Refrigeration System Market – By Component, By Refrigeration Category, By Application, By User, By Distribution Channel and Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Refrigeration System Market Size

The global refrigeration system market was valued at USD 41.5 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 4.6% from 2024 to 2032.
 

The refrigeration system industry, a segment of the industrial machinery and heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC) industry, serves essential functions in food storage, pharmaceutical preservation, and industrial cooling. Since the early 2000s, the market has experienced significant growth, propelled by increased demand for cold chain logistics, energy-efficient systems, and compliance with environmental sustainability regulations.
 

Industrial buyers consider several key factors when making purchasing decisions, including system efficiency, adherence to environmental standards (such as low global warming potential refrigerants), total cost of ownership, and the quality of after-sales support. Technological advancements are driving market development, with innovations like IoT integration for smart monitoring and modular designs for versatile applications. Key players are increasing their R&D investments to develop sustainable and high-performance refrigeration solutions. This market evolution aligns with broader trends such as urbanization, e-commerce expansion, and the growing emphasis on climate-conscious infrastructure.
 

Refrigeration System Market Trends

The refrigeration industry is transitioning to low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants due to strict environmental regulations and sustainability objectives. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) once commonly used is replaced with alternatives such as carbon dioxide (CO?) and ammonia, which have lower environmental impact. The International Institute of Refrigeration reports a significant increase in CO? transcritical system adoption for commercial refrigeration, demonstrating the industry's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
 

Moreover, the global expansion of cold chain infrastructure is a key trend in the refrigeration system market, driven by increasing demand for perishable goods and pharmaceuticals. Efficient cold chain systems are crucial for maintaining product quality and safety during transportation and storage. The International Institute of Refrigeration reports that approximately 70% of food products require refrigeration for operating their overall business.
 

Developing countries are investing in cold chain infrastructure to reduce food loss and support public health initiatives. The expansion of refrigerated transport and storage facilities is essential for vaccine distribution, as demonstrated during global health campaigns. Additionally, the growth of e-commerce and online grocery shopping accelerates the need for robust cold chain planning, ensuring timely and safe delivery of perishable items. This trend highlights the importance of refrigeration technology in supporting global food security and healthcare systems.
 

Refrigeration System Market Analysis

The refrigeration system industry is undergoing significant changes driven by environmental regulations, technological advancements, and increasing demand for cold chain logistics. Stringent policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions are compelling manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP). This regulatory landscape, exemplified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's directives to phase out HFC-134a, is fostering innovation in refrigerant technologies and energy-efficient systems. Concurrently, the adoption of low-GWP refrigerants like CO? is gaining momentum, with a 20% increase in European stores using transcritical CO? systems. The expansion of global trade has also escalated the demand for efficient cold chain logistics, particularly in the food and pharmaceutical industries, underscoring the critical role of refrigeration in modern supply chains.
 

Despite these drivers, the refrigeration system market faces significant challenges. The adoption of advanced refrigeration systems often requires substantial initial investments, which can be a barrier for some operators, especially in the retail sector. Operational expenses, including maintenance and energy consumption, further contribute to the financial burden. Additionally, transitioning to new refrigerant technologies presents technical challenges and safety considerations. For instance, CO? refrigeration systems require operation at higher pressures, necessitating specialized equipment and safety protocols. These complexities can impede the widespread adoption of advanced refrigeration technologies, highlighting the need for continued research and development to address these obstacles and facilitate the industry's transition towards more sustainable and efficient refrigeration solutions.
 

Based on the component, the market is segmented into primary and auxiliary components. The primary component segment accounted for revenue of around USD 28 billion in the year 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 4.7% from 2024 to 2032.
 

Primary components, including compressors, evaporators, and condensers, dominate the refrigeration market due to their critical role in the refrigeration cycle. These components are essential for temperature regulation and system efficiency. Compressors, which account for the majority of energy consumption in refrigeration systems, are continuously improved for better energy efficiency and performance. Evaporators and condensers are equally important, facilitating heat exchange to maintain desired cooling levels. While auxiliary components such as valves, controllers, and sensors support and optimize system performance, they play a secondary role in the overall refrigeration process.
 

Based on the refrigeration category, the global refrigeration system market is categorized as smart and conventional. The conventional held around 66% of the total market share in 2023 and is anticipated to reach a value of USD 40.4 billion by 2032.
 

Conventional refrigeration systems dominate the market due to several factors. Their cost-effectiveness, with lower initial investment and maintenance costs, makes them attractive to industries, especially SMEs in price-sensitive markets. The well-established infrastructure for conventional systems, including supply chains and skilled workforce, contributes to their practicality. Limited technological penetration in certain regions favors conventional systems, as smart refrigeration requires advanced infrastructure often unavailable in rural or developing areas.
 

Additionally, the ability to retrofit existing conventional systems to meet environmental regulations without complete overhauls enhances their appeal. While smart refrigeration systems are gaining traction due to efficiency and connectivity, the economic, practical, and regulatory advantages of conventional systems maintain their market dominance.  
 

In terms of the country, the U.S. dominates in the North America refrigeration system market and valued at USD 8.5 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 4.6% from 2024 to 2032.
 

The U.S. maintains a leading position in the North America market due to several key factors. Its diverse industrial and commercial sectors, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and chemical manufacturing, require advanced refrigeration systems to ensure product quality and comply with FDA regulations. The country has established a comprehensive cold chain infrastructure, supported by USDA guidelines on proper refrigeration to safeguard public health.
 

U.S. companies are at the forefront of refrigeration technology innovation, with the EPA promoting energy-efficient solutions. The regulatory landscape, including the EPA's SNAP program, encourages the adoption of environmentally friendly refrigerants. These elements collectively demonstrate the country’s integrated approach to addressing industrial needs, infrastructure development, technological advancement, and regulatory compliance in the market.
 

North America: Canada market witnessed a notable growth rate of around 4.4% over the forecasted period.
 

Canada is experiencing significant growth in the refrigeration system market, driven by its expanding food and beverage industry, increasing demand for frozen and processed foods, and stringent regulations on food safety and quality. The country's focus on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability has led to the adoption of advanced refrigeration technologies and natural refrigerants. Canada's cold climate necessitates reliable refrigeration systems across various sectors, including healthcare, retail, and industrial applications.
 

Europe: The Europe refrigeration system industry with a market share of around 21% in 2023 and anticipated to grow with a CAGR of around 4.7% during the forecast period.
 

The European refrigeration system industry focuses on sustainability, innovation, and regulatory compliance. The region has implemented strict environmental policies, including the European Union's F-Gas regulation, which requires reducing high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants and promotes natural alternatives like ammonia and carbon dioxide. Europe's advanced industrial and commercial sectors, including food processing, pharmaceuticals, and chemical manufacturing, rely on energy-efficient refrigeration systems to meet strict quality and safety standards.
 

The region has a well-developed cold chain infrastructure, driven by high demand for temperature-controlled logistics in food and beverage exports and medical supplies. Technological innovation is a key aspect of the European market, with companies investing in advanced solutions such as transcritical CO? systems and IoT-enabled refrigeration. This combination of regulatory pressure, industrial demand, and technological advancement positions Europe as a leader in sustainable and efficient refrigeration systems.
 

Asia Pacific: The Asia Pacific market with a market share of around 34% in 2023 and anticipated to grow with a CAGR of around 4.9% during the forecast period.
 

The Asia-Pacific region's dominance in the refrigeration system market stems from its rapid economic growth and urbanization. Countries such as China and India have seen substantial increases in disposable incomes, leading to higher demand for consumer appliances, including refrigerators. China's expanding middle class, for example, has resulted in a surge in household appliance purchases. Additionally, the region's thriving food and beverage industry requires advanced refrigeration solutions to maintain product quality and safety, further driving market growth.
 

The Asia-Pacific region has established itself as a global manufacturing hub, with China and South Korea leading in refrigeration unit production. This manufacturing capability serves both domestic demand and international markets, reinforcing the region's market dominance. The availability of cost-effective labor and raw materials contributes to competitive pricing, making Asia-Pacific-manufactured refrigeration systems attractive globally. Furthermore, government initiatives promoting energy efficiency and the adoption of eco-friendly refrigerants align with global environmental standards, enhancing the region's competitiveness in the international market.
 

Refrigeration System Market Share

In 2023, key companies like Carrier Corporation, Daikin Industries, Ltd., Lennox International Inc., Johnson Controls, Emerson Electric Co., and others held a combined market share of 10-15%. These companies are actively engaging in mergers, acquisitions, facility expansions, and collaborations to enhance their product portfolios, reach more customers, and strengthen their market positions.
 

Companies are making substantial investments in research and development to create advanced, sustainable refrigeration system that meet the evolving demands of the HVAC industry.
 

Refrigeration System Market Companies

Major players operating in the refrigeration system industry are:

• BITZER Kühlmaschinenbau GmbH
• Carrier Global Corporation
• Daikin Industries Ltd.
• Danfoss A/S
• Dorin
• Embraco (Nidec Corporation)
• Emerson Electric Co.
• Frick India Limited
• GEA
• Grundfos
• Hitachi
• Hussman Corporation
• Ingersoll-Rand, Plc.
• Johnson Controls
• Lennox International
• Tecumseh Products Company
   

Refrigeration System Industry News

• In August 2024, the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) has developed an air-based refrigeration system that uses air as a refrigerant. This development represents a significant technological advancement that prioritize environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance.
   
• In April 2024, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems introduced the KXZ3 Series, a new range of building-use multi-split air conditioners using R32 refrigerant. This launch marks a significant development in the market.
   
• In February 2024, LAUDA introduced Mobifreeze M 270, the first mobile ultra-low-temperature chest freezer using natural refrigerants R290 (propane) and R170 (ethane), represents a significant development in the refrigeration system industry. This innovation addresses the demand for sustainable and energy-efficient cooling solutions.
   

This refrigeration system market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) & volume (Thousand Units) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Component

• Primary component
  • Compressors
    • Reciprocating compressors
    • Screw compressors
    • Centrifugal compressors
    • Scroll compressors
  • Condensers
    • Air-cooled condensers
    • Water-cooled condensers
    • Evaporative condensers
  • Evaporators
    • Plate evaporators
    • Tube evaporators
    • Finned evaporators
  • Control systems
• Auxiliary components
  • Solenoid valves
  • Pressure regulators
    • High-pressure regulators
    • Low-pressure regulators
  • Filters
  • Heat exchangers
    • Plate heat exchangers
    • Shell and tube heat exchangers
    • Finned heat exchangers
  • Expansion valves
  • Others

Market, By Refrigeration Category

• Smart
• Conventional

Market, By Application

• Commercial
  • Hypermarket & supermarket /food retailers
  • Hospitality
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Others (entertainment & leisure, floral, etc.)
• Industrial
  • Food & beverage processing
  • Chemical & petrochemical
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Electronics& other manufacturing
  • Cold storage warehouses
  • Energy & utility
  • Others (metallurgy, semiconductor, etc.)
• Transportation
  • Truck refrigeration
  • Container shipping
  • Maritime vessels
  • Others (aersopace system, rail transport, etc.)

Market, By User

• OEM
• Constructer
• Distributors

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Direct sales
• Indirect sales

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

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • United Kingdom
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Netherlands
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Russia
  • Denmark
  • Sweden
  • Hungary
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• MEA
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA