Authored By: Sarah
05 Mar 2025

Cold Chain Market Size 2025-2029

The cold chain market size is projected to grow by USD 622.8 billion, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.8% from 2024 to 2029.

This market is experiencing robust growth driven by several key trends. The adoption of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is enhancing supply chain visibility and efficiency, while mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities are expanding the market reach of key players. However, the lack of sufficient logistics and transportation infrastructure in developing countries poses a challenge to market expansion.

Global Cold Chain Market 2025-2029

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Cold Chain Market Size and Forecast 

The cold chain market is vital for ensuring the quality and safety of perishable items, such as ready-to-eat food, protein-rich foods, and other convenience food products. Retail chains, in particular, rely on robust cold chain infrastructure to maintain the freshness and integrity of perishable goods. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce, digital food industries, and trade liberalization has increased the demand for refrigerated transportation and cold storage solutions.

The adoption of energy-efficient technologies such as refrigerated vehicles, warehouse management systems, and IoT-enabled monitoring systems is helping minimize the risks of spoilage and contamination. With a growing preference for quick-frozen foods, bakery products, and carbohydrate-rich diets, the refrigerated storage market is expected to see substantial growth.

Market Segmentation and Key Insights

By Type:

  • Refrigerated Warehouse
  • Refrigerated Transportation

By Application:

  • Meat, Fish, and Seafood
  • Fruits, Vegetables, and Beverages
  • Dairy and Frozen Desserts
  • Bakery and Confectionery
  • Healthcare

Geography:

  • North America: Including the US and Canada
  • APAC: Including China, India, Japan
  • Europe: Including Germany, the UK, France, Italy
  • South America: Including Brazil
  • Middle East and Africa

By Type Insights: The refrigerated warehouse segment is expected to see significant growth during the forecast period. As global trade expands and the foodservice and online grocery sectors grow, the need for efficient cold chain infrastructure, such as blast chillers and freezers, is becoming more prominent. The refrigerated warehouse segment was valued at USD 119.50 billion in 2019.

Market Dynamics

Drivers: 

The adoption of RFID technology in cold chain logistics is a key driver of market growth. RFID enables real-time tracking, inventory management, and temperature monitoring, ensuring the preservation of temperature-sensitive goods such as food and pharmaceuticals.

The growing demand for convenience food, protein-rich diets, and fresh produce, along with the rise of e-commerce, is driving the expansion of cold chain services. Logistics players are incorporating advanced technologies such as temperature monitoring systems, RFID technology, and cloud computing solutions to streamline the storage and transportation of perishable items.

Trends: 

An increasing number of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) among key market players is shaping the competitive landscape. This trend is driven by companies seeking to strengthen their position and expand their market reach.

Additionally, the market is increasingly adopting advanced technologies like IoT sensors and blockchain to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The rise of e-commerce, particularly in online grocery shopping, is also boosting the demand for cold chain solutions.

Challenges: 

One of the main challenges facing the cold chain market is the lack of proper logistics and transportation infrastructure, particularly in developing countries. This challenge hinders the smooth operation of cold chain services, affecting the timely delivery of temperature-sensitive goods.

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Key Players

  • Americold Realty Trust Inc.
  • AP Moller Maersk AS
  • Burris Logistics Co.
  • Cold Chain Technologies
  • ColdEX Ltd.
  • Congebec Logistics Inc.
  • DHL Express Ltd.
  • FedEx Corp.
  • Frialsa Frigorificos SA de CV
  • John Swire and Sons Ltd.
  • Kuehne Nagel Management AG
  • Lineage Inc
  • NewCold Cooperatief UA
  • Nichirei Corp.
  • Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd.
  • Snowman Logistics Limited
  • Tippmann Group
  • United Parcel Service Inc.
  • VersaCold Logistics Services
  • WH Group Ltd.

Recent Developments:

  • October 2024: The cold chain market continued its strong growth trajectory, with increasing demand for temperature-sensitive products.
  • January 2024: Snowman Logistics expanded its operations with a new multi-temperature-controlled warehouse in Guwahati, Assam, featuring advanced infrastructure to handle diverse temperatures.
  • December 2024: Maersk highlighted emerging trends in the cold chain sector, emphasizing the increasing demand for temperature-controlled cargo and the role of logistics providers in this space.
  • April 2023: Allana Cold Chain Solutions announced an investment to establish new storage facilities, reinforcing its cold chain infrastructure.
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