SEEKHAN: Transforming Fresh Food Exports through AI and Cold Chain Optimization
SEEKHAN, founded by CEO Ryan Haksu Shin in October 2020, is revolutionizing the export process of fresh food products from small and mid-sized Korean companies to international markets. The company specializes in cold chain optimization, crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of sensitive agricultural products and meal kits. Through innovative technologies, SEEKHAN enhances logistics efficiency, reduces costs, and promotes sustainable practices.
Initially launched as a basic export service known as TAOL (Take All of Your Own Logistics), the company evolved into DX TAOL, an advanced digital service that integrates various offline consolidation tasks into a seamless online process. This integrated system allows for the bundling of orders from multiple shippers into single buyer orders, significantly simplifying the purchasing, CBM (Cubic Meter Measurement), and document processing tasks associated with exports.
A defining aspect of SEEKHAN’s operations is its proprietary cold chain optimization solution that leverages AI technology. By managing sensitive product data throughout the supply chain—from origin to destination—the company aims to minimize damage rates. The focus is not just on improving logistics but on creating a quality-assured logistics solution that differentiates SEEKHAN from traditional transportation services. For instance, the company has developed a specialized data-based quality management process. This process tracks product conditions, packaging, and weight throughout the logistics chain, helping reduce real loss rates by an impressive 20%.
SEEKHAN’s strategy includes deploying a dedicated logistics forward base in the Busan region, which is intended to lower operational costs while securing specialized personnel for better service delivery. This forward-thinking approach distinguishes SEEKHAN from existing export logistics models that primarily cater to large shippers, proving especially effective for small and medium-sized enterprises that deal with diverse and smaller shipments.
One of the standout achievements of SEEKHAN is its ability to streamline customs processes. By transitioning to a consolidated digital management system, the company has successfully reduced the number of required customs documents from over 20 to just 5 in trials with buyers in New Zealand and Canada. This not only accelerates customs clearance but also lowers overall costs for clients.
Currently employing 20 staff members—up from just 6 last year—SEEKHAN is rapidly expanding its team with AI developers and trade specialists. This growth reflects the company’s commitment to technological advancement and effective operational capabilities in export settings. As part of its future plans, SEEKHAN aims to scale its export consolidation sales and develop a robust global buyer network while continuously gathering field data to enhance its services.
In summary, SEEKHAN is on a mission to streamline the exportation of fresh food products using cutting-edge AI technologies and comprehensive cold chain optimization. The company’s innovative approach not only improves operational efficiency and sustainability but also positions it for significant growth in the competitive global trade landscape.
