Cold Chain Logistics Market Size, Share and Growth Forecast by 2033

Market Overview:

The cold chain logistics market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by rising demand for perishable goods, expansion of pharmaceutical logistics, and growth of e-commerce and online grocery. According to IMARC Group's latest research publication, "Cold Chain Logistics Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast by Type, Application, and Region, 2025-2033", the global cold chain logistics market size was valued at USD 292.06 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 932.70 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 12.31% from 2025-2033.

This detailed analysis primarily encompasses industry size, business trends, market share, key growth factors, and regional forecasts. The report offers a comprehensive overview and integrates research findings, market assessments, and data from different sources. It also includes pivotal market dynamics like drivers  and challenges, while also highlighting growth opportunities, financial insights, technological improvements, emerging trends, and innovations. Besides this, the report provides regional market evaluation, along with a competitive landscape analysis.

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Our report includes:

• Market Dynamics
• Market Trends And Market Outlook
• Competitive Analysis
• Industry Segmentation
• Strategic Recommendations

Growth Factors in the Cold Chain Logistics Market

• Rising Demand for Perishable Goods

People are buying more fresh produce, dairy, and frozen foods, pushing the need for cold chain logistics to keep these items safe during transport. The food and beverage sector dominates, holding about 59.6% of the market share, driven by consumer demand for high-quality, fresh products. Companies like Lineage Logistics are expanding, with acquisitions like Claus Sorensen’s cold storage division to boost capacity in Europe. Urbanization and changing diets, especially in places like China and India, are fueling this growth, with India producing 180 million tons of milk annually. This surge in demand for perishables requires robust cold chain systems to ensure quality and reduce spoilage, driving market expansion.

• Expansion of Pharmaceutical Logistics

The pharmaceutical industry is leaning hard on cold chain logistics to transport vaccines, biologics, and other temperature-sensitive drugs. About $260 billion in global biopharma sales rely on these systems to maintain product efficacy. Government initiatives, like India’s Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, are investing in cold storage infrastructure to support this need. Companies like DHL Supply Chain are scaling up, with expansions in France to enhance pharmaceutical logistics for firms like Sanofi. The need for precise temperature control, especially for complex biologics, is pushing innovation and investment, making pharmaceuticals a key driver of the cold chain market’s growth worldwide.

• Growth of E-Commerce and Online Grocery

The boom in online grocery shopping and e-commerce is transforming cold chain logistics, as consumers expect fresh and frozen goods delivered fast. E-commerce logistics alone hit $426.2 billion recently, with cold chain services playing a big role. Companies like Maersk are using tech like Remote Container Management to monitor refrigerated containers, ensuring fresh deliveries. In the U.S., demand for last-mile delivery of perishables is rising, with firms like UPS investing in refrigerated vehicles. This trend is especially strong in urban areas, where convenience drives demand, pushing logistics providers to expand cold storage and transportation to meet consumer expectations.

Key Trends in the Cold Chain Logistics Market

• Integration of Advanced Technologies

Cold chain logistics is getting a tech overhaul with tools like IoT, AI, and blockchain improving efficiency and transparency. IoT sensors, used by companies like Maersk, allow real-time temperature monitoring, reducing spoilage risks. SSI Schaefer’s partnership with Noatum Logistics in the UAE created a mobile racking system, boosting storage capacity by over 90%. These advancements help meet strict regulations, like EU’s food safety rules, while cutting costs. With 30% of global food production wasted due to poor temperature control, tech-driven solutions are becoming essential, making logistics smarter and more reliable for food and pharma industries.

• Focus on Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is shaping cold chain logistics as companies aim to cut carbon emissions. The industry’s global carbon footprint is around 1.11 billion metric tons of CO2, pushing firms like Maersk to invest in eco-friendly reefers and energy-efficient warehouses. Europe’s adoption of green refrigeration systems aligns with EU Regulation 852/2004 for food safety. Evaporative cooling tech, which saves energy, now holds a significant market share. This trend appeals to eco-conscious consumers and meets government mandates, like those in China supporting cold chain infrastructure, driving innovation in sustainable logistics solutions to reduce environmental impact while maintaining product quality.

• Growth in Emerging Markets

Cold chain logistics is expanding fast in regions like Asia-Pacific, which generates over 35% of global revenue. Countries like China and India are investing heavily, with India’s government launching schemes like PMKSY to build modern cold storage. The region’s demand for perishables, like dairy and seafood, is soaring, with China leading in seafood processing tech. Companies like JD.COM are scaling up cold chain solutions for fresh food and medical supplies. This growth is driven by rising incomes, urbanization, and global trade, making emerging markets a hotspot for cold chain infrastructure development and investment.

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Leading Companies Operating in the Global Cold Chain Logistics Industry:

• Americold Realty Trust Inc.
• Burris Logistics Co.
• Cold Box Express Inc.
• Conestoga Cold Storage
• Congebec Inc.
• Lineage Logistics Holdings LLC (Bay Grove Capital Group LLC)
• Nichirei Logistics Group Inc. (Nichirei Corporation)
• Snowman Logistics Ltd.
• Tippmann Group
• United States Cold Storage Inc. (John Swire & Sons Ltd.)
• VersaCold Logistics Services

Cold Chain Logistics Market Report Segmentation:

Analysis by Type:

• Refrigerated Warehouses
• Refrigerated Transportation
• Railways
• Airways
• Roadways
• Waterways

Analysis by Application:

• Fruits and Vegetables
• Bakery and Confectionary
• Dairy and Frozen Desserts
• Meat, Fish, and Sea Food
• Drugs and Pharmaceuticals
• Others

Regional Insights:

• North America (United States, Canada)
• Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Others)
• Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, Others)
• Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Others)
• Middle East and Africa

Research Methodology:

The report employs a comprehensive research methodology, combining primary and secondary data sources to validate findings. It includes market assessments, surveys, expert opinions, and data triangulation techniques to ensure accuracy and reliability.

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