Cold Chain Market: Growth, Size, Share, Analysis and Forecast 2030

Cold Chain Market Summary

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 toward fresh and quality food products, coupled with the rapid expansion of e-commerce and home delivery services, are among the prominent factors accelerating overall market growth. Efficient cold chain systems are becoming essential to ensure proper temperature control and prevent product spoilage throughout distribution processes.

An increasing number of organized retail stores in developing economies is leading to the growing demand for cold chain solutions. Investments in refrigerated warehousing, cold transport, and advanced handling facilities are rising significantly as modern retail formats expand in regions such as Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East. Government initiatives focused on minimizing food waste, improving food security, and strengthening supply chain infrastructure also contribute to market development. Additionally, expanding cold storage requirements for pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and biologics are further boosting adoption across the healthcare industry.

The growing adoption of technologies such as RFID, IoT sensors, and automation in cold chain applications provides significant growth opportunities for the market by ensuring continuous monitoring, better traceability, and enhanced operational accuracy. 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, thereby promoting cross-border cold chain logistics.

Key Market Trends & Insights

• The North America cold chain industry held the largest revenue share of more than 33.0% in 2024, supported by a strong logistics network, advanced storage facilities, and high consumption of packaged frozen foods.
• 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. The expanding pharmaceutical sector and distribution of temperature-sensitive biologic drugs are additional contributors to market growth.
• Based on type, the storage segment dominated the market with a revenue share of 52.2% in 2024 due to the rising need for large-scale refrigerated warehouses capable of supporting bulk food supply and long-term storage.
• Based on temperature range, the frozen (-18°C to -25°C) segment dominated the overall market in 2024 as frozen goods, including seafood, meat, and ready-to-eat products, require precise temperature management to maintain safety and nutritional quality.
• Based on application, the food & beverages segment dominated the market in 2024, driven by increased consumption of perishable food products and growing adoption of international food trade.

Order a free sample PDF of the Cold Chain Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

Market Size & Forecast

• 2024 Market Size: USD 316.34 Billion
• 2033 Projected Market Size: USD 1,611.0 Billion
• CAGR (2025-2033): 20.1%
• North America: Largest market in 2024
• Asia Pacific: Fastest growing market

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

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.

Key Players

• 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.
• P. Moller - Maersk
• NICHIREI CORPORATION
• Tippmann Group

Explore Horizon Databook – The world's most expansive market intelligence platform developed by Grand View Research.

Conclusion

The cold chain market is poised for significant expansion as global consumption patterns shift toward fresh, high-quality, and safely transported products. Rising healthcare investments, strong growth in organized retail, and the increasing need to reduce food loss across supply chains will continue to create strong demand for advanced cold chain solutions. Enhanced digitalization, including real-time monitoring and automated logistics, is improving supply chain efficiency and compliance with global safety standards. The expanding e-commerce sector and rapid urbanization are further accelerating market growth. As global trade intensifies, cold chain logistics will remain critical in ensuring reliable delivery of perishable and temperature-sensitive goods worldwide.