One of the country’s leading end-to-end logistics solutions providers, FAST Logistics Group, is seeing a bullish logistics industry for the country next year.
“2026 will see increased investment in strategic regional distribution hubs, particularly for FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods), pharmaceuticals, and home care,” Manuel Onrejas Jr., CEO for logistics at FAST Logistics Group, said on Wednesday.
“Strategic shipment consolidation is a powerful lever for both cost efficiency and sustainability, especially as an alternative to direct-to-store deliveries,” he added.
Onrejas attributed the forecasted growth to the sustained expansion among local enterprises and the increased entry of international companies into the Philippine market.
The trends are expected to drive higher demand for end-to-end logistics services, faster replenishment cycles, and broader regional coverage beyond Metro Manila, particularly across Visayas and Mindanao, according to the CEO.
Citing industry projections, on the other hand, he said that the Philippine logistics market value is expected to rise from $55.65 billion in 2024 to nearly $102.52 billion by 2034.
FAST also sees forward stocking and cargo consolidation emerging as key strategies for FMCG and other high-volume industries. By positioning inventory closer to demand centers and consolidating shipments across regions, companies will improve service levels and reduce delivery lead times, especially during disruptions such as typhoons.
“Forward stocking is now a resilience strategy rather than a backup plan,” said Onrejas.
Meanwhile, to keep up with growth, the Philippine logistics sector is transitioning into a new era of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled logistics and digital innovation, Onrejas said.
Philippine companies and logistics providers like FAST have integrated AI and digital systems into their operations, particularly for route optimization and truckload planning, making the technology a key enabler of growth and operational efficiency.
Moreover, FAST said sustainability will become a more critical business requirement rather than a secondary consideration in 2026.
The company anticipates expansion in green logistics initiatives, including the adoption of electric vehicles, energy-efficient facilities, and process optimization, which are expected to support both regulatory compliance and long-term cost efficiency as businesses scale their operations in the upcoming year.