GLP Launches Cold Chain Distribution Center at Jinan Licheng Logistics Park to Serve Growing Fresh Grocery Demand

SINGAPORE AND SHANGHAI, May 19, 2026 — GLP Group has launched a regional fresh grocery distribution center at its Jinan Licheng Logistics Center in China, marking an expansion of the firm's integrated cold chain capabilities within its industrial real estate portfolio. Cold chain operations at the facility are being delivered by Global Freezer Services (GFS), GLP's in-house cold chain services platform.

The new distribution center serves a leading international supermarket chain and is designed to support multi-temperature and ambient storage requirements, according to the company. GLP said the project demonstrates how it combines logistics infrastructure with in-house cold chain capabilities to serve fresh food and grocery retailers across its network of logistics parks.

Integrated Ecosystem Drives Industrial Real Estate Strategy

GLP's approach at Jinan Licheng reflects a broader strategic posture in which the firm operates not solely as a warehouse real estate landlord but as an integrated platform combining logistics infrastructure with specialized operating services. Within that model, GFS supports customer acquisition through cold chain operations, while GLP's logistics parks provide the physical infrastructure required to execute multi-temperature distribution.

GFS is among China's largest integrated cold chain logistics operators, managing more than 5 million cubic meters of cold storage and a network of more than 1,000 owned and partner-operated refrigerated trucks, providing nationwide coverage, the company said.

GLP said the project team incorporated customer requirements around temperature control, systems integration and sustainability into both asset design and day-to-day operations — an approach the firm described as central to attracting and retaining industry-leading customers across its logistics park network.

Fresh Grocery Demand Reshaping Warehouse Real Estate Requirements

Fresh food and groceries have become one of the fast-growing demand segments in China's retail market, driven by the adoption of omnichannel strategies that integrate offline stores, e-commerce platforms and rapid fulfillment models. GLP noted that this shift places higher requirements on supply chains for temperature control, speed and consistency, making cold chain capability an increasingly important factor for retailers when selecting logistics partners.

Jinan's Strategic Location Supports Regional Distribution

GLP described Jinan as a strategic gateway linking the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region with central China. The Jinan Licheng facility features a single-storey, through-flow warehouse design with direct access to major expressways and the airport, making it well suited for regional fresh grocery distribution, the company said.

GLP China Portfolio Context

As of Dec. 31, 2025, GLP China managed 50 million square meters of logistics and industrial space, with approximately 40 million square meters in operation across 70 cities, serving more than 2,500 customers focused primarily on domestic consumption, according to company data. The firm also ranks among China's top data center operators, with 1.4 gigawatts of secured IT capacity and approximately 1.3 gigawatts of renewable capacity under management.

GLP has characterized itself as a "new economy infrastructure investment manager," positioning its logistics parks, cold chain operations, data centers and renewable energy assets as interconnected infrastructure platforms. The Jinan Licheng cold chain launch illustrates how GLP is seeking to differentiate its industrial real estate platform through integrated services.

Sources

GLP — GLP Jinan Licheng's Integrated Cold Chain Capabilities Support Growing Fresh Grocery Demand in China (May 19, 2026)