The global cold chain market size was estimated at USD 316.34 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1,611.0 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 20.1% from 2025 to 2033. Changes in consumer preferences and growing e-commerce sales are expected to drive the market growth.
An increasing number of organized retail stores in developing economies is leading to the growing demand for cold chain solutions. Rising investment in cold chains and government initiatives to minimize food waste are expected to boost market growth. The growing adoption of technologies such as RFID and automation in cold chain applications provides significant growth opportunities for the market. The World Trade Organization (WTO) and bilateral free trade agreements, such as the European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), have created opportunities for exporters in the U.S. and Europe to increase trade for perishable foods in a manner that is free of import duties.
The refrigerated storage market in developing economies is driven by a shift from carbohydrate-rich diets to protein-rich foods, owing to rising consumer awareness. Countries such as China are expected to portray a significant growth rate over the coming years due to a consumer-led economic transition. With growing technological advancements in warehouse management and refrigerated transportation, the market will likely expand in developing economies.
Increasing IT spending in cold storage logistics drives the growth of the market by facilitating better inventory management and improving the overall efficiency of cold chain supply systems. By investing in advanced technologies such as cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), and RFID, cold storage operators can track and monitor their inventory in real time, reducing the risk of food waste, spoilage, and product recalls. The rising demand for temperature-sensitive products has emphasized the need for real-time cold chain monitoring.
Furthermore, several countries have strict regulations governing the transportation and storage of perishable food products to ensure food safety and quality. Compliance with these regulations often requires a robust cold chain system, which can be achieved with the help of IT systems. IT systems are critical in complying with these regulations as they provide real-time monitoring of temperature and humidity levels, location tracking, and data analytics.
Furthermore, several countries have strict regulations governing the transportation and storage of perishable food products to ensure food safety and quality. Compliance with these regulations often requires a robust cold chain system, which can be achieved with the help of IT systems. IT systems are critical in complying with these regulations as they provide real-time monitoring of temperature and humidity levels, location tracking, and data analytics. For instance, temperature monitoring devices such as data loggers, sensors, and RFID tags can be used to collect and transmit temperature data, which can be analyzed to ensure compliance. For example, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), through the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), and the European Union, through the European Union Food Hygiene Regulations, have established stringent regulations for the storage and transportation of perishable food products. Both regulatory bodies mandate that all food products be transported and stored in a temperature-controlled environment and that temperature data must be collected and analyzed to ensure adherence to the regulations.
Based on type, the market is segmented into storage, transportation, packaging, and monitoring components. The storage segment dominated the market with a revenue share of 52.2% in 2024. The growth can be attributed to an increasing preference for packaged foods across the globe. Consumers changing dietary patterns and lifestyles are driving the demand for frozen foods. This is expected to boost the demand for storage solutions. Moreover, market players are expanding their storage capacities to meet cold storage needs.
Cold chain systems are crucial for supplying healthcare and food & beverage products. Demand for cold chain transportation solutions, such as refrigerated containers and vehicles to safely transport temperature-sensitive goods, is expected to drive the transportation segment over the forecast period.
Packaging products include crates, ice packs, insulated containers & boxes, cold chain bags/vaccine bags, and others. Some factors considered while choosing a packaging product include cost-efficiency and the material of the packaging product. Companies are introducing sustainable shipping products to address growing environmental concerns. For instance, in January 2022, U.S.-based PTG announced the launch of a new recyclable thermal shipper under its TRUEtemp NATURALS line. It maintains a temperature range between 2°C and 8°C for 72 hours.
The monitoring components segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 22.5% throughout the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to technological advancements and the growing need to ensure shipment integrity, efficiency, and safety. Advances are equally noticeable in backend IT infrastructure and frontend devices deployed for collecting and reporting real-time shipment information.
Efficient cold storage management greatly depends on the software and hardware components used for monitoring purposes. Hardware components include data loggers, remote temperature sensors, RFID devices, networking devices, and telematics devices. The stringent regulatory environment in the pharmaceutical industry surrounding the maintenance of product quality has positively influenced the adoption of cold chain temperature monitoring solutions.
Based on temperature range, the market is segmented into chilled (0°C to 15°C), frozen (-18°C to -25°C), and deep-frozen (below -25°C). The frozen (-18°C to -25°C) segment dominated the overall market in 2024. Poultry, cakes & bread, and meat need freezing temperatures to remain fresh. This is driving the need for frozen cold chain solutions to preserve the quality of perishable food & beverage, and pharmaceutical products. Moreover, the wide availability of cold chain storage and transportation solutions for frozen temperature ranges drives the segment growth.
The chilled (0°C to 15°C) segment is expected to grow at a notable CAGR over the forecast period. To remain fresh, many vegetables, fruits, and meat require chilled temperature ranges, usually between 2°C to 4°C, during transportation. Chilled temperature storage of perishable products, such as dairy products, prevents deterioration, increasing shelf life. Maintaining the quality of perishable goods and minimizing waste is driving the segment's growth.
Based on application, the market is segmented into pharmaceuticals, food & beverages, and others. The food & beverages segment dominated the market in 2024. Technological developments in the storage, packaging, and processing of seafood are anticipated to boost the growth of this segment. However, processed food is projected to grow significantly over the forecast years owing to continued innovations in packaging materials. Advancements in packaging materials increase the shelf life of foods. This has increased the sales of processed foods over the past few years.
The pharmaceuticals segment is expected to register significant growth over the forecast period. High product demand in the pharmaceuticals segment can be attributed to its importance in maintaining the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals. The cold chain in the pharmaceutical industry is driven by stringent regulatory norms, such as Goods Distribution Practices (GDP) in the European Union (EU). These regulations are a shift witnessed in governments across the world toward standardizing regulations globally for better transportation systems for healthcare-related products.
North America cold chain industry held the largest revenue share of more than 33.0% in 2024. It will retain the dominant position throughout the forecast period as the region has significant growth opportunities for companies planning to invest in the long term. Increasing penetration of connected devices and a large consumer base are also expected to fuel market growth over the forecast period.
The U.S. cold chain industry is driven by various factors, including changing consumer preferences, increasing demand for fresh and frozen foods, and the growth of e-commerce. One of the major drivers of the U.S. market is the increasing demand for fresh and frozen foods. Consumers are increasingly seeking fresh, healthy, and locally sourced foods and are willing to pay a premium price for high-quality products. This has increased the demand for cold chain logistics services as companies seek to ensure that their products are delivered to consumers in optimal condition.
The Europe cold chain industry was identified as a lucrative region in 2024. Demand is being driven by rising consumption of perishable foods, stringent pharmaceutical regulations, and a growing emphasis on sustainability across the supply chain. The EU’s regulatory landscape, especially regarding food safety (e.g., EU Regulation 852/2004) and pharmaceutical transport (e.g., GDP guidelines) has encouraged greater investments in temperature-controlled logistics infrastructure. In addition, the market is benefiting from the modernization of cold storage facilities, integration of IoT-enabled monitoring systems, and increasing cross-border trade in perishables and biologics. Countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and France are leading adoption, supported by strong logistics infrastructure, advanced retail networks, and export-oriented agri-food sectors.
The UK cold chain industry is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. Key drivers include the expansion of online grocery and meal delivery services, growth in temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical logistics (especially post-Brexit), and increasing demand for traceability and compliance with national food safety standards.
Asia Pacific cold chain industry is anticipated to register the fastest growth over the forecast period, owing to increasing government investments in logistics infrastructure development and penetration of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). The growing awareness of the importance of food safety among consumers in the Asia Pacific region, particularly when it comes to perishable goods, is leading to greater demand for cold chain logistics.
China cold chain industry is a major contributor to the Asia Pacific regional market. The market growth in China is attributed to factors such as technological advancements in the packaging, processing, and storage of seafood products. Rising demand and growing cold chain infrastructure development have made China a top market for cold chains. China is undergoing a rapid transition from a construction- & manufacturing-led economy to a consumer-led economy. Rising innovations in the pharmaceutical sector in China are also expected to boost the demand for cold chain solutions. Another major factor driving the market includes the rapid expansion of biopharma in the region.
Some of the key players operating in the market include Americold Logistics LLC, LINEAGE LOGISTICS HOLDING, LLC, Burris Logistics, and Wabash National Corporation, among others.
Americold Logistics LLC is a U.S.-based temperature-controlled warehousing and transportation company that serves the food industry. The company offers solutions such as producer solutions and retailer solutions. Under producer solutions, the company offers dedicated facilities, public refrigerated warehouses, port facilities, automation, and integrated consolidation programs. Under retailer solutions, the company offers integrated consolidation programs, i-3PL supply chains, system integration services, port facilities, automation, and network optimization studies. The company makes significant investments in technology to stay ahead of the competition. The company has a presence across regions, including APAC and the Americas.
LINEAGE LOGISTICS HOLDING, LLC provides warehousing and logistics solutions to users in various industries. The company’s solutions consist of temperature-controlled public warehousing facilities for storing multiple food commodities, including pork, beef, poultry, bakery products, fruits & vegetables, seafood, ice creams, and vegetables. It also provides port-centric cold chain facilities on the East and West Coasts to serve containerized markets and break bulk.
The following are the leading companies in the cold chain market. These companies collectively hold the largest market share and dictate industry trends.
In November 2024, Lineage, Inc. announced the acquisition of Coldpoint's assets, a Kansas City-based provider of cold storage and transportation solutions. This strategic move expands Lineage's footprint in the Kansas City area, enhances its services along the protein corridor with direct rail access to U.S. ports, and integrates Coldpoint's 621,000-square-foot facility with advanced intermodal capabilities into its global network.
In November 2024, CJ Logistics America opened a state-of-the-art, 270,000-square-foot cold storage warehouse in Georgia, U.S., strategically located near major highways and railways in a key poultry production region. Equipped with advanced refrigeration and blast freezing systems, the facility offers tailored storage solutions for various products, including proteins, bakery items, and finished goods, with 30,000 racked pallet positions and on-site USDA inspection capabilities. This investment reinforces CJ Logistics America's commitment to delivering premium cold chain solutions to leading global brands.
Report Attribute |
Details |
Market size value in 2025 |
USD 371.08 billion |
Revenue forecast in 2033 |
USD 1,611.0 billion |
Growth rate |
CAGR of 20.1% from 2025 to 2033 |
Base year for estimation |
2024 |
Actual Data |
2021 - 2023 |
Forecast period |
2025 - 2033 |
Quantitative units |
Revenue in USD million/billion and CAGR from 2025 to 2033 |
Report coverage |
Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
Segments covered |
Type, temperature range, application, region |
Regional scope |
North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa |
Country scope |
U.S.; Canada; Mexico; Germany; UK; France; Spain; Italy; Norway; Netherlands; Switzerland; Russia; China; Japan; India; Singapore; South Korea; Australia; Brazil; Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA); UAE; South Africa |
Key companies profiled |
Americold Logistics, Inc.; LINEAGE LOGISTICS HOLDING, LLC; United States Cold Storage; Burris Logistics; Wabash National Corporation; NewCold; Sonoco ThermoSafe (Sonoco Products Company); United Parcel Service of America, Inc.; A.P. Moller - Maersk; NICHIREI CORPORATION; Tippmann Group |
Customization scope |
Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analysts working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope. |
Pricing and purchase options |
Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options |
This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global cold chain market report based on type, temperature range, application, and region:
Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)
Storage
Facilities/Services
Refrigerated Warehouse
Private & Semi-Private
Public
Cold Room
Equipment
Blast freezer
Walk-in Cooler and Freezer
Deep Freezer
Others
Transportation
By Mode
Road
Sea
Rail
Air
By Offering
Refrigerated vehicles
Refrigerated containers
Temperature Range Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)
Chilled (0°C to 15°C)
Frozen (-18°C to -25°C)
Deep-frozen (Below -25°C)
Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)
Food & Beverages
Fruits & Vegetables
Fruit Pulp & Concentrates
Dairy Products
Milk
Butter
Cheese
Ice cream
Others
Fish, Meat, and Seafood
Processed Food
Bakery & Confectionary
Others
Pharmaceuticals
Vaccines
Blood Banking
Others
Others
Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)
North America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico
Europe
Germany
UK
France
Spain
Italy
Norway
Netherlands
Switzerland
Russia
Asia Pacific
China
Japan
India
Singapore
South Korea
Australia
Latin America
Brazil
Middle East & Africa
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)
UAE
South Africa
b. The global cold chain market was estimated at USD 316.34 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 371.08 billion in 2025.
b. The global cold chain market is expected to progress at a compound annual growth rate of 20.1% from 2025 to 2033 to reach USD 1611.0 billion in 2030.
b. The storage segment accounted for the largest revenue share of more than 52.2% in 2024 in the cold chain market and will maintain its dominance over the forecast period owing to an increasing preference for packaged foods globally.
b. The insulated containers and boxes segment held the largest revenue share of over 52.4% in 2024 in the cold chain market. The other products includes a detailed analysis of crates, ice packs, labels, and others.
b. North America held the largest revenue share of more than 33.7% in 2024. It will retain the dominant position throughout the forecast period as the region has significant growth opportunities for the companies planning to invest for the long haul. Increasing penetration of connected devices and a large consumer base are also expected to fuel market growth over the forecast period
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