Delivering moments that matter – Lunar New Year
Swimming in tradition: Lunar New Year in Singapore
Across Asia and beyond, the Lunar New Year is one of the most vibrant and heartfelt celebrations, deeply rooted in centuries of tradition.
From the bustling cities of China adorned with red lanterns to the cosy family gatherings in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam (Tết), this festival unites millions in joy and hope. It is the year’s most important celebration for the Chinese community worldwide, including those living and working abroad. Families stationed overseas often journey back home to reunite with loved ones and share a special reunion dinner on Lunar New Year’s Eve.
A toss for prosperity: The iconic Yu Sheng
The Lunar New Year wouldn’t be complete in Singapore without the iconic “Yu Sheng” in Mandarin, “鱼生”, also known as “Lou Hei” in Cantonese. This vibrant salad is more than a dish—it symbolises good fortune and abundance, with each ingredient carrying an auspicious meaning. Central to Yu Sheng is the fish “鱼”, which sounds like “余” in Mandarin, representing surplus. Salmon is popular, whether smoked or fresh, while others may opt for abalone “鲍鱼”.
The preparation culminates in a lively ritual: participants use chopsticks to mix and lift the fish and vegetables into the air, all while reciting auspicious phrases. This act of Lo Hei not only signifies the hope for better fortune but also celebrates unity as loved ones come together in shared joy and optimism for the year ahead, a tradition deeply ingrained in Singapore’s Lunar New Year celebrations.
Delivering freshness for festive feasts
However, ensuring that premium-quality salmon graces dining tables in time for the festivities is no small feat. Behind the scenes, logistics partners like Kuehne+Nagel play an indispensable role in delivering the moments that matter most to us. Their expertise in cold chain logistics and commitment to quality ensure that the salmon arrives fresh and ready for the Lunar New Year celebrations.
From sea to table: The journey of fresh salmon
Fresh Faroese salmon begins its journey in the pristine waters of the Faroes Islands, where it is harvested, processed, and meticulously packed in temperature-controlled packaging to preserve its freshness. Packed in reefer containers, they leave the Faroe Islands via a vessel and begin their 48-hour journey to a UK port. From there, a swift four-hour drive in the reefer container to Heathrow Airport to Kuehne + Nagel’s Perishable Handling Centre.
Keeping it cool: The art of cold chain logistics
Upon arrival in Heathrow, Kuehne+Nagel's dedicated perishables team transfers the cargo to a cold room to ensure optimal conditions. Within hours, the salmon is prepared for its next leg: a flight to Singapore. By late evening, the prized cargo touches down at Singapore's airport, where Kuehne+Nagel’s team, committed to their work, are ready to act.
Through the night, refrigerated trucks transport the salmon to a cold room in Singapore, where it is carefully sorted and segregated. By early morning, the salmon is delivered to retail shops and high-end restaurants, ensuring it reaches consumers as fresh as possible. This seamless orchestration of cold chain logistics ensures that families across Singapore can enjoy the perfect Yu Sheng, savouring the tradition while ushering in prosperity.
Fortune flows through logistics
At Kuehne+Nagel, logistics isn’t just about moving goods; it’s about connecting people to the moments that matter most. By combining innovative technology, such as real-time temperature monitoring and GPS tracking, precise planning, and a deep understanding of perishables logistics, we make it possible for traditions like Lou Hei to thrive and bring joy to families year after year.
Reel in your traditions: How do you celebrate?
As we celebrate the Lunar New Year, we're reminded of the power of connection—across countries, cultures, and generations.
How do you celebrate your Lunar New Year? Whether it’s through a hearty meal with loved ones, exchanging auspicious greetings, or honouring age-old traditions, every moment counts.
And at Kuehne+Nagel, we’re proud to help deliver those moments that truly matter.
With over 80,000 employees at almost 1,300 sites in close to 100 countries, the Kuehne+Nagel Group is one of the world’s leading logistics providers. Headquartered in Switzerland, Kuehne+Nagel is listed in the Swiss blue-chip stock market index, the SMI. The Group is the global number one in air and sea logistics and has strong market positions in road and contract logistics.
Kuehne+Nagel is the logistics partner of choice for 400,000 customers worldwide. Using its global network, logistics expertise and data-based insights, the Group provides end-to-end supply chain solutions for global companies and industries. As a member of the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi), Kuehne+Nagel is committed to sustainable logistics by reducing its own environmental footprint and by supporting its customers with low-carbon logistics solutions.