Global Cold Chain Logistics Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In January 2023, Cold Chain Technologies launched the 'CCT TheraShield' portfolio, offering customized services and products tailored for the gene and cell therapy industry. Available in various sizes and temperature profiles, the portfolio connects directly to the 'CCT Smart Solutions' portal, enabling customers to plan, create, track, and optimize their shipments effectively.

• In January 2023, Lineage Logistics partnered with supply chain insurer Parsyl to provide highly competitive cargo insurance solutions to its food and beverage sector customers. Parsyl uses data from multiple sources to create tailored coverage based on individual customer risk profiles, resulting in better coverage, competitive pricing, and efficient claims service.

• In March 2023, Americold completed its facility expansion in Santa Perpetua Barcelona, Spain, adding 11 loading bays and 12,000 pallet positions. This expansion increases the capacity for temperature-controlled products and services for regional customers, offering more than 20,000 pallet positions for storage of chilled, frozen, and ambient goods.

• In March 2023, Lineage Logistics officially opened its expanded cold storage facility at the Port of Aarhus, Denmark, adding 18,000 pallet spaces for a total of 27,500. The expansion is expected to provide streamlined storage options for shellfish, fish producers, and other customers, enhancing trade activities between Greenland, Denmark, and the global market.

• In May 2023, Sonoco ThermoSafe entered into a global lease agreement with Cargolux, a Luxembourg-based cargo airline, to supply its Pegasus ULD passive temperature-controlled air freight container. This FAA and EASA-approved container is now available via Cargolux’s air freight pharma shipping services.

• In June 2023, Intelsius expanded its ORCA temperature-controlled packaging range by introducing the ORCA Pallet. Designed for large-volume pharmaceutical payloads in the cold chain, this high-performance, multi-use pallet shipper features a collapsible design to address budget and storage constraints.

• In June 2023, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) and Americold formed a strategic partnership for the co-location of Americold's warehouse facilities on the CPKC network. The goal is to optimize temperature-controlled logistics across North America by building a facility in Kansas City, Missouri, combining cold storage, value-added services, and connections across the U.S. Midwest and Mexico.

• In September 2022, Cold Chain Technologies expanded its 'TRUEtemp Naturals' portfolio by introducing seasonal solutions. The portfolio leverages proprietary design and manufacturing technologies to provide pharmaceutical-grade, time-temperature performance in an eco-friendly, recyclable solution. The environmentally conscious designs align with CCT's goal of preventing 50 million pounds of landfill waste by 2025, increasing that target to 60 million pounds.

The global cold chain logistics market is segmented based on service type into storage, transportation, and value-added services. Storage involves the management and maintenance of temperature-controlled environments for goods such as pharmaceuticals and perishable foods. Transportation covers the movement of goods in temperature-sensitive conditions, ensuring product integrity from the point of origin to the destination. Value-added services include packaging, labeling, inventory management, and quality control, providing essential support to maintain product quality and compliance with regulations.

Temperature segmentation of the cold chain logistics market includes chilled and frozen categories. Chilled logistics focus on maintaining a temperature range typically between 2°C and 8°C, which is vital for items like dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. Frozen logistics, on the other hand, maintains temperatures below -18°C, catering to products such as meat, seafood, and processed foods. These temperature-controlled services are crucial for maintaining the shelf life, safety, and quality of temperature-sensitive goods.

The cold chain logistics market is further divided based on application, covering various industries that require temperature-controlled transportation and storage. Key applications include fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meat and seafood, pharmaceuticals, processed food, and bakery and confectionery. The pharmaceutical industry, in particular, demands highly regulated and secure cold chain services to ensure the efficacy of vaccines, biologics, and other temperature-sensitive drugs. Additionally, other applications include specialty items and organic produce, which require precise temperature management throughout the supply chain.

Geographically, the market spans across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. North America and Europe are prominent markets due to well-established infrastructure and strong demand for pharmaceutical cold chain logistics. The Asia Pacific region is expected to experience significant growth due to its expanding food production and consumption, coupled with a rise in pharmaceutical manufacturing and export activities. The Middle East and Africa, along with Latin America, show increasing demand for cold chain services as these regions invest in infrastructure to support industries like agriculture and healthcare, fueling further market expansion.

Global Cold Chain Logistics Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Cold Chain Logistics Market has been segmented by Service, Temperature, Application, Business Type and Geography.

Global Cold Chain Logistics Market, Segmentation by Service

The Global Cold Chain Logistics Market has been segmented by Service into Storage, Transportation, and Value-added Services.

Cold storage facilities are equipped with advanced refrigeration and climate control systems to maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels for different types of perishable goods. These facilities offer short- and long-term storage solutions for products such as fresh produce, meat, dairy, seafood, and pharmaceuticals. Cold storage is essential for preserving the quality and shelf life of temperature-sensitive goods, ensuring that they remain safe and consumable when they reach their final destination.

Refrigerated transportation involves the use of specialized vehicles and containers to move temperature-sensitive products from one point to another. This segment includes refrigerated trucks, trailers, and shipping containers that are equipped with cooling systems to maintain specific temperature ranges throughout the journey. Refrigerated transportation is crucial for delivering perishable goods promptly and efficiently, especially over long distances and across different regions.

Value-added services in the cold chain logistics market go beyond the basic storage and transportation of goods. These services may include packaging, labeling, kitting, and order fulfillment tailored to meet specific customer requirements. Additionally, real-time temperature monitoring and data analytics can provide visibility into the condition of products throughout the supply chain, enabling proactive measures to maintain quality. Value-added services enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of cold chain operations, contributing to customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Global Cold Chain Logistics Market, Segmentation by Temperature

The Global Cold Chain Logistics Market has been segmented by Temperature into Chilled and Frozen.

Chilled logistics involves the storage and transportation of perishable goods that require moderate cooling, typically within a temperature range of just above freezing to around 8 degrees Celsius. Products that fall under the chilled category include fresh produce, dairy products, beverages, and certain types of prepared foods. Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial to preserve the freshness, quality, and safety of these products throughout the supply chain. Chilled logistics services are essential in delivering perishable goods to their destination in optimal condition and extending their shelf life.

Frozen logistics pertains to the storage and transportation of goods at temperatures well below freezing, typically around -18 degrees Celsius or lower. Products in this category include frozen foods such as meats, seafood, vegetables, and ready-to-eat meals, as well as certain pharmaceuticals and chemicals that require freezing for preservation. Proper temperature control is essential to prevent spoilage, maintain product integrity, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Frozen logistics services enable the safe handling and distribution of these goods over long distances, contributing to the global trade of frozen products.

Global Cold Chain Logistics Market, Segmentation by Application

The Global Cold Chain Logistics Market has been segmented by Application into Fruits and Vegetables, Dairy Products, Fish, Meat, and Seafood, Processed Food, Pharmaceuticals (Includes Biopharma), Bakery and Confectionary, and Others.

The fruits and vegetables category involves the storage and transportation of fresh produce, such as apples, bananas, leafy greens, and tomatoes, which require moderate cooling to maintain freshness and extend shelf life. Cold chain logistics ensures that these products remain in optimal condition, preventing spoilage and loss of nutritional value during transit.

The dairy products segment includes items such as milk, butter, cheese, and ice cream, which require strict temperature control to prevent spoilage and maintain quality. Cold chain logistics providers use specialized equipment and storage facilities to preserve the integrity of dairy products throughout the supply chain. The fish, meat, and seafood category encompasses the storage and transportation of perishable animal-based products. These items require lower temperatures to prevent spoilage and ensure safety. Cold chain logistics plays a crucial role in delivering fresh and frozen fish, meat, and seafood to consumers in optimal condition.

Processed food includes a wide range of items such as ready-to-eat meals, frozen pizzas, and pre-cooked foods. These products require both chilled and frozen logistics solutions to maintain their quality and extend shelf life, supporting the growing demand for convenience foods. The pharmaceuticals category includes the handling of temperature-sensitive drugs, vaccines, and biologics, including biopharma products. Cold chain logistics is critical in ensuring that these products are stored and transported within specific temperature ranges to maintain their efficacy and safety.

Bakery and confectionery items, such as bread, cakes, and chocolates, require controlled temperatures to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage. Cold chain logistics providers ensure that these products reach consumers in the best possible condition. Other applications encompass a wide range of temperature-sensitive goods, such as cosmetics, certain chemicals, and other specialty products. These items often require tailored cold chain logistics solutions to maintain their quality and safety during storage and transportation.

Global Cold Chain Logistics Market, Segmentation by Business Type

The Global Cold Chain Logistics Market has been segmented by Business Type into Warehousing, and Transportation.

The global cold chain logistics market has been segmented based on business type into two primary categories: warehousing and transportation. Warehousing in cold chain logistics refers to the storage of temperature-sensitive goods, which requires specialized facilities equipped with refrigeration and controlled environments. These warehouses are designed to maintain products at specific temperatures throughout the storage period, ensuring product quality and compliance with safety standards. The growth of e-commerce and the increasing demand for perishable goods, such as pharmaceuticals, food, and beverages, has significantly contributed to the expansion of this segment.

On the other hand, the transportation segment focuses on the movement of temperature-sensitive goods between various locations. This segment includes refrigerated trucks, railcars, air freight, and sea containers equipped with cooling systems to maintain appropriate temperature conditions during transit. As global trade continues to rise and supply chains become more complex, the demand for reliable and efficient cold chain transportation solutions has surged. The ability to transport perishable goods over long distances while maintaining product integrity is a critical factor driving the growth of this segment.

Both warehousing and transportation segments play vital roles in ensuring the safety and quality of temperature-sensitive products. While warehousing facilitates the safe storage of goods until they are needed, transportation ensures that products reach their destinations in optimal condition. These segments are highly interdependent, and advancements in technology, such as IoT-based temperature monitoring systems and automation in warehouses, continue to drive innovation and growth in the global cold chain logistics market. The increasing focus on food safety, pharmaceutical distribution, and consumer expectations for quick and reliable deliveries further boosts the demand for both business types.

Global Cold Chain Logistics Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Cold Chain Logistics Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Global Cold Chain Logistics Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024

North America is a mature market for cold chain logistics, driven by a well-established food and beverage industry, pharmaceutical sector, and strong demand for convenience foods. The region has advanced infrastructure and technology, enabling efficient cold chain operations. Companies are investing in sustainable practices and innovative solutions to cater to the region's sophisticated market.

Europe is another prominent market for cold chain logistics, with a strong focus on quality control and regulatory compliance, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. The region's diverse consumer base drives demand for a wide range of perishable goods, including specialty foods and beverages. European countries emphasize sustainability, pushing for the adoption of greener cold chain practices.

Asia Pacific is a rapidly growing market for cold chain logistics, fueled by increasing urbanization, rising disposable income, and changing consumer preferences toward fresh and convenient foods. The region's large population and expanding middle class drive demand for cold chain services across various applications, including processed food, dairy products, and pharmaceuticals. Asia Pacific also benefits from growing investments in cold chain infrastructure and technology.

The Middle East and Africa region is experiencing steady growth in cold chain logistics, supported by the expansion of the food and beverage industry and rising demand for pharmaceuticals. While the region faces challenges such as limited infrastructure and harsh climates, cold chain providers are working to improve connectivity and efficiency to meet local market needs.

Latin America is another emerging market for cold chain logistics, driven by increasing demand for fresh produce, dairy products, and processed foods. The region's growing middle class and expanding food export industry contribute to the market's growth. Investments in infrastructure and technology are helping to improve cold chain operations across Latin America.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Cold Chain Logistics Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities.

Drivers:

• Increasing Demand for Perishable Goods
• Innovations in Cold Chain Technology
• Growth of E-commerce and Online Grocery Shopping
• Rising Awareness of Food Safety
• Globalization and International Trade

• Sustainable Practices and Renewable Energy - Sustainable practices and renewable energy are significant drivers of growth in the global cold chain logistics market. As environmental concerns gain prominence worldwide, cold chain providers are increasingly adopting eco-friendly solutions to minimize their carbon footprint and align with international sustainability goals. The use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, for refrigeration and transportation can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

  Incorporating energy-efficient technologies in cold chain operations, such as advanced insulation materials and LED lighting, helps reduce energy consumption and lower operational costs. This not only benefits the environment but also contributes to long-term profitability for companies. Additionally, sustainable refrigeration methods, such as natural refrigerants, are becoming more popular due to their lower global warming potential and reduced impact on the ozone layer.

  Consumer demand for environmentally conscious practices is also influencing the cold chain logistics market. Companies that prioritize sustainability can enhance their brand reputation and attract customers who value green initiatives. As a result, the industry is seeing an increase in investment in sustainable practices and renewable energy solutions, driving innovation and transformation in cold chain logistics.

Restraints:

• Complex Regulatory Environment
• Infrastructure Limitations
• Limited Skilled Workforce
• Dependency on Electricity

• Temperature Sensitivity of Products - The temperature sensitivity of products is a significant restraint in the global cold chain logistics market. Different perishable goods, such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, seafood, and pharmaceuticals, have varying temperature requirements. Maintaining the appropriate temperature range for each product type throughout the supply chain is crucial to preserving quality, safety, and shelf life.

  Managing mixed loads with different temperature needs poses a challenge for cold chain logistics providers. For example, combining chilled and frozen products in the same shipment requires advanced compartmentalization and precise temperature control. Any deviations from the required temperature range can result in spoilage, loss of product integrity, or reduced efficacy in the case of pharmaceuticals.

  The complexity of handling diverse temperature-sensitive products can increase operational costs and require specialized equipment and expertise. Additionally, maintaining strict temperature control across the supply chain, including during storage, transportation, and distribution, demands continuous monitoring and quick response capabilities.

Opportunities:

• Adoption of IoT and Real-Time Monitoring
• Blockchain for Enhanced Traceability
• Collaborations and Partnerships
• Integration of AI and Machine Learning
• Green Initiatives and Eco-friendly Solutions

• Focus on Pharma and Biopharma - The focus on pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products presents a significant opportunity in the global cold chain logistics market. The pharma and biopharma sectors require precise temperature control and high-quality logistics services to maintain the efficacy, safety, and integrity of sensitive products such as vaccines, biologics, and specialty drugs. This stringent requirement creates a niche within the cold chain market for specialized logistics providers.

  Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products often have strict regulatory and quality standards that must be adhered to during transportation and storage. This includes maintaining specific temperature ranges, ensuring product traceability, and implementing robust quality assurance measures. As the demand for advanced therapies and personalized medicines grows, the need for efficient and reliable cold chain logistics in these industries is expected to increase.

  Cold chain providers have an opportunity to differentiate themselves by offering specialized services tailored to the unique needs of the pharma and biopharma sectors. This includes investing in advanced refrigeration technology, real-time monitoring systems, and secure transportation methods to guarantee product safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Key players in Global Cold Chain Logistics Market include:

• AmeriCold Logistics LLC
• Lineage Logistics Holdings, LLC
• Nichirei Corporation
• Swire Group
• Burris Logistics
• United Parcel Service, Inc.
• DHL International GmbH
• FedEx Corporation
• AGRO Merchants Group
• Kloosterboer
• Americold Realty Trust
• XPO Logistics, Inc.
• Preferred Freezer Services, LLC
• VersaCold Logistics Services

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis