Global Cold Chain Logistics Market: By Technology, Temperature Type, Solution, Industry, Region - Market Size, Industry Dynamics, Opportunity Analysis and Forecast for 2025-2033

The cold chain logistics market is witnessing remarkable growth, with its valuation reaching US$ 371.4 billion in 2024. This upward trajectory is set to continue robustly, as projections estimate the market size will soar to an impressive US$ 1,455.8 billion by 2033. This anticipated expansion reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.39% over the forecast period from 2025 to 2033, highlighting the sector's dynamic evolution and increasing relevance in global supply chains.

This rapid growth is primarily driven by the escalating demand for temperature-controlled storage and transportation solutions across several critical industries. The food and beverage sector, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals are among the major contributors fueling the need for reliable cold chain logistics. These industries rely heavily on maintaining strict temperature controls to ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of their products as they move from production facilities to end consumers.

Noteworthy Market Developments

The competitive landscape within the cold chain logistics sector is intensifying rapidly, as demonstrated by a flurry of 18 acquisitions in 2024 alone, alongside notable funding rounds that signal strong investor confidence. For instance, Coldcart secured a substantial seed investment of US$ 6,546,893, highlighting the growing interest in innovative cold chain technologies. Industry giants are making bold strategic moves to expand their capabilities and market presence.

In parallel with these investments, fleets are undergoing rapid modernization to meet increasing demand and environmental standards. China alone saw the sale of 7,506 new energy refrigerated trucks within just the first eight months of 2024, signaling a major shift toward cleaner, more efficient transportation solutions. This modernization not only supports the growing volume of perishable goods requiring cold chain logistics but also aligns with global sustainability goals.

In November 2025, further advancements in cold chain infrastructure were announced with Hitachi Vantara, a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. specializing in data storage and hybrid cloud management, revealing that Asia Airfreight Terminal (AAT) at Hong Kong International Airport had upgraded its IT backbone using Hitachi's Virtual Storage Platform One (VSP One). This modernization aims to ensure uninterrupted cold chain logistics operations, highlighting the role of advanced technology in maintaining product integrity.

Core Growth Drivers

The rapid expansion of international trade in high-value seafood is significantly driving up demand within the cold chain logistics market. As global aquaculture production recently soared to an unprecedented 130.9 million tons, it has now overtaken capture fisheries as the leading source of aquatic animals worldwide. This shift marks a pivotal change in the seafood industry, reflecting both technological advancements in aquaculture and growing global consumption. The sheer scale of fish production, which is forecasted to exceed 190 million tons in 2024, underscores the enormous volume of seafood that must be carefully managed and transported across international borders.

Emerging Opportunity Trends

The growing trend of "pet humanization" is driving significant opportunities within the fresh and frozen pet food category, reflecting a shift in consumer attitudes toward treating pets as valued family members. This cultural change has prompted major brands, such as Royal Canin and General Mills, to introduce new fresh pet food lines in 2024, signaling a clear market evolution toward higher-quality, premium pet nutrition products. As pet owners increasingly seek fresh and frozen options that emphasize health and quality, the demand for these products has surged, creating a need for specialized cold chain logistics to ensure product safety and freshness from manufacturing facilities all the way through to retail shelves.

Barriers to Optimization

Environmental concerns related to greenhouse gas emissions present a significant challenge to the growth of the cold chain logistics market. The development and expansion of this industry place a considerable strain on the environment, primarily because refrigeration processes are both energy-intensive and a notable source of greenhouse gases. As the demand for refrigerated transportation continues to rise globally, the environmental impact associated with these operations becomes increasingly pronounced. The growing number of refrigerated trucks, ships, and trains underscores the importance of maintaining products at controlled temperatures to extend shelf life and preserve quality throughout the transportation phase of the cold chain.

Detailed Market Segmentation

By Technology, Evaporative cooling technology plays a pivotal role in the global cold chain logistics market, accounting for over 28% of its total share. Its substantial contribution is well justified by the technology's impressive operational efficiency and the considerable cost savings it offers compared to traditional refrigeration methods. As industries continue to seek more sustainable and economical cooling solutions, evaporative cooling has emerged as a compelling alternative that can meet these demands effectively.

By Temperature Type, the frozen temperature segment holds a commanding position in the global cold chain logistics market, capturing an impressive 63% share. This dominance is fueled by a steady and growing consumer demand for frozen products, coupled with the continuous expansion of frozen food lines worldwide. As lifestyles evolve and consumers seek convenient, long-lasting food options, the frozen goods sector has seen remarkable growth, reinforcing its critical role within the cold chain ecosystem.

By Solution, the cold chain warehousing and storage solutions serve as the cornerstone of the cold chain logistics market, generating a substantial 55.6% of the total market revenue. Their critical importance lies in their fundamental role of preserving the integrity and quality of temperature-sensitive products throughout the supply chain. These facilities provide the controlled environments necessary to maintain optimal temperatures, preventing spoilage and ensuring that perishable goods arrive fresh and safe for consumption or further processing.

By Industry, the food and beverage industry stands out as the dominant force within the cold chain logistics market, commanding an impressive 59.6% share. This prominence is directly tied to the enormous global volumes of perishable goods that rely heavily on temperature-controlled supply chains to maintain freshness and safety. In 2024 alone, worldwide exports of fresh fruits and vegetables reached a staggering 148 million tons, underscoring the sheer scale of goods that must be carefully managed throughout the supply chain.

Segment Breakdown

By Technology

• Vapor Compression
• Blast Freezing
• Evaporative Cooling
• Programmable Logic Controller
• Cryogenic Systems
• Other Technologies

By Temperature Type

• Chilled
• Frozen

By Solution

• Cold Chain Warehouse/storage
• Cold Chain Transport
• Automated Material Handling

By Industry

• Food and Beverages
• Fruit and Vegetable
• Meat and Seafood
• Dairy and Frozen Dessert
• Bakery and Confectionery
• Ready-to-eat Meal
• Chemical
• Pharmaceuticals
• Medical
• Others

By Region

• North America
• The U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• Western Europe
• The UK
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
• Poland
• Russia
• Rest of Eastern Europe
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia & New Zealand
• South Korea
• ASEAN
• Rest of Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa (MEA)
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• UAE
• Rest of MEA
• South America
• Argentina
• Brazil
• Rest of South America

Geography Breakdown

• The Asia Pacific region dominates the cold chain logistics market, holding a substantial share exceeding 35%. This strong leadership position is largely driven by extensive infrastructure development and a surge in domestic consumption across the region. These factors combine to create a dynamic environment where cold chain logistics are increasingly vital to support the growing demand for temperature-sensitive goods, particularly in sectors like food and pharmaceuticals.
• In India, this momentum is exemplified by government initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana scheme, which has played a key role in bolstering the cold chain infrastructure. By early 2024, this scheme had approved the establishment of 41 mega food parks along with 376 cold chain projects, significantly enhancing the country's capacity to store and transport perishable products efficiently. Meanwhile, China is also making rapid strides in expanding its cold chain capabilities.

Leading Market Participants

• Frialsa Frigorificos SA
• Comfrio Solucoes Logisticas
• Friozem Armazens Frigorificos Ltda
• Superfrio Armazens Gerais Ltda
• Americold Logistics
• Brasfrigo
• Arfrio Armazens Gerais Frigorificos
• Ransa Comercial SA
• Localfrio
• Qualianz
• Burris Logistics
• Other Prominent Players