Cold Chain Market by Type, Temperature Type (Chilled, Frozen, and Deep-frozen), Application (Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals), Technology( Blast Freezing, Vapor Compression,Programmable Logic Controller) and Region - Global Forecast to 2029

Cold Chain Market by Type, Temperature Type (Chilled, Frozen, and Deep-frozen), Application (Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals), Technology( Blast Freezing, Vapor Compression,Programmable Logic Controller) and Region - Global Forecast to 2029

The global cold chain market is estimated to be valued at USD 228.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 372.0 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 10.3%. The cold chain has emerged as a critical component in various industries and its importance has been rapidly growing. In the pharmaceutical sector, maintaining specific temperature conditions is paramount for preserving the efficacy and safety of drugs and vaccines. Any deviation from the required temperature range can lead to degradation of the products, rendering them ineffective or even harmful. With the rise of biopharmaceuticals and vaccines that are more temperature-sensitive, the demand for a reliable cold chain infrastructure has become even more pronounced. The cold chain ensures that these lifesaving medications reach patients in optimal condition, safeguarding public health.

Moreover, in the food and beverage sector, maintaining freshness and preventing spoilage are key concerns. From perishable foods like dairy products and meats to beverages like juices and beer, maintaining the cold chain is essential for preserving quality and ensuring consumer safety. Similarly, in the chemicals industry, certain chemicals and raw materials require specific temperature conditions to prevent degradation or hazardous reactions.

Beyond these sectors, the cold chain plays a crucial role in preserving the quality of various other temperature-sensitive items. In the art world, maintaining controlled temperatures and humidity levels is vital for preserving the integrity of delicate artworks and artifacts. In electronics, components and devices can be damaged by exposure to extreme temperatures during transportation and storage. Even flowers and plants require controlled temperatures to prolong their freshness and shelf life. Thus, cold chain have become pivotal to maintain product integrity, safety, and efficacy across a range of industries.

“During the forecast period, the food & beverages within the applications is anticipated to exhibit the most rapid growth, boasting the highest Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR).”

The sheer scale of the food and beverage industry necessitates a robust cold chain infrastructure to preserve freshness and quality throughout the supply chain. With a vast array of perishable products ranging from dairy to fresh produce, seafood to meat, maintaining optimal temperature conditions is imperative to prevent spoilage and ensure food safety. Moreover, consumer demand for fresh, organic, and premium-quality food products has surged in recent years, further driving the need for efficient cold chain logistics. This heightened consumer awareness regarding food safety and quality has compelled food producers and retailers to invest heavily in temperature-controlled storage and transportation solutions.

Additionally, stringent regulatory requirements governing food safety standards have mandated the implementation of rigorous cold chain protocols, further bolstering the demand for cold chain services within the food and beverage sector. Compared to other applications, the perishable nature of food and beverages poses unique challenges, making them the primary focus of cold chain logistics. While other industries also require temperature-controlled storage and transportation, the sheer volume and diversity of products within the food and beverage sector solidify its dominant position in the cold chain market.

“Rising consumer demand for convenience foods and stringent regulations have positioned the US in North America region as one of thedominant market in the cold chain market.”

US consumers exhibit a growing inclination towards ready-to-eat meals, fresh produce, and perishable goods that offer convenience and time-saving solutions in their fast-paced lifestyles. This shift in consumer behavior is driven by various factors such as urbanization, dual-income households, and changing dietary preferences. Convenience foods, including pre-packaged salads, microwavable meals, and on-the-go snacks, require stringent temperature control throughout the supply chain to maintain freshness and extend shelf life. As a result, there is a pressing need for advanced cold chain infrastructure to ensure the integrity of these perishable products from production to consumption. Additionally, the rise of busy lifestyles and an increasing focus on health and wellness further fuel the demand for fresh and minimally processed foods. US consumers seek out options that offer both convenience and nutritional value, driving the demand for refrigerated and frozen products.

Strict governmental regulations, including those enforced by the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), play a crucial role in shaping US’s trade landscape and fostering the growth of its cold chain industry. For instance, the implementation of laws like the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2010 (FSMA) by the US government is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the food supply chain, thus stimulating the demand for cold chain solutions. Moreover, agreements like NAFTA have facilitated seamless trade among North American countries by abolishing import tariffs and restrictions, thereby bolstering the need for efficient cold chain infrastructure to maintain product quality and safety standards during transportation. Furthermore, initiatives led by organizations such as the GCCA in collaboration with governmental bodies like the USDA have been instrumental in developing cold chain facilities not only in US but also in emerging markets worldwide. By focusing on enhancing cold chain infrastructure, these efforts contribute to meeting the stringent regulatory requirements governing food safety and quality, thereby driving the demand for cold chain services and technologies in the country.

The break-up of the profile of primary participants in the cold chain market:

By Company Type: Tier 1 – 25%, Tier 2 – 45%, and Tier 3 – 30%

By Designation: CXO’s – 20%, Managers – 50%, Executives- 30%

By Region: North America – 25%, Europe – 25%,Asia Pacific – 35%, South America – 10%, and Rest of the World –5%

Prominent companies Americold Logistics, Inc. (US), Lineage, Inc. (US), NICHIREI CORPORATION (Japan), Burris Logistics (US), and A.P. Moller - Maersk (Denmark) among others.

Research Coverage:

This research report categorizes the cold chain market by applications (food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, and other applications), type (cold chain storage and infrastructure, refrigerated transportation, and others), temperature type (chilled, frozen, and deep-frozen), technology (qualitative), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and Rest of the World).

The report covers information about the key factors, such as drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges impacting the growth of the cold chain market. It also provides a detailed analysis of the major players in the market including their business overview, services offered; key strategies; partnerships, new service launches, expansions, and acquisitions. Competitive benchmarking of upcoming startups in the cold chain market is covered in this report.

Reasons to buy this report:

The report will help the market leaders/new entrants in this market with information on the closest approximations of the revenue numbers for the overall cold chain market and the subsegments. This report will help stakeholders understand the competitive landscape and gain more insights to position their businesses better and plan suitable go-to-market strategies. The report also helps stakeholders understand the pulse of the market and provides them with information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities.

The report provides insights on the following pointers:

Analysis of key drivers (Increased demand for frozen perishable commodities ), restraints (High energy costs and requirement for significant capital investments), opportunities (Intermodal transport to save fuel costs ), and challenges (Maintaining product integrity during transportation of perishable commodities) influencing the growth of the cold chain market.

Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new service launches in the cold chain market.

Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative markets – the report analyses the cold chain market across varied regions.

Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new services, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the cold chain market.

Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies, and service offerings of leading players such as Americold Logistics, Inc. (US), Lineage, Inc. (US), NICHIREI CORPORATION (Japan), Burris Logistics (US), and A.P. Moller - Maersk (Denmark) among others in the cold chain market strategies. The report also helps stakeholders understand the cold chain market and provides them with information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities.