly, the success of its export depends a lot on how well logistics work and how well the cold chain is managed throughout the whole supply chain. Quality can go down and money can be lost if there are problems or inefficiencies at any point. Consequently, this study investigates the logistics and cold chain elements affecting the export performance of Thai durian to the Chinese market, specifically concentrating on Chanthaburi Province. A quantitative research methodology was utilized. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from important people involved in durian exports, such as exporters, logistics service providers, and cold chain operators who send shipments to China. We looked at 200 valid responses using descriptive statistics, tests of reliability and validity, and multiple regression analysis. This study looked at logistics factors like how well transportation works, how reliable delivery is, how to manage lead times, and how to get supply chain partners to work together. Cold chain factors included keeping the right temperature, moving goods in refrigerated trucks, having cold storage facilities, and making sure that cold chain conditions stayed the same throughout the distribution process. The quality of the products, the reliability of the delivery, and the competitiveness of the exports were all used to measure export performance. The findings demonstrate that logistics and cold chain factors significantly affect export performance. Cold chain factors, in particular, were found to have a big effect on the quality of the product and how reliable the delivery was. These results show how important good cold chain management is, along with good logistics operations, for making Thai durian exports more competitive. The study gives useful information to exporters and policymakers, stressing the need to improve logistics infrastructure and cold chain systems to help Thailand's agricultural exports grow in a sustainable way.