Global Cold Chain Logistics Market Overview
Cold Chain Logistics Market Size was valued at USD 368.97 Million in 2024. The Global Cold Chain Logistics industry is projected to grow from USD 422.83 Million in 2025 to USD 1,670.05 Million by 2035, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.6% during the forecast period (2025 - 2035).
Implementation of strict government rules and Rising Demand for Perishable Goods is Driving the market for cold chain logistics and drivers impact Analysis is driving the Global Cold Chain Logistics Market.
As per Analyst at MRFR “The rising demand for perishable goods is significantly driving the market for cold chain logistics, as consumers increasingly prioritize freshness and quality in their food and pharmaceutical products. With a growing global population and changing dietary preferences, there is a heightened need for efficient transportation and storage solutions that maintain the integrity of temperature-sensitive items. Cold chain logistics ensures that perishable goods, such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and vaccines, are kept at optimal temperatures throughout the supply chain, from farm to table.”
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
Cold Chain Logistics Market Trends
SCOPE FOR GROWTH IN EMERGING ECONOMIES POSSESS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR COLD CHAIN LOGISTIC IN GLOBAL MARKET
The growth potential for cold chain logistics in emerging economies is substantial, presenting significant opportunities for stakeholders globally. As nations like India, China, and various countries in Africa and Latin America continue to experience economic development, the demand for efficient cold chain solutions is escalating. This surge is largely driven by changing consumer preferences favouring perishable goods, including fresh produce and frozen items, alongside heightened awareness of food safety and quality standards. Governments in these regions are recognizing the critical need for robust cold chain infrastructure to support food distribution and the pharmaceutical sector, especially in a post-pandemic landscape where the demand for temperature-sensitive products has intensified. Moreover, the rapid expansion of e-commerce is a key factor fueling this growth.
With more consumers opting for online grocery shopping, there is an increasing need for advanced logistics solutions capable of ensuring timely delivery of perishable items. Technological advancements, such as IoT-enabled monitoring systems and automation, are enhancing operational efficiencies within the cold chain logistics sector, making it more reliable and cost-effective. As urbanization continues to reshape economies in these regions, the Cold Chain Logistics Market is poised for substantial growth. This expansion offers lucrative opportunities across various sectors, including perishable food and pharmaceuticals, as stakeholders adapt to meet the rising demand for effective cold chain supply.
Cold Chain Logistics Market Segment Insights
Global Cold Chain Logistics Service Insights
Based on service, the Cold Chain Logistics Market is segmented into: Pre-cooling Facilities, Warehousing & Information Management System, Packaging, Labeling ,Transportation(, Railways, Airways, Roadways, Waterways), And Others .The Transportation segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Warehousing & Information Management System is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period .Cold chain logistics is essential for preserving the integrity of temperature-sensitive goods, particularly in industries like pharmaceuticals, food, and biotechnology.
This specialized logistics process ensures that products are stored and transported within a specific temperature range, minimizing spoilage and maintaining quality. A robust warehousing and information management system plays a pivotal role in cold chain logistics by providing real-time monitoring and tracking of environmental conditions. Advanced technologies, such as IoT sensors and automated data logging, enable precise temperature control and alert stakeholders to any deviations, ensuring immediate corrective actions can be taken.
Global Cold Chain Logistics Mode of Delivery Insights
Based on Mode of Delivery, the Cold Chain Logistics Market is segmented into: Last Mile Delivery, And Hubs to Distributor. The Hubs to Distributor segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Last Mile Delivery is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Hubs to Distributor is a vital aspect of cold chain logistics, focusing on the bulk movement of goods from centralized cold storage hubs to regional or local distribution centers. This segment often involves longer distances and relies on refrigerated trucks, containers, or air freight to ensure that temperature-sensitive products are transported efficiently. At the hubs, products are stored in specialized cold storage facilities before further distribution.
Effective coordination and real-time temperature monitoring are crucial for maintaining the required conditions throughout the journey, thereby preventing spoilage or contamination. As demand for efficient long-distance transportation of bulk goods continues to rise, this mode of delivery is evolving rapidly. Companies are adopting various strategies, including product launches and partnerships, to optimize their supply chains. These efforts aim to reduce costs and improve efficiency in the Hubs to Distributor delivery model. Additionally, advancements in technology are enhancing tracking and monitoring capabilities, ensuring that temperature-sensitive products remain safe and compliant throughout the entire logistics process, ultimately benefiting both businesses and consumers.
Figure 1: GLOBAL COLD CHAIN LOGISTICS MARKET, BY MODE OF DELIVERY, 2024 & 2035 (USD Million)
Global Cold Chain Logistics temperature category Insights
Based on temperature category, the Cold Chain Logistics Market is segmented into:, Ambient, Refrigerated, Frozen, Cryogenic. The Frozen segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Ambient is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Frozen temperature category handle goods that are usually stored below 0°C, such as meat, seafood, ice cream, and frozen meals. This category ensures that products remain frozen throughout their journey, preventing thawing and preserving their shelf life.
Growth factors include strengthening consumer demand for frozen and ready-to-eat meals due to changing lifestyles, as well as the global expansion of the frozen food market. In addition, the requirement for safe and effective transport of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, such as vaccines, is boosting demand for frozen logistics solutions. A key market trend is the growing adoption of advanced freezing technologies, such as blast freezers and ultra-low temperature systems, to ensure the long-term preservation of product quality. This trend is particularly important for industries like food and pharmaceuticals, where maintaining product integrity during storage and transport is critical.
Global Cold Chain Logistics storage technique Insights
Based on storage technique, the Cold Chain Logistics Market is segmented into: Electrical Refrigeration, Dry Ice, Gel Packs, Liquid Nitrogen, Others. The Electrical Refrigeration segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Dry Ice is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. The electrical refrigeration storage technique involves using electrically powered refrigeration units to maintain a controlled temperature environment, typically between 2°C and 8°C, for the storage and transportation of goods.
It is widely used in refrigerated trucks, cold storage warehouses, and containers, ensuring consistent temperature control over long durations. Electrical refrigeration is essential for industries like fresh food, dairy, and pharmaceuticals, where precise temperature management is critical to product quality. Furthermore, the Electrical Refrigeration storage technique in the cold chain logistics market expected to witness significant advancements due to increasing demand for energy-efficient and reliable temperature control solutions.
Global Cold Chain Logistics Application Insights
Based on application, the Cold Chain Logistics Market is segmented into: Fruits & Vegetables, Bakery & Confectionary, Dairy & Frozen Desserts, Meat, Fish, & Sea Food, Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, Others. The Drugs & Pharmaceuticals segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the Dairy & Frozen Desserts is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Cold chain logistics play a critical role in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for vaccines, biologics, and other temperature-sensitive medications. Precise temperature control is necessary to preserve the efficacy and safety of these products during storage and distribution.
The drugs & pharmaceuticals application in the cold chain logistics market driven by the increasing demand for temperature-sensitive medications, including vaccines, biologics, and other therapies that require strict temperature controls throughout their supply chain. The rising prevalence of personalized medicine and advanced therapies, which necessitate precise handling and transportation conditions to maintain the efficacy and safety of these products, is one of the key trends that helps in driving demand for the segment. Therefore, regulatory bodies are imposing stringent guidelines for the storage and transport of pharmaceuticals, further emphasizing the importance of robust cold chain logistics across the segment. Furthermore, adoption of innovative technologies such as IoT-enabled monitoring systems and data analytics, which can provide real-time tracking of temperature conditions, ensuring compliance and enhancing supply chain efficiency. Moreover, investments in sustainable cold chain practices and packaging solutions can reduce environmental impact while ensuring product integrity.
Global Cold Chain Logistics Regional Insights
Based on the region, the report on the Cold Chain Logistics Market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World. The Asia-Pacific Cold Chain Logistics market accounted for the largest market share in 2024, and Europe is expected to exhibit significant CAGR growth during the study period. The Asia Pacific region holds a significant share of the global cold chain logistics market, driven by increasing demand for perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, and fresh produce. The rising middle-class population, changing dietary habits, and growth of e-commerce in countries like China, India, Japan, and Australia contribute to the surge in demand for refrigerated transport and storage facilities.
China dominates the region's cold chain logistics sector. The country is investing heavily in developing infrastructure, such as automated cold storage facilities and refrigerated transportation networks. In India, the market is expected to grow rapidly due to government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana, which promotes agricultural and food processing industries with a focus on improving cold chain logistics. Companies are also expanding their network in APAC region to provide better services. For example, UPS Healthcare has announced the expansion of its UPS Premier service to India, marking another step in ongoing service and technology upgrades to meet the evolving needs of critical time- and temperature-sensitive healthcare shipments. Indian customers will have access to UPS Premier Gold service benefits, including ‘first-in, first-off’ prioritization, built-in service recovery features within the UPS global network, and 24/7 control tower monitoring.
The European cold chain logistics market is a crucial sector supporting the region's food, pharmaceuticals, and chemical industries. Key countries contributing to this growth include Germany, France, the UK, and the Netherlands, each having advanced infrastructure and technological capabilities to support efficient cold storage and transportation. Germany leads the market, accounting for around 20% of the region’s total market share due to its robust logistics network and significant investments in temperature-controlled facilities.
France and the UK follow closely, with increased demand driven by the pharmaceutical sector, especially in COVID-19 vaccine storage and distribution. The Netherlands serves as a strategic logistics hub for Europe, benefiting from the Port of Rotterdam's capabilities and proximity to major markets. Furthermore, Kuehne Nagel’s announced the expansion of European Pharma Fleet. The company added 65 new trailers amounting to a total of 290 trailers. With customized features and dual temperature capabilities, these trailers are specifically designed and configured to meet the needs of pharma manufacturers.
Figure 2: GLOBAL COLD CHAIN LOGISTICS MARKET, BY REGION, 2024 & 2035 (USD Million)
Further, the major countries studied in the market report are the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, Italy, UK, Spain, Japan, UAE, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, and Brazil.
Global Cold Chain Logistics Key Market Players & Competitive Insight
Many global, regional, and local vendors characterize the Cold Chain Logistics Market. The market is highly competitive, with all the players competing to gain market share. Intense competition, rapid advances in technology, frequent changes in government policies, and environmental regulations are key factors that confront market growth. The vendors compete based on cost, product quality, reliability, and government regulations. Vendors must provide cost-efficient, high-quality products to survive and succeed in an intensely competitive market.
The major players in the market include CARDINAL HEALTH, B MEDICAL SYSTEMS, AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC., LINEAGE, INC., AMERICOLD LOGISTICS, INC, CEVA LOGISTICS, COLD BOX EXPRESS, INC., COLDMAN LOGISTICS, DOKASCH, FIEGE, FEDEX GLOBAL LOGISTICS INC., DHL GROUP, DB SCHENKER, UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC , COLDTAINER (EUROENGEL) among others. The Cold Chain Logistics Market is a consolidated market due to increasing competition, acquisitions, mergers and other strategic market developments and decisions to improve operational effectiveness.
Key Companies in the Cold Chain Logistics Market include
- CARDINAL HEALTH
- B MEDICAL SYSTEMS
- AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC.
- LINEAGE, INC.
- AMERICOLD LOGISTICS, INC
- CEVA LOGISTICS, COLD BOX EXPRESS, INC.
- COLDMAN LOGISTICS
- DOKASCH
- FIEGE
- FEDEX GLOBAL LOGISTICS INC.
- DHL GROUP
- DB SCHENKER
- UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC
- COLDTAINER (EUROENGEL)
Cold Chain Logistics Market Segmentation
Cold Chain Logistics Market by Service Outlook (USD Million, 2019-2035)
- Pre-cooling Facilities
- Warehousing & Information Management System
- Packaging
- Labeling
- Transportation
- Railways
- Airways
- Roadways
- Waterways
- Others
Cold Chain Logistics Market by Mode of Delivery Outlook (USD Million, 2019-2035)
- Last Mile Delivery
- Hubs to Distributor
Cold Chain Logistics Market by Temperature Category Outlook (USD Million, 2019-2035)
- Ambient
- Refrigerated
- Frozen
Cold Chain Logistics Market by Storage Technique Outlook (USD Million, 2019-2035)
- Electrical Refrigeration
- Dry Ice
- Gel Packs
- Liquid Nitrogen
- Others
Cold Chain Logistics Market by Application Outlook (USD Million, 2019-2035)
- Fruits & Vegetables
- Bakery & Confectionary
- Dairy & Frozen Desserts
- Meat, Fish, & Sea Food
- Drugs & Pharmaceuticals
- Others
Global Cold Chain Logistics Regional Outlook
- North America
- Europe
- Germany
- France
- UK
- Spain
- Italy
- Rest of Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
- Rest of the World
- Middle East & Africa
- South America
| Report Attribute/Metric |
Details |
| Market Size 2024 |
USD 368.97 million |
| Market Size 2025 |
USD 422.83 million |
| Market Size 2035 |
USD 1,670.05 million |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) |
15.6% (2025-2035) |
| Base Year |
2024 |
| Market Forecast Period |
2025-2035 |
| Historical Data |
2019- 2023 |
| Market Forecast Units |
Value (USD Million) |
| Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| Segments Covered |
By Service, By Mode of Delivery, By Temperature Category, By Storage Technique, By Application and Region |
| Geographies Covered |
North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Rest of the World. |
| Countries Covered |
The U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, France ,U.K., Italy, Spain, Sweden, Poland, Rest of Europe, ANZ ,Rest of Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, South America. |
| Key Companies Profiled |
CARDINAL HEALTH, B MEDICAL SYSTEMS, AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC., LINEAGE, INC., AMERICOLD LOGISTICS, INC, CEVA LOGISTICS, COLD BOX EXPRESS, INC., COLDMAN LOGISTICS, DOKASCH, FIEGE, FEDEX GLOBAL LOGISTICS INC., DHL GROUP, DB SCHENKER, UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC , COLDTAINER (EUROENGEL) among others |
| Key Market Opportunities |
· Scope for Growth in Emerging Economies possess an opportunity for cold chain logistic in global market |
| Key Market Dynamics |
· Implementation of strict government rules and regulations by the government · Rising Demand for Perishable Goods is Driving the market for cold chain logistics |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The Cold Chain Logistics Market size is expected to be valued at USD 1,670.05 million in 2035.
The global market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.6% during the forecast period, 2025-2035.
Asia-Pacific had the largest share of the global market.
The key players in the market are CARDINAL HEALTH, B MEDICAL SYSTEMS, AMERICAN AIRLINES, INC., LINEAGE, INC., AMERICOLD LOGISTICS, INC, CEVA LOGISTICS, COLD BOX EXPRESS, INC., COLDMAN LOGISTICS, DOKASCH, FIEGE, FEDEX GLOBAL LOGISTICS INC., DHL GROUP, DB SCHENKER, UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC, COLDTAINER (EUROENGEL) among others.
The Transportation category dominated the market in 2024.
The Drugs & Pharmaceuticals segment had the largest share of revenue on the global market.
