Cold Chain Logistics Market Size - By Service, By Temperature Range, By Application, Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Cold Chain Logistics Market Size

The global cold chain logistics market was valued at USD 341 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.3% between 2025 and 2034. The combination of IoT, AI, and Blockchain enables real-time tracking and monitoring of goods, optimizing routes and inventory, as well as secure and transparent transactions. This integration of technology is revolutionizing cold chain logistics.
 

For instance, ProLogis, a supplier of supply chain management software, released two additional features aimed at boosting logistic operational functions through the software’s AI capabilities in December 2024. Additionally, the software comes with automated order allocation and optimization functions powered by artificial intelligence which prospectively seeks to alter a firm’s logistic supply chain to correct for any demand and supply mismatches.
 

The e-commerce boom has increased the need for effective logistics services. With more consumers online, businesses need a solid logistics network to manage greater order quantities. The growth of e-commerce is forcing more investment in warehousing, last mile delivery, and automated systems by logistics companies.
 

For example, the e-commerce logistics market alone reached USD 426.2 billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of more than 14% from 2024 to 2032. This shows how e-commerce as an industry is rapidly growing which will further increase the need for cold chain logistics services.
 

Cold Chain Logistics Market Trends

• The escalating rigid requirements regarding control over temperature-sensitive goods and perishables, for instance, pharmaceuticals and foods have made cold chain logistics very important. This situation is propelling further innovations in this field.
   
• There are several advancements such as IoT temperature sensors and real-time tracking that enhance the productivity as well as the credibility of cold chains. As an example, ThermoKing, in July 2024, broadened their scope by deploying smart refrigeration units with IoT analytics and real-time features, helping better temperature control.
   
• AI and machine learning technologies are transforming the cold chain logistics industry by automating maintenance scheduling and route optimization. The AI algorithm is capable of scanning historical data as well as analyzing the current situation to predict the breakdown of equipment or any delay. Such predictions enable the AI to take preventive action beforehand.
   
• An excellent example of this is provided by IBM. In June of 2024 the company IBM launched an AI driven Logistics platform with a machine learning component and fully automated routing capabilities. The system is capable of making real time alterations to routing decisions. The primary objective of the platform is to assist companies in optimizing their cold chain processes using information from all relevant units.
   

Cold Chain Logistics Market Analysis

Based on service, the cold chain logistics market is divided into refrigerated warehousing and refrigerated transportation. In 2024, the refrigerated warehousing segment dominated the market generating revenue of USD 191.9 billion and the refrigerated warehousing segment is expected to grow at CAGR of around 15% during the forecast period.
 

• The service economy has a crucial segment devoted to the storage of goods requiring temperature regulation like food, pharmaceuticals, and items related to biotechnology, and this segment is known as refrigerated warehousing. To accomplish this goal, one needs to have extremely sophisticated refrigeration equipment as well as proficient controls to make sure that the stored items are kept at the appropriate temperature.
   
• For example, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) in May 2024 participated with Kajima Development Pte. in the construction of frozen and refrigerated warehousing in Jurong, Western Singapore, which is a part of Singapore’s logistic backbone as a free trade zone. This will now allow MOL to expand its investment in Southeast Asia tailored to jurisdictional needs.
   
• In addition, cost effective IT solutions are slowly gaining relevance in refrigerated storage, where unmanned cloud-based systems for warehouse operations can be integrated with existing systems instead of requiring dedicated immigration for windows based equipment.
   

Based on temperature range, the cold chain logistics market is segmented into chilled (0°C to 8°C), frozen (-18°C to -25°C), and deep frozen (-25°C to -60°C). In 2024, the frozen (-18°C to -25°C) segment dominates the market with 46% of market share and is expected to grow at CAGR of over 15.5% from 2025 to 2034.
 

• There is heightened demand for pre-cooked frozen meals, frozen dairy items as well as processed meat products that require strict temperature control to avoid spoilage. Also, the worldwide trade of meat and fish depends on deep freezing both for storage and transport.
   
• For example, Hydropac launched a new ice pack sealing technology in November 2024 that is focused on improving cold chain logistics for pet food. The pet food industry is highly sensitive to temperature during transport. Hydropac’s new technology promises enhanced insulation, better containment, and more efficient temperature control.
   

Based on application, the cold chain logistics market is segmented into fruits & vegetables, dairy & frozen desserts, bakery & confectionery, meat, fish, and seafood, pharmaceuticals, and others, with the pharmaceuticals category expected to dominate due to its advanced technologies in drug development, manufacturing, and supply chain management.
 

• As biopharmaceuticals and personalized medicine have evolved, the demand for logistics with defined temperature requirements to save the quality and safety of drugs has grown tremendously. Moreover, the worldwide distribution of vaccines, particularly after the pandemic, has accelerated a great deal of investment into building cold chain systems.
   
• In June 2024, Overhaul, one of the top players in active supply chain risk management, launched their cold chain quality solution which is a software aimed at automating the management of risk and quality for time sensitive, temperature-controlled cargo. Such a cold chain solution seeks to maintain the integrity of the pharmaceutical and healthcare, and high value food and beverage supply chains.
   

Asia Pacific leads the cold chain logistics market with market share of around 35% in 2024. China leads the market in the region and generates revenue of USD 51.1 billion in 2024.
 

• The dominant force in the market is shift towards Asia-Pacific region as a result of unprecedented economic growth. Technological advancement and a growing industrial base are contributing to this dominance. China, India, and Japan are pioneers of this growth, which is propelled by substantial investments in manufacturing, infrastructure, and digital industries.
   
• For example, a subordinate division of China Eastern Airline, China Eastern Air Logistics, began actively helping local pharmaceutical businesses with international expansion since May of 2024 through setting up a new cold chain company. This initiative was introduced at a conference and had a registered initial capital of CNY 300 million, or USD 41.4 million.
   

The cold chain logistics market in Germany is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• Germany’s cold chain logistics industry is fueled by its robust food and beverage industry, pharmaceutical exports, as well as its sophisticated logistics systems. Stringent EU regulations surrounding food safety, as well as the cold chains for pharmaceuticals, places Germany as the top supplier for temperature-controlled storage and transportation. Germany is an IoT-enabled automated cold-chain supporting hub for biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, and other perishables.
   
• Take the example from January 2025, whereby UPS completed the acquisition of Frigo-Trans along with its German sister company BPL which are both German’s logistics firms in the healthcare sector. The acquisition will improve Frigo’s service integration with UPS healthcare customers in Europe that have more stringent requirements for logistics supply chain sensitive and temperature-controlled services.
   

The cold chain logistics market in the U.S. is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• The U.S. cold chain logistics market is registering increase due to the higher consumption of frozen and fresh foods, pharmaceuticals as well as e-commerce grocery delivery services. The growth of biopharmaceutical cold storage, vaccine distribution, and other temperature sensitive healthcare products is one of the major drivers.
   
• In the US, the market of refrigerated transportation and distribution is led by companies such as Lineage Logistics, UPS Healthcare and Americold. Moreover, regulations from FDA compel these companies to improve their cold storage facilities.
   
• As an example, in December 2024, CPKC partnered with Americold which will contribute in the temperature controlled logistics in Mexico, U.S. and Canada.
   

The cold chain logistics market in Saudi Arabia is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• Saudi Arabia is witnessing a drastic increase in the usage of research and development pharmaceuticals, frozen foods, and government logistics infrastructure, using all this to justify the increased utilization of cold chain logistics. The vision 2030 plan allocates funds into units such as cold storage systems, refrigerated vehicles, and advanced logistical systems which further complement the growth of the country’s economy.
   
• In addition, the adoption of more sophisticated cold chain monitoring systems is being driven by the need for effective compliance with food and drug safety regulations.
   

Cold Chain Logistics Market Share

• Top 7 companies of cold chain logistics industry are DHL International GmbH, United Parcel Service (UPS), Maersk, DB Schenker, CEVA Logistics SA, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, and Lineage Logistics Holding, LLC holding around 14% of the market in 2024.
   
• DHL prioritizes temperature-sensitive solutions by using its Life Sciences & Healthcare division for pharmaceuticals and perishables. The company invests in sophisticated monitoring systems, dedicated cold rooms, and supply chain visibility through real time tracking to manage the integrity of the supply chain. Further, it works with biotech and food industries to improve delivery, during the last leg of the journey, using specialized packaging and multimodal transportation.
   
• UPS strengthens cold chain logistics via UPS Healthcare which provides transportation of temperature sensitive items, GPS-tracked delivery, and validated packaging systems. Its operations in freezer farms and cool chain warehouses have grown in order to cater to the needs of the pharma, biotech, and food industries. Using AI route optimization and IoT sensors, UPS monitors and ensures regulatory compliance and cargo safety throughout the transportation process.
   
• Maersk’s cold chain logistics are enriched with integrated refrigerated container solutions through Remote Container Management (RCM) technology which allows continuous monitoring of container temperature. The company purchases pharma-grade certified warehouses alongside cold storage hubs which guarantee visibility of the entire supply chain. With a focus on sustainable business practices, Maersk set out to enhance the global trade of perishables and simultaneously decrease carbon emissions through the expansion of their logistics network and investment in eco-friendly reefers.
   

Cold Chain Logistics Market Companies

Major players operating in the cold chain logistics industry are:

• Americold Logistics LLC
• C.H. Robinson Worldwide
• CEVA Logistics SA
• DB Schenker
• DHL International GmbH
• Lineage Logistics Holding, LLC
• Maersk
• NewCold Coöperatief UA
• U.S. Cold Storage 
• United Parcel Service (UPS)
   

Best performers in the cold chain logistics market take advantage of multiple opportunities, for instance the formation of partnerships or collaboratives, mergers and acquisitions, launching new products and innovating existing ones, as well as investments in additional research and development. This process aids in the overall assimilation of new aspects and technologies. In the same manner, the business combination of manufacturers through mergers or acquisitions facilitates an improved market reach, available resources, and the innovation of the offerings.
 

Firms are beginning to incorporate IoT-based monitoring systems, blockchain, and AI powered predictive analytics tools for real-time monitoring and compliance with the temperature. The automation and robotics applied in the movement of perishables enhances productivity even further. In addition, significant funding is being allocated to refrigerated warehouses, cold transport fleets, and last-mile delivery systems specifically for drugs and fresh foods.
 

Cold Chain Logistics Industry News

• In May 2024, Celsius Logistics, a cold-chain solution startup, raised around ?40 crores ($4.8 million USD) during their pre-Series B funding round, propelled by the support of IvyCap Ventures along with Mumbai Angels and Caret Capital. Alongside planning the raise, the company has also set the target to expand to over 500 cities next year to cater to the manufacturers of perishable goods that require cold chain logistics support.
   
• In May of 2024, Vayudoot Road Carriers Pvt. Ltd. made quite an advancement in cold chain logistics by utilizing almost four decades of experience to offer uninterrupted temperature-sensitive transportation services countrywide. The head office is in Pune where they operate a fleet of over 500 trucks and vans including 100 refrigerated ones, so that the goods get fresh during the transit.
   
• On August 21, 2023, CEVA Logistics announced the expansion of its operations in India owing to the great acquisition of Stellar Value Chain Solutions. CEVA will now command around 7.7 million square feet of space with more than 70 facilities across 21 cities in India. This purchase involves the acquisition of 96 percent of the ordinary shares of Stellar Value Chain Solutions from a masthead of Warburg Pincus, a private equity investor, and other equity holders. This move is intended to boost CEVA’s logistics systems and commercial capacity in the Indian market which is growing quite rapidly and strengthen their foothold in the logistics and supply chain industry in the region.
   
• On June 3, 2024, DHL Supply Chain revealed the expansion of its pharmaceutical logistics operations in France which further improves its competencies in the life sciences and healthcare sector. This development is the result of using DHL’s professional assets and extensive global networks, in addition to significant investments to increase the effectiveness, resilience and quality of Sanofi’s logistics operations. In augmenting the effectiveness of its pharmaceutical logistics, it aims to adhere to the stringent requirements within the industry and better services the Sanofi supply chain.
   

The cold chain logistics market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue ($ Mn/Bn) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, by Service

• Refrigerated warehousing
• Refrigerated transportation
  • Refrigerated road transport
  • Refrigerated rail transport
  • Refrigerated air transport
  • Refrigerated sea transport

Market, by Temperature range

• Chilled (0°C to 8°C)
• Frozen (-18°C to -25°C)
• Deep Frozen (-25°C to -60°C)

Market, by Application

• Fruits & vegetables
• Dairy & frozen desserts
• Bakery & confectionery
• Meat, fish, and seafood
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Nordics
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • ANZ
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa