The Food Cold Chain Market Report Segments the Industry Into Type (Cold-Chain Storage, and More), Temperature Range (Chilled (0–4 °C), and More), Transport Mode (Road – Reefer Trucks and Trailers, Sea – Reefer Containers, and More), Application (Fruits and Vegetables, Meat and Seafood, and More), Technology (RFID and Real-Time Monitoring, and More) and Geography. The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

Food cold chain market focuses on type (refrigerated storage and refrigerated transportation), temperature type (chilled and frozen), and application. As per BIS Research, food cold chain market analysis to grow at a significant cagr of 13% from 2019 to 2024.

The global food cold chain market size is projected to grow from USD 408.80 billion in 2025 to USD 802.09 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.79%.
Report Scope:

The North America Food Cold Chain Logistics Market report segments the industry into By Application (Fruits and Vegetables, Meat and Seafood, Dairy and Frozen Dessert, Bakery and Confectionery, Ready-to-Eat Meal, Other Applications), By Service Type (Refrigerated Storage, Refrigerated Transport, Airways, Roadways, Seaways, Railways), and Geography (US, Canada, Mexico).

The Europe Food Cold Chain Logistics Market is Segmented by Product Type (Frozen Meat & Poultry, Fish & Seafood, Dairy & Ice-Cream and More), by Service Type (Refrigerated Storage, Refrigerated Transportation and Value-Added Services), by Temperature Type (Chilled (0–5 °C), Frozen (-18–0 °C) and Ambient) and by Country (United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

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Cold Chain Market Size 2025-2029

The cold chain market size is forecast to increase by USD 622.8 billion at a CAGR of 20.8% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to several key trends and factors. One such trend is the increasing adoption of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in cold chain logistics to enhance supply chain visibility and efficiency. Another trend is the rising number of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities among market players to expand their footprint and strengthen their market position.
However, the lack of proper logistics and transportation infrastructure in developing countries poses a major challenge to the market growth. This report provides an in-depth analysis of these trends and growth factors, offering valuable insights into the current state and future direction of the market.

What will be the Cold Chain Market Size During the Forecast Period?

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The market plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and safety of convenience food products, particularly those with a short shelf life, such as ready-to-eat food items and protein-rich foods. Retail chains have a significant impact on this market, as they require reliable and efficient cold chain infrastructure to maintain the freshness and quality of perishable items. Trade liberalization has led to an increase in cross-border commerce, expanding the market for cold chain solutions beyond domestic boundaries. The rise of online groceries and the digital food industry has further fueled the demand for refrigerated transportation and cold storage logistics.
Similarly, spoilage and contamination are major concerns in the market, and energy-efficient technologies, such as refrigerated vehicles and advanced warehouse management systems, are being adopted to minimize these risks. Rising fuel costs have also led to the development of energy-efficient technologies, including IoT-enabled monitoring systems and cloud computing solutions. The refrigerated storage market is expected to grow significantly due to the increasing popularity of quick-frozen foods, bakery products, and carbohydrate-rich diets. Inventory management and warehouse optimization are essential aspects of cold chain logistics, and the use of advanced technologies, such as RFID tags and automated storage and retrieval systems, is becoming increasingly common.

In conclusion, the cold chain infrastructure is essential for maintaining the quality and safety of a wide range of perishable items, from food products to pharmaceuticals. The market for cold chain solutions is dynamic and constantly evolving, driven by factors such as changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and regulatory requirements.

How is this market segmented and which is the largest segment?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Type

  Refrigerated warehouse
  Refrigerated transportation


Application

  Meat fish and seafood
  Fruits vegetables and beverages
  Dairy and frozen desserts
  Bakery and confectionery
  Healthcare


Geography

  North America

    Canada
    US


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France
    Italy


  South America

    Brazil


  Middle East and Africa

By Type Insights

The refrigerated warehouse segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market encompasses insulated containers, storage equipment, deep freezers, refrigerators, vaccine carriers, off-grid storage systems, and RFID technology for the preservation of perishable items, including frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, and crops. With the rise of the foodservice sector, online groceries, and the digital food industry, the demand for efficient cold chain infrastructure has significantly increased. Refrigerated warehouses, such as blast chillers and freezers, play a crucial role in maintaining the quality and freshness of temperature-sensitive products, from quick-frozen foods to bakery products. As international trade expands, the need for reliable cold chain solutions becomes increasingly important for businesses to ensure product integrity and minimize spoilage.

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The refrigerated warehouse segment was valued at USD 119.50 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 40% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

For more insights on th

Due to technological advancements in the cold chain market, refrigerated storage will be the largest segment of the global food cold chain market in 2024, accounting for ** percent of the market. In 2024, the global food cold chain market is estimated to be worth over *** billion U.S. dollars.

In 2019, the global food cold chain market was sized at ****** billion U.S. dollars. Refrigerated storage is the fastest growing segment due to technological advancements; by 2024, this segment will account for ** percent of the global market.

The European Food Cold Chain Logistics Market is booming, projected to reach €141.27 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 8.97%. Discover key trends, drivers, and leading companies shaping this dynamic sector. Learn more about refrigerated transport, warehousing, and the impact on various food segments. Recent developments include: March 2023: Lineage Logistics announced the acquisition of a new facility in Belgium to expand its presence in the European market. This move is expected to increase the company's capacity for dairy and frozen products and improve its ability to serve customers across Europe., February 2023: The EU-funded ICCEE project worked to overhaul cooling efficiency in this cold chain, focusing specifically on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). One of the main activities of the ICCEE project was to create a capacity-building program to improve the overall knowledge base and technological capabilities of Europe’s SMEs. This consisted of direct training, workshops, and seminars with external experts, along with the development of an e-learning platform.. Key drivers for this market are: The rising consumption of frozen food, Increasing Demand of Refrigerated Logistics from the Retail Industry. Potential restraints include: Poor infrastructure and higher logistics costs. Notable trends are: Growth in penetration of the e-commerce industry.

The Food Cold Chain Market size was valued at USD 51.40 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 157.05 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 17.3 % during the forecasts period.

The size of the Food Cold Chain Market market was valued at USD XX Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD XXX Million by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 8.79% during the forecast period. Recent developments include: September 2022: Celcius Logistics, India's fastest-growing cold-chain marketplace startup, launched its smart last-mile delivery platform that addresses and fixes the most pertinent pain points in India's fragile cold supply chains. The brand has also partnered with vehicle owners and automotive manufacturers to create a robust on-ground network of reefer vehicles that will be integrated with the smart platform created with a unique Inventory Management System (IMS)., September 2022: Lineage Logistics LLC acquired Grupo Fuentes, a prominent operator of transport and cold storage facilities in Spain. Grupo Fuentes is a significant player in the market, with a fleet of 500 vehicles and trailers, six logistics centers, a cold storage warehouse, and value-added services supporting those facilities. This acquisition is expected to significantly expand Lineage Logistics' footprint in Europe and strengthen its position as a global leader in temperature-controlled logistics. With Grupo Fuentes' extensive network of facilities and expertise in the Spanish market, Lineage Logistics is now better equipped to serve customers across Europe and beyond., August 2021: GeoTab, a leading global company in IoT and connected vehicles, unveiled its latest offering - cold chain vans with advanced refrigeration capabilities. These vans have been specifically designed to transport temperature-sensitive goods, such as food and pharmaceuticals while maintaining the desired temperature range. The vans come equipped with cutting-edge refrigeration systems that can be easily controlled and monitored in real time. This allows for precise temperature management during transportation, ensuring that the goods remain fresh and safe to consume or use.. Key drivers for this market are: Popularity of Convenient and On the Go Snacking Options, Product Differentiation Playing a Key Role in Market Expansion. Potential restraints include: Associated Health Risks, Easy Availability of Healthy Substitutes. Notable trends are: Growing Investments in Cold Chain Infrastructure.

[223+ Pages Report] Global share of food cold chain market is estimated to reach USD 366.8 Billion by 2026, with a CAGR of 7.8% during 2021 and 2026.

The Africa Food Cold Chain Logistics Market Report is Segmented by Product Type (Meat & Poultry, Fish & Seafood, Dairy & Ice-Cream, Fruits & Vegetables, Bakery & Confectionery, and More), Service Type (Refrigerated Storage, Refrigerated Transportation, and Value-Added Services), Temperature Type (Chilled, Frozen, and Ambient), Country (Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

The Food Cold Chain Logistics Market size is expected to reach a valuation of USD 203.30 Billion in 2033 growing at a CAGR of 18.20%. The Food Cold Chain Logistics market research report classifies market by share, trend, demand, forecast and based on segmentation.

The global food cold chain market size is projected to rise from USD 61.16 billion in 2024 to USD 296.51 billion by 2034, representing a CAGR above 17.1% for the 2025–2034 forecast period. Dominant industry players include Americold Logistics LLC, Agro Merchant Group, Burris Logistics,, Henningsen Cold Storage Company, Lineage Logistics, LLC, Nordic Logistics, Preferred Freezer, Wabash National, Cold Chain Technologies,, Cryopak Industries, Creopack, Cold Box Express,, Intelsius, Nilkamal Limited, Sofrigam, Softbox Systems., Sonoco ThermoSafe, Valor Industries, va Q tec AG.

The African food cold chain logistics market, valued at $9.19 billion in 2025, is experiencing robust growth, projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.94% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. Rising urbanization and a growing middle class are fueling increased demand for fresh and processed foods, particularly in major economies like Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya. Improved infrastructure, including better roads and cold storage facilities, though still nascent in many areas, is enhancing logistical efficiency and reducing food spoilage. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of technology, such as GPS tracking and temperature monitoring systems, is improving supply chain visibility and traceability, leading to minimized losses and greater consumer confidence. The market is segmented by service type (storage, transportation, value-added services), temperature control (chilled, frozen, ambient), and product category (horticultural products, dairy, meat/poultry/seafood, processed foods, others). The dominance of certain segments will likely shift over the forecast period, reflecting changing consumer preferences and the evolution of the food processing sector. While challenges remain, such as inadequate infrastructure in certain regions and high energy costs, the long-term outlook for the African food cold chain logistics market remains exceptionally positive. The entry and expansion of numerous companies such as CCS Logistics, Khold, and Cold Solutions East Africa, reflects the market's dynamism and attractiveness to investors. This positive trajectory is further supported by government initiatives promoting food security and agricultural development across the continent. These policies often include investments in cold chain infrastructure and capacity building, creating a favorable environment for market expansion. However, the market's growth is not uniform across all regions; countries with better infrastructure and stronger economies will likely experience faster growth rates. Addressing challenges such as energy reliability and skilled labor shortages through public-private partnerships and targeted investments will be crucial to unlock the full potential of the African food cold chain logistics market and ensure the reduction of post-harvest losses, ultimately contributing to improved food security and economic development across the continent. Recent developments include: June 2023: Africa Global Logistics (AGL) Côte d'Ivoire extended its cold room in the Aerohub, the largest contract logistics base in West Africa located near the Felix Houphouët Boigny International Airport in Abidjan. The company has tripled the capacity of the temperature-controlled area to meet the increasing customer demand and was able to do so by using local companies, including Aric, 2I Ivoire ingénierie, and Instafric. Specifically, the new cold zone will support customers in the pharmaceutical, retail, and catering sectors., October 2023: Logistics firm Cold Solutions Kenya launched a cold storage facility in Tatu City, marking its first project in Kenya since announcing a USD 70 million investment plan three years ago. The 15,000 sq. m 'grade A’ cold storage complex on six acres at Tatu City has become one of the largest in the country. It will cater to multiple products such as fresh fruit and vegetables, pharmaceuticals and vaccines, meat, poultry, and frozen foods.. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing Fruit Exports. Potential restraints include: Increasing Fruit Exports. Notable trends are: Electricity Crisis is Negatively Affecting the South African Food Cold Chain Logistics Market.

Discover the booming global food cold chain market, projected to reach $200 billion by 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 8.79% to 2033. This in-depth analysis explores market drivers, trends, restraints, key players (Lineage Logistics, AmeriCold, etc.), and regional insights, providing valuable data for businesses and investors. Key drivers for this market are: Popularity of Convenient and On the Go Snacking Options, Product Differentiation Playing a Key Role in Market Expansion. Potential restraints include: Associated Health Risks, Easy Availability of Healthy Substitutes. Notable trends are: Growing Investments in Cold Chain Infrastructure.

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China Cold Chain Market Size 2024-2028

The China cold chain market size is forecast to increase by USD 151.5 billion at a CAGR of 27.18% between 2023 and 2028.

Market growth is driven by factors such as the rising demand for frozen and perishable goods in China, growing initiatives to advance cold chains in China, and an increasing number of trade corridors. This development significantly influences market trends, particularly within the temperature-controlled logistics sector. With the surging need for pharmaceuticals, food, and healthcare products, there is an urgent requirement for proficient storage, transportation, and refrigeration solutions, such as temperature-controlled pharmaceutical packaging. 
As the demand for these items escalates, the supply chain must adapt to ensure timely and efficient delivery, underscoring the importance of logistics and supply chain management in meeting user expectations. The Chinese market is witnessing significant growth with advances in refrigerated warehousing and automation in cold chain logistics. Cold chain operations are increasingly vital for pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and fresh food distribution. Innovations in last-mile delivery and temperature-controlled packaging are improving efficiency. Additionally, sustainability in cold chain operations is becoming a priority, driving improvements across the sector to meet rising e-commerce demand and ensure product integrity.

What will be the size of the China Cold Chain Market during the forecast period?

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The market is a significant sector, focusing on the transportation and storage of fresh produce and temperature-sensitive goods. The Chinese Government enforces stringent regulations to ensure food safety standards are met. RFID technology, data analytics, and AI are integral to optimizing cold chain logistics. The packaging segment plays a crucial role, with reefer containers and temperature-controlled storage systems, including refrigerated warehouses, walk-in coolers, freezers, and refrigerated containers, being essential. Temperature sensors, data loggers, and real-time tracking systems are crucial software solutions for monitoring and maintaining the required temperatures In the chilled and deep frozen segments. E-commerce and online grocery platforms have fuelled the demand for frozen bakery items, frozen meat products, and fruits & vegetables.

How is this market segmented and which is the largest segment?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Type

  Refrigerated warehouse
  Refrigerated transportation


Application

  Meat fish and seafood sector
  Dairy and frozen desserts sector
  Fruits and vegetables sector
  Healthcare sector
  Bakery and confectionery sector


Product Type

  Chilled
  Frozen


Geography

  China

By Type Insights

The refrigerated warehouse segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market witnesses significant growth due to the increasing demand for eggs, aquatic products, and fresh agricultural products from the expanding middle and upper-middle class population. With rising disposable income and changing consumption patterns, Chinese residents are prioritizing the consumption of fresh food, including medicine and perishable goods. The solutions have become essential to ensure food safety and maintain the quality of these products. E-commerce players, such as JD, and logistics giants, including United Parcel Service, are investing heavily in cold chain infrastructure to meet the needs of the seafood, quick-frozen food, Fruit & vegetable market, and seafood market.
The Chinese government is also investing in the market to improve food safety and support the biotech industry's growth. Biotech firms specializing in genomics and rare genetic diseases require temperature-controlled facilities to store medical information and samples. The solutions are crucial for the preservation and transportation of these valuable resources. The market is expected to continue its growth trajectory as the country's economy develops and consumer habits evolve. Western rivals are also entering the market, increasing competition and driving innovation in these solutions.

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The refrigerated warehouse segment was valued at USD 18.20 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Market Dynamics

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2023 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

What are the key market drivers leading to the ris

Global Food Cold Chain Market valued at USD 393 billion, driven by demand for perishable foods, e-commerce growth, and advanced technologies for food safety.

The size of the cold chain logistics market in China exceeded *********** yuan in 2024, showing a *** percent increase from the previous year. A cold chain logistics is a temperature-controlled supply chain service, which involves the storage and transportation of temperature-sensitive goods, such as fresh food.