Limited supply of cold storage logistics facilities in APAC will drive demand

Limited supply of cold store logistics facilities in APAC will drive rental premiums and spur investments

• Singapore’s position as a vaccine hub will place upward pressure on cold chain warehouse rents said the new report

The development of a COVID-19 vaccine will increase the demand for temperature-controlled logistics as vaccines need to be kept at low temperatures. There is an increasing expectation by scientists that the COVID-19 vaccine will not be a single shot, but will require annual shots like the flu vaccine to maintain its effectiveness. This will result in a sustained demand for cold store logistics across the globe.

In its latest report APAC Cold Store Logistics, Cushman & Wakefield discusses how demand for cold store logistics will be impacted in light of global developments around the development of the Covid-19 vaccine and the structural changes in consumer demand through e-commerce platforms as a result of the pandemic.

The report notes that global pharma is shifting portfolios and priorities towards biologics – drugs made from living components which have transformed treatment for many conditions. This boom in biologics means spending on cold chain transportation and packaging is rising to meet demand. Cold chain logistics involves the utilisation of temperature-controlled warehouses for storage and cold insulated transport vehicles for distribution. Transportation modes include refrigerated trucks, refrigerated railcars, refrigerated cargo, and air cargo.

About 25 per cent of all healthcare products are temperature-sensitive and maintaining a specific temperature range throughout the entire shipping process is essential. Along with pharmaceuticals, e-commerce and grocery shopping are the other two demand drivers.

Rental premiums could range between 50 per cent to 100 per cent

Cold storage warehouses command significantly higher rents than conventional dry warehouses. Depending on the type of cold storage facility (chilled or freezer) and the country, the rental premium could range from 50 per cent to 100 per cent or even higher. In Singapore, rents for cold store logistics warehouses range between S$2.50 – 3.50psf/month but this is expected to increase, particularly in light of Singapore’s quest to position itself as a hub for the storage, distribution and shipment of vaccines.

“Cold storage logistics is a sector that has gained traction in recent months due to the growing opportunities for drug and vaccine imports and exports, coupled with the spike for online retail and food delivery services. Although the market remains immature in many places in Asia, discerning investors have been tapping into such opportunities, including brownfield and greenfield developments, given the promising prospect of the sector with COVID-19 as a backdrop. There is significant dry powder in both the mature and emerging markets which could further increase investor’s appetite for such niche asset class.”

Christine Li, Head of Research, Singapore and Southeast Asia said “While the development of cold storage facilities is more expensive due to the installation of insulation and machinery, the rental premium poses a strong incentive for developers to construct cold storage projects instead of conventional warehouses, where feasible. Investors and developers can also consider converting conventional warehouses to cold storage facilities to reap the rental premium.”

Brenda Ong, Executive Director, Head of Logistics & Industrial added “Stockpiling during Phase 2 of Singapore’s efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19 resulted in a sudden spike in demand for warehouse facilities. Similarly, we expect a flurry of leasing and investor activity in the cold store logistics market as Singapore enhances the infrastructure required for the safe handling of vaccine storage and distribution in the months ahead. This is a sector we will be monitoring very closely”.

Due to the scarcity of cold storage warehouses and the need to retrofit them to their specific requirements, tenants of these facilities tend to take up longer leases. Typical lease terms of cold storage facilities are from 10 to 20 years, significantly longer than leases of conventional dry warehouses of only three years in countries such as Singapore. The leases often provide for periodic rent escalations which may be linked to inflation.

In addition, the probability of tenants renewing their lease agreements is higher than for conventional logistics facilities as the tenants have difficulty finding other suitable facilities in the same location.

Another advantage is that leases of cold storage facilities are usually triple net leases, where the tenant foots the bill for the property taxes, maintenance fees, and building insurance. This results in light management requirements for the investor.

Demand likely to outstrip supply

The cold storage capacity in APAC is limited compared to the western countries. The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) data indicates that cold storage capacity per urban capita in the U.S. was around 0.5 cubic metre in 2018, but stood at just one-tenth of this figure in the Philippines and Indonesia. For Asia Pacific to reach the same cold storage capacity per urban capita as the United States, it would require the addition of 411 million cubic metres of new supply – a figure almost double existing stock.

Ms Li added, “Although the sector is currently nascent and is viewed as niche, this is expected to change in the coming years and be transformed into a mainstream sector. Given the scarcity of the choice asset class, demand is likely to outstrip supply given rise to high potential price appreciation. As such investors who enter the market before the sector reaches mainstream status are expected to reap higher capital gains.”

Conservative investors who are used to purchasing a stabilised asset can acquire cold store logistics facilities that are already tenanted with long leases. Investors seeking a higher rate of return can explore development opportunities at both greenfield and brownfield sites to reap development profits. By forming partnerships with established operators and tenants prior to commencing the project, this will reduce the vacancy risk upon completion of the development.