(Yicai Global) Aug. 10 -- One of China's largest logistics warehouse developer has set out plans to go global with the construction of 58 new cold chain parks by 2021.

Yupei Supply Chain Management will add some 1.6 million square meters of refrigerated storage space worldwide through the move, the Shanghai-based firm said in a statement.

The company aims to offer one-stop services involving cold chain warehousing, transportation as well as trade financing by integrating its related platforms and using cutting-edge technologies such as Internet of Things and big data, said Senior Vice President Yao Jiyin, adding that Yupei will also develop the first cloud-based supply chain platform for businesses in the sector.

Yupei operates some 22 cold chain parks covering some 9.9 million square meters of space across several major domestic cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Suzhou.

The company has also announced a partnership withMeituan Dianping relating to the on-demand services giant's recently introduced New Retail concern.

The two parties will explore opportunities for cooperation related to cold chain supply chain services for the Ella fresh supermarket brand. The first store opened last month in Beijing. Similar to Alibaba Group Holding's Hema brand, the supermarket aims to bring together fresh grocery, dining, e-commerce, and quick delivery.

Smart retail, or New Retail, is a new business strategy taking China by storm. Championed by Alibaba's Executive Chairman Jack Ma, it involves the integration of online sales and technology with deep logistics networks to make internet shopping more convenient for consumers.

Demand for premium-quality fresh groceries is on the rise due to the country's growing middle-class and increasing sophistication among consumers. Some of China's biggest tech and services are lining to take a shot at grabbing a slice of the New Retail market.

Editor: William Clegg