Starbucks engages logistics provider in Thailand

SAN FRANCISCO, CA and BANGKOK, Thailand—Starbucks Corp has hired Menlo Logistics to serve its growing coffee business in Thailand.

Menlo will provide warehousing, inventory and transportation management services for Starbucks’s chilled, frozen, air-conditioned and ambient products from a new 7,635-sqm dedicated warehouse located at Bangna Km.23 in Bangkok.

Menlo will manage warehouse returns, transfer management, pick and pack, labeling and kitting, and repackaging as needed for the coffee chain. The logistics company will also handle nighttime product delivery to Starbucks stores and will design the daily and weekly delivery routing for chilled and ambient products to all Starbucks stores throughout Thailand.

“We needed a reliable partner in Thailand that could analyze our specific needs and execute a plan to reduce costs, further streamline our operations and improve service tracking,” said Ravee Purananda, senior manager of supply chain operations at Starbucks. “Menlo is providing us with a comprehensive logistics solution designed to meet those needs, and we look forward to further developing our presence in Thailand with their support.”

Starbucks operates more than 6,000 locations worldwide. In Thailand, there are currently 182 stores throughout Bangkok and Upcountry, with another 30 locations planned by end of 2014.

“Being selected by Starbucks as their partner in Thailand is a testament to our industry expertise and our ability to design and implement logistics plans that maximize supply chain performance,” said Desmond Chan, managing director, South Asia, Menlo Logistics. “Menlo has successfully operated in Thailand for eight years and we are thankful for the opportunity to work with Starbucks to support their growth in the country.”