Food Cold Chain Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Food Cold Chain Market Report Segments the Industry Into Type (Cold-Chain Storage, and More), Temperature Range (Chilled (0–4 °C), and More), Transport Mode (Road – Reefer Trucks and Trailers, Sea – Reefer Containers, and More), Application (Fruits and Vegetables, Meat and Seafood, and More), Technology (RFID and Real-Time Monitoring, and More) and Geography. The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

Food Cold Chain Market Size and Share

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Compare market size and growth of Food Cold Chain Market with other markets in Food & Beverage Industry

Food Cold Chain Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The global Food Cold Chain Market reached USD 70.55 billion in 2025 and is projected to expand to USD 121.77 billion by 2030, representing a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.53% during the forecast period. This acceleration reflects the convergence of stringent food safety regulations, technological disruptions in temperature monitoring, and the explosive growth of ready-to-eat convenience foods that demand uncompromised cold chain integrity from farm to fork. The market expansion is further supported by rising consumer awareness about food safety, growing international trade of perishable goods, and the rapid development of organized retail sectors across emerging economies.

Regulatory momentum is reshaping market dynamics as the FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) 204 mandates comprehensive traceability for foods on the Food Traceability List by January 2026, compelling operators to invest heavily in digital monitoring infrastructure [1]U.S. Food and Drug Administration, " Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)," fda.gov. This regulation specifically impacts high-risk foods such as fresh produce, dairy products, and seafood, requiring companies to maintain records of critical tracking events throughout the supply chain. The implementation of these requirements is driving the adoption of advanced tracking technologies, IoT sensors, and blockchain solutions across the food cold chain industry.

Key Report Takeaways

  • Cold-chain storage led with 55.66% of the Food Cold Chain market share in 2024; monitoring components are set to expand at a 14.45% CAGR to 2030.
  • Chilled (0-4 °C) captured 60.15% revenue share in 2024, whereas frozen (-18 °C) is poised for a 15.49% CAGR through 2030.
  • Road transport held 60.55% of the Food Cold Chain market size in 2024; air cargo is projected to grow at 14.97% CAGR between 2025-2030.
  • Meat & seafood commanded 26.46% of 2024 sales, while ready-to-eat meals will rise fastest at 16.54% CAGR.
  • RFID and basic real-time monitoring formed 42.14% of the 2024 base; IoT-enabled telematics should log the highest 15.78% CAGR.
  • North America led with a 40.46% share in 2024, yet Asia-Pacific is forecast to climb at a 16.56% CAGR to 2030.

Segment Analysis

Type: Storage Infrastructure Dominates Amid Monitoring Revolution

Cold-chain storage commands the largest market share at 55.66% in 2024, reflecting the fundamental infrastructure requirements for temperature-controlled logistics across all food categories. The segment's dominance stems from the capital-intensive nature of refrigerated warehousing, where specialized facilities with advanced insulation, automated racking systems, and energy-efficient cooling technologies represent the largest cost component in the cold chain ecosystem. 

Monitoring components, despite representing a smaller absolute market share, exhibit the fastest growth trajectory at 14.45% CAGR through 2030, driven by regulatory mandates such as FSMA 204 and the increasing sophistication of IoT-enabled temperature tracking systems. The monitoring components segment's rapid expansion reflects a technological inflection point where passive temperature logging is being replaced by real-time, predictive analytics systems that can anticipate equipment failures and optimize energy consumption. Companies like Rivercity Innovations have introduced IoT automated temperature monitoring solutions featuring Early Catastrophic Failure Detection (ECFD) capabilities that predict compressor failures, allowing for timely maintenance and preventing costly product losses. 

Food Cold Chain Market: Market Share by Type
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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

Temperature Range: Chilled Dominance Faces Frozen Acceleration

The chilled temperature range (0-4°C) maintains market leadership with a 60.15% share in 2024, reflecting the broad applicability of this temperature zone across fresh produce, dairy products, and prepared foods that constitute the majority of perishable food consumption. However, the frozen segment (-18°C) demonstrates superior growth momentum with a 15.49% CAGR through 2030, driven by changing consumer preferences toward frozen convenience foods and the expansion of frozen food manufacturing capacity globally.

The frozen segment's growth trajectory has prompted major retailers to invest in dual-temperature facilities that can efficiently manage both chilled and frozen products within the same operation, optimizing space utilization and reducing operational complexity. The Move to -15°C coalition, supported by Emirates SkyCargo and other major logistics providers, represents an industry-wide effort to optimize frozen food transportation by adjusting standard temperatures from -18°C to -15°C, potentially reducing energy consumption while maintaining product quality. This initiative demonstrates how temperature range optimization can create competitive advantages through reduced operational costs and environmental impact, while maintaining food safety standards.

Transport Mode: Road Leadership Challenged by Air Cargo Innovation

Road transport via reefer trucks and trailers dominates the transport mode segment with a 60.55% market share in 2024, reflecting the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of trucking for regional and national distribution networks. The segment benefits from established infrastructure, driver availability, and the ability to provide door-to-door service that other transport modes cannot match. Moreover, the development of autonomous vehicle technology and electric refrigerated trucks represents potential disruptors that could reshape the transport mode landscape, though widespread adoption remains several years away. 

However, air cargo emerges as the fastest-growing transport mode with a 14.97% CAGR through 2030, driven by the premium food segment's demand for rapid, long-distance transportation and the growth of international food trade. Sea transport via reefer containers serves the bulk commodity trade, while rail transport provides cost-effective solutions for long-distance, high-volume shipments in regions with developed rail infrastructure. The air cargo segment's exceptional growth reflects the premiumization of food logistics, where time-sensitive, high-value products justify the higher transportation costs associated with air freight. 

Food Cold Chain Market: Market Share by Transport Mode
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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

Application: Meat and Seafood Leadership Yields to Ready-to-Eat Innovation

Meat and seafood applications command the largest market share at 26.46% in 2024, reflecting the stringent temperature requirements and high value of protein products that necessitate sophisticated cold chain infrastructure. This segment benefits from established supply chains, regulatory frameworks, and consumer willingness to pay premium prices for quality assurance. The meat and seafood segment continues to drive infrastructure investment due to its strict regulatory requirements and the high cost of product loss from temperature excursions. The integration of blockchain technology for traceability has become particularly important in this segment, as food safety incidents can have severe financial and reputational consequences for all supply chain participants.

Ready-to-eat meals represent the fastest-growing application segment at 16.54% CAGR through 2030, driven by urbanization trends, changing lifestyles, and the expansion of food service delivery platforms that require reliable cold chain logistics. The ready-to-eat meals segment's rapid growth reflects fundamental changes in consumer behavior and food preparation patterns, particularly in urban markets where convenience and time savings command premium pricing. The segment's growth has created new requirements for cold chain operators, as ready-to-eat products often require multiple temperature zones and specialized packaging to maintain quality and safety throughout distribution.

Technology: RFID Maturity Enables IoT Telematics Acceleration

RFID and real-time monitoring technologies dominate the market with a 42.14% share in 2024. These technologies form the core infrastructure for cold chain operations by enabling temperature monitoring, location tracking, and compliance verification. Their widespread adoption reflects their essential role in maintaining visibility and traceability throughout the cold chain network. RFID tags and sensors continuously transmit data about product conditions, while real-time monitoring systems process this information to provide instant alerts and historical analytics. This comprehensive monitoring capability ensures product quality, reduces spoilage, and helps companies maintain regulatory standards across storage facilities, transportation routes, and distribution centers. 

 IoT-enabled telematics demonstrates the highest growth potential at 15.78% CAGR through 2030, reflecting the evolution toward predictive analytics, automated decision-making, and integrated supply chain optimization. The technology segment evolution reflects a transition from reactive monitoring to proactive management, where IoT-enabled systems can predict equipment failures, optimize energy consumption, and automatically adjust storage conditions based on product requirements and external factors. The partnership between Trustwell and Wiliot exemplifies this trend, utilizing battery-free smart sensor tags that provide continuous tracking from origin to consumer while reducing manual scanning requirements and enhancing food safety. 

Geography Analysis

North America's 40.46% market share in 2024 reflects decades of infrastructure investment and regulatory development that created the world's most sophisticated cold chain ecosystem, yet the region now confronts modernization challenges as legacy facilities struggle with e-commerce demands and sustainability requirements. Major retailers are responding with strategic investments in automated facilities, exemplified by Walmart and Kroger's development of urban-centric cold storage facilities that reduce transportation distances and improve sustainability metrics. The region benefits from established regulatory frameworks and consumer willingness to pay premium prices for quality assurance, yet faces headwinds from aging infrastructure and the need for substantial capital investment to meet modern operational requirements.

The Asia-Pacific cold chain market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16.56% through 2030, representing the highest growth rate globally. This expansion is primarily driven by supportive government policies aimed at reducing food waste and improving supply chain efficiency. The rapid urbanization across countries like China, India, and Indonesia has increased demand for temperature-controlled storage and transportation services. Modern food distribution networks are replacing traditional infrastructure, incorporating advanced technologies and automated systems. In India, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana has approved 394 cold chain projects as of February 2025. These projects focus on establishing integrated cold chain facilities, including refrigerated transportation, cold storage units, and processing centers. The initiative supports India's expanding food processing industry by enabling better preservation of perishable goods, reducing post-harvest losses, and ensuring food safety standards. The program also promotes private sector investment in cold chain infrastructure development, creating a more robust and efficient food distribution system.

Europe maintains steady growth supported by stringent food safety regulations, cross-border trade facilitation, and sustainability initiatives that are reshaping cold chain operations across the continent. The region's focus on sustainability has accelerated the adoption of emission-free refrigerated trailers and advanced digitalization technologies, including digital twin systems for real-time data management that optimize energy consumption and operational efficiency. The region's mature regulatory environment and consumer preferences for fresh, locally sourced foods continue to drive demand for sophisticated cold chain solutions that can maintain product quality while minimizing environmental impact.

Food Cold Chain Market CAGR (%), Growth Rate by Region
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Note: Segment shares of all individual regions will be available upon report purchase

Competitive Landscape

The food cold chain market exhibits high fragmentation with a concentration score of 3 out of 10. Major players in the market include Americold Logistics LLC, AGRO Merchants Group, Lineage Logistics Holding LLC, Nichirei Corporation, and VersaCold Logistics Services. This concentration has intensified through aggressive acquisition strategies, with Lineage considering a USD 30 billion IPO following expansion to over 400 temperature-controlled facilities globally, while Americold operates 239 warehouses with 1.4 billion cubic feet capacity, serving approximately 3,300 customers

Strategic patterns reveal a focus on vertical integration and technology-enabled differentiation, with major players investing heavily in automated storage and retrieval systems, IoT monitoring capabilities, and predictive analytics to optimize capacity utilization and reduce operational costs. Americold's disciplined growth strategy emphasizes fixed commitment contracts and operational efficiencies, while maintaining an investment-grade rating that provides access to capital for continued expansion

The market faces competition from new companies using advanced technologies like IoT sensors, blockchain tracking, and automated warehousing systems, along with different business models such as asset-light operations and shared logistics platforms. However, the high capital requirements for refrigerated warehouses, temperature-controlled vehicles, and specialized equipment, combined with the complex operations in cold chain logistics including temperature monitoring, regulatory compliance, and multi-point distribution networks, provide significant advantages to established companies. These incumbent firms benefit from their extensive distribution networks, decades of operational experience, existing customer relationships, and economies of scale in equipment procurement and facility management.

Food Cold Chain Industry Leaders

  1. Lineage Logistics Holding LLC

  2. Americold Logistics LLC

  3. Nichirei Corporation

  4. AGRO Merchants Group

  5. VersaCold Logistics Services

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Food Cold Chain Market Concentration
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Recent Industry Developments

  • May 2025: Lineage Inc. acquired four cold-storage warehouses from Tyson Foods, for USD 247 million, including facilities in Pottsville, PA, Olathe, KS, Rochelle, IL, and Tolleson, AZ, adding approximately 49 million cubic feet and 160,000 pallet positions while establishing Tyson as an anchor customer for Lineage's new automated warehouses.
  • April 2025: Vertical Cold Storage acquired Arctic Logistics in Canton, Michigan, adding 140,000 square feet and over 20,000 pallet positions to strengthen its position as the sixth-largest cold storage company in North America, with storage temperatures ranging from -20°F to 40°F and enhanced capabilities for U.S.-Canada trade.
  • January 2024: Kenco Logistic Services acquired The Shippers Group, adding 3.8 million square feet of warehousing space across eight sites in Florida, Georgia, and Texas, significantly expanding its multi-client capabilities and North American cold chain footprint.

Table of Contents for Food Cold Chain Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET LANDSCAPE

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Rising demand for frozen and perishable food products globally
    • 4.2.2 Growth in international food trade and cross-border food transportation
    • 4.2.3 Increasing consumer preference for fresh and ready-to-eat convenience foods
    • 4.2.4 Expansion of organized retail and food service sectors
    • 4.2.5 Technological advancements in refrigeration and temperature monitoring systems
    • 4.2.6 Implementation of strict food safety regulations and quality standards
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 High initial capital investment requirements for cold storage facilities and refrigerated transport vehicles
    • 4.3.2 Power-supply volatility in emerging markets
    • 4.3.3 Temperature control challenges during transportation and storage transitions
    • 4.3.4 Competition from alternative preservation methods
  • 4.4 Supply Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory Landscape
  • 4.6 Technological Outlook
  • 4.7 Porter’s Five Forces
    • 4.7.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.7.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.7.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.7.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.7.5 Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE)

  • 5.1 By Type
    • 5.1.1 Cold-chain Storage
    • 5.1.2 Cold-chain Transport
    • 5.1.3 Monitoring Components
  • 5.2 By Temperature Range
    • 5.2.1 Chilled (0–4 °C)
    • 5.2.2 Frozen (-18 °C)
    • 5.2.3 Deep-Frozen/Ultra-low (<-40 °C)
  • 5.3 By Transport Mode
    • 5.3.1 Road – Reefer Trucks and Trailers
    • 5.3.2 Sea – Reefer Containers
    • 5.3.3 Rail – Refrigerated Railcars
    • 5.3.4 Air Cargo
  • 5.4 By Application
    • 5.4.1 Fruits and Vegetables
    • 5.4.2 Meat and Seafood
    • 5.4.3 Dairy and Frozen Dessert
    • 5.4.4 Bakery and Confectionery
    • 5.4.5 Ready-to-Eat Meals
    • 5.4.6 Other Applications
  • 5.5 By Technology
    • 5.5.1 RFID and Real-time Monitoring
    • 5.5.2 IoT-Enabled Telematics
    • 5.5.3 Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems
  • 5.6 By Geography
    • 5.6.1 North America
    • 5.6.1.1 United States
    • 5.6.1.2 Canada
    • 5.6.1.3 Mexico
    • 5.6.1.4 Rest of North America
    • 5.6.2 Europe
    • 5.6.2.1 Germany
    • 5.6.2.2 United Kingdom
    • 5.6.2.3 Italy
    • 5.6.2.4 France
    • 5.6.2.5 Spain
    • 5.6.2.6 Netherlands
    • 5.6.2.7 Rest of Europe
    • 5.6.3 Asia-Pacific
    • 5.6.3.1 China
    • 5.6.3.2 India
    • 5.6.3.3 Japan
    • 5.6.3.4 Australia
    • 5.6.3.5 South Korea
    • 5.6.3.6 Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • 5.6.4 South America
    • 5.6.4.1 Brazil
    • 5.6.4.2 Argentina
    • 5.6.4.3 Rest of South America
    • 5.6.5 Middle East and Africa
    • 5.6.5.1 South Africa
    • 5.6.5.2 Saudi Arabia
    • 5.6.5.3 United Arab Emirates
    • 5.6.5.4 Rest of Middle East and Africa

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Ranking Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global-level Overview, Market-level Overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share, Products and Services, Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 Lineage Logistics Holding LLC
    • 6.4.2 Americold Logistics LLC
    • 6.4.3 Nichirei Corporation
    • 6.4.4 VersaCold Logistics Services
    • 6.4.5 AGRO Merchants Group
    • 6.4.6 DSV A/S
    • 6.4.7 Conestoga Cold Storage
    • 6.4.8 Gruppo Marconi Logistica
    • 6.4.9 RLS Logistics
    • 6.4.10 NewCold Coöperatief UA
    • 6.4.11 Burris Logistics
    • 6.4.12 Congebec Logistics Inc.
    • 6.4.13 Swire Cold Storage
    • 6.4.14 Frialsa Frigorificos S.A. de C.V.
    • 6.4.15 XPO Logistics Inc.
    • 6.4.16 United States Cold Storage Inc.
    • 6.4.17 OOCL Logistics Ltd.
    • 6.4.18 A.P. Moller-Maersk (Cold Chain)
    • 6.4.19 Snowman Logistics Ltd.
    • 6.4.20 JWD Logistics Public Co. Ltd.

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

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Global Food Cold Chain Market Report Scope

The food cold chain is the facility provided for the storage and transportation of frozen food products.

The food cold chain market is segmented by type, application, and geography. By type, the market is segmented into cold chain storage and cold chain transport. By application, the market is segmented into fruits and vegetables, meat and seafood, dairy and frozen dessert, bakery and confectionery, ready-to-eat meals, and other applications. By geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa.

For each segment, the market sizing and forecast have been done based on the value (in USD million).

By Type Cold-chain Storage
Cold-chain Transport
Monitoring Components
By Temperature Range Chilled (0–4 °C)
Frozen (-18 °C)
Deep-Frozen/Ultra-low (<-40 °C)
By Transport Mode Road – Reefer Trucks and Trailers
Sea – Reefer Containers
Rail – Refrigerated Railcars
Air Cargo
By Application Fruits and Vegetables
Meat and Seafood
Dairy and Frozen Dessert
Bakery and Confectionery
Ready-to-Eat Meals
Other Applications
By Technology RFID and Real-time Monitoring
IoT-Enabled Telematics
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems
By Geography North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Rest of North America
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
Italy
France
Spain
Netherlands
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
India
Japan
Australia
South Korea
Rest of Asia-Pacific
South America Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
Middle East and Africa South Africa
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Rest of Middle East and Africa
By Type
Cold-chain Storage
Cold-chain Transport
Monitoring Components
By Temperature Range
Chilled (0–4 °C)
Frozen (-18 °C)
Deep-Frozen/Ultra-low (<-40 °C)
By Transport Mode
Road – Reefer Trucks and Trailers
Sea – Reefer Containers
Rail – Refrigerated Railcars
Air Cargo
By Application
Fruits and Vegetables
Meat and Seafood
Dairy and Frozen Dessert
Bakery and Confectionery
Ready-to-Eat Meals
Other Applications
By Technology
RFID and Real-time Monitoring
IoT-Enabled Telematics
Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems
By Geography
North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Rest of North America
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
Italy
France
Spain
Netherlands
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
India
Japan
Australia
South Korea
Rest of Asia-Pacific
South America Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America
Middle East and Africa South Africa
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Rest of Middle East and Africa
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Key Questions Answered in the Report

What is the current Food Cold Chain Market size?

The Food Cold Chain Market is projected to register a CAGR of 8.79% during the forecast period (2025-2030)

What is the current size of the Food Cold Chain market?

The market stands at USD 70.55 billion in 2025 and is projected to climb to USD 121.77 billion by 2030.

Which region is growing fastest?

Asia-Pacific is forecast to register a 16.56% CAGR through 2030, outpacing all other regions.

Which transport mode is expanding quickest?

Air cargo leads with a 14.97% CAGR, driven by premium perishables and long-haul e-commerce.

Which application segment offers the highest growth?

Ready-to-eat meals are expected to advance at a 16.54% CAGR, reflecting lifestyle shifts toward convenience.

Page last updated on: July 6, 2025

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