China Cold Chain Market (By Type: Storage, Transportation; By Temperature Range: Chilled, Frozen; By Application) - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Revenue, Regional Outlook and Forecast 2024-2033

The China cold chain market size was estimated at USD 9.96 billion in 2023 and it is expected to surpass around USD 55.95 billion by 2033, poised to grow at a CAGR of 18.84% from 2024 to 2033.

Key Pointers

• In terms of type, the storage segment held the largest revenue share of 55% in 2023. 
• The monitoring components segment is expected to expand at the highest CAGR of 24.34% from 2024 to 2033. 
• Based on temperature range, the frozen segment generated the maximum market share of 61% in 2023. 
• The food & beverages segment led the market in 2023 with a revenue share of more than 79%. 
• The processed food segment is anticipated to grow at the noteworthy CAGR of 20.66% from 2024 to 2033.

China Cold Chain Market Overview

The cold chain industry in China has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by various factors such as increasing demand for perishable goods, advancements in technology, and evolving consumer preferences.

China Cold Chain Market Growth Factors

The growth of the cold chain market in China is propelled by the rapid urbanization has led to an increased demand for fresh and high-quality food products among Chinese consumers. This shift in consumer preferences has necessitated the development of efficient cold chain logistics solutions to ensure the safe and timely delivery of perishable goods. Secondly, the expansion of the e-commerce sector has created opportunities for cold chain operators to support the delivery of temperature-sensitive products ordered online, such as fresh groceries and pharmaceuticals. Lastly, government initiatives aimed at enhancing food safety, reducing food wastage, and modernizing the agricultural sector have further stimulated growth in the cold chain industry. 

Report Scope of the China Cold Chain Market

China Cold Chain Market Trends:

• Shift Towards Sustainable Practices: There is a growing emphasis on sustainability within the cold chain industry in China. Companies are increasingly investing in eco-friendly refrigeration systems, energy-efficient transportation modes, and packaging materials to minimize environmental impact and reduce carbon emissions.
• Integration of Data Analytics: Data analytics plays a crucial role in optimizing cold chain logistics in China. By leveraging big data analytics and predictive modeling, companies can enhance demand forecasting, route optimization, and inventory management, leading to cost savings and improved operational efficiency.
• Focus on Last-Mile Delivery Solutions: With the rise of e-commerce and on-demand delivery services, there is a heightened focus on developing efficient last-mile delivery solutions in the cold chain sector. Companies are exploring innovative delivery methods such as drones and autonomous vehicles to ensure timely and temperature-controlled delivery of perishable goods to consumers.
• Expansion of Cold Chain Infrastructure: The Chinese government's initiatives to strengthen cold chain infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas, are driving investments in cold storage facilities, refrigerated transportation, and cold chain logistics hubs. This expansion aims to enhance food safety, reduce food wastage, and support the growth of the agricultural sector.
• Growing Demand for Temperature-Sensitive Pharmaceuticals: The increasing demand for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and biologics is driving growth in the pharmaceutical cold chain segment in China. As pharmaceutical companies strive to maintain product efficacy and compliance with regulatory standards, there is a rising need for specialized cold chain logistics services tailored to the pharmaceutical industry.

Type Insights

In terms of type, the storage segment led the market in 2023 and held a revenue share of more than 55%. By Type, the market is segmented into storage, transportation, packaging, and monitoring components. The storage component plays a critical role in the cold chain industry, providing specialized facilities and solutions to maintain perishable food products at optimal low temperatures throughout their journey from production to consumption. This segment is divided into two key categories: reefer containers and warehouses. Several factors, including evolving consumer preferences, population growth, and urbanization, drive the escalating demand for perishable food. In addition, technological advancements have significantly contributed to the increased efficiency and reliability of cold storage solutions, further solidifying their indispensable role in the industry. These temperature-controlled storage systems are paramount in preserving perishable goods' quality, safety, and freshness, such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, and seafood.

Various cold storage facilities are utilized within the storage segment, including refrigerated warehouses, walk-in coolers, freezers, and refrigerated containers for transportation. These sophisticated storage solutions are meticulously designed to maintain temperature-sensitive items within the required range, effectively preventing spoilage, bacterial growth, and degradation in product quality. As the demand for perishable food rises, the storage component's significance in the cold chain becomes even more pronounced. With the relentless pursuit of technological advancements, these temperature-controlled facilities and solutions continuously strive to optimize their capabilities, ensuring the safe and efficient preservation of perishable goods throughout the entire supply chain. This, in turn, reinforces the cold chain industry's ability to meet consumers' expectations for high-quality and fresh products, thereby driving its continued growth and prominence in the marketplace.

The monitoring components segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of 24.34% throughout the forecast period. Monitoring components in temperature-controlled food logistics is indispensable, ensuring that perishable goods consistently maintain the required temperature range throughout transportation, storage, and distribution processes. Several key drivers fuel the market for these monitoring components. One significant factor is the growing emphasis on food safety and quality regulations enforced by governments and regulatory bodies worldwide. In response to these stringent requirements, businesses are adopting advanced monitoring technologies to uphold the integrity of their products throughout the entire supply chain.

Essential components in this domain include advanced temperature sensors, data loggers, real-time tracking systems, and sophisticated software solutions. When integrated harmoniously, these components provide accurate and real-time information regarding temperature-sensitive products' storage and transportation conditions. By constantly monitoring temperature fluctuations and potential deviations, these components play a pivotal role in safeguarding perishable items' quality, safety, and freshness. The increasing adoption of these monitoring components is a strategic move by businesses to meet regulatory standards and gain a competitive edge in the market. Maintaining the desired temperature range is crucial to prevent product spoilage, bacterial growth, and deterioration in quality, all of which can harm consumer trust and brand reputation.

Temperature Range Insights

Based on temperature range, the frozen segment led the market in 2023 with a revenue share of more than 61%. Based on temperature range, the market is segmented into chilled, frozen, and deep frozen. The rapid expansion of e-commerce and online grocery platforms has further emphasized the need for reliable frozen temperature range services. The surge in online food purchases necessitates a seamless cold chain infrastructure to deliver frozen products to consumers' doorsteps while upholding the desired temperature throughout the supply chain. The demand for efficient frozen temperature range logistics is fueled by various factors, including the increasing popularity of frozen meat products due to their longer shelf life, convenience, and wider availability.

The growing trend of frozen bakery items as a convenient choice for consumers has led to a surge in demand for reliable cold chain solutions to ensure their quality and appeal upon delivery. The significance of this temperature range extends to the transportation of frozen bakery items such as cakes and bread. These perishable goods require stringent temperature control from production facilities to distribution centers and ultimately to consumers. Ensuring frozen meat products maintain their required low temperatures, typically below -18°C, is essential to preserve their quality, taste, and safety. The cold chain logistics for frozen meat necessitates specialized refrigerated transport vehicles with advanced temperature control systems. These vehicles maintain a consistently low temperature, safeguarding the meat from spoilage, bacterial growth, and degradation during transit.

Application Insights

The food & beverages segment led the market in 2023 with a revenue share of more than 79%. Based on application, the market is segmented into fruits & vegetables, fruit pulp & concentrates, fish, meat, and seafood, bakery & confectionary, dairy products, processed food, and others. The market is primarily driven by the growing demand for fresh, high-quality, and safe protein sources that significantly influence the need for efficient cold-chain logistics. The expansion of the food service industry, including restaurants, hotels, and catering services, has escalated the demand for a steady and reliable supply of fish, meat, and seafood. The cold chain ensures these establishments receive a consistent stream of premium products, enabling them to cater to their discerning clientele with delectable and high-quality culinary offerings. Furthermore, China's growing appetite for international cuisine and exotic delicacies has intensified the demand for an efficient cold chain network. Importing and exporting fish, meat, and seafood products necessitate stringent temperature-controlled logistics to ensure the safe and timely delivery of these perishables, thereby expanding the sector's importance in trade.

The processed food segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 20.66% throughout the forecast period. The changing consumer lifestyle and preferences have increased demand for convenient, ready-to-eat food options. Processed food caters to these needs, offering a wide range of convenient and easy-to-prepare meals. Secondly, urbanization and busy schedules have resulted in a growing reliance on processed food products, as they provide a quick and accessible solution for consumers with limited time for cooking. In addition, the expansion of the population and the rise of disposable income have further fueled the demand for processed food, especially in emerging economies. Moreover, advancements in food processing technology and packaging techniques have contributed to the growth of the processed food market. These innovations have improved the quality and variety of processed food products, attracting more consumers to choose these convenient options.

China Cold Chain Market Key Companies

• China Merchants Americold Logistics Company Ltd.
• John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Ltd.
• Arcticold Food
• Gaishi Group
• SF Express
• Xianyi Holding Group
• Beijing Ershang Group Co. Ltd.
• Jinjiang International (Group) Co., Ltd.
• NICHIREI CORPORATION
• JD.com

China Cold Chain Market Segmentation:

By Type 

• Storage
  • Facilities
    • Refrigerated Warehouse
    • Private & Semi-Private
    • Public
    • Cold Room
• Equipment
  • Blast Freezer
  • Walk-in Cooler and Freezer
  • Deep Freezer
  • Others
• Transportation
  • Transportation (By Mode)
    • Road
    • Sea
    • Rail
    • Air
• Transportation (By Offering)
  • • Refrigerated Vehicles
    • Refrigerated Containers
• Packaging
  • Crates
  • Insulated Containers & Boxes
    • Large (32 to 66 liters)
    • Medium (21 to 29 liters)
    • Small (10 to 17 liters)
    • X-small (3 to 8 liters)
    • Petite (0.9 to 2.7 liters)
  • Cold Chain bags/vaccine bags
  • Ice Packs
  • Others
• Monitoring Components
  • Hardware
    • Sensors
    • RFID Devices
    • Telematics
    • Networking Devices
• Software
  • On-premise
  • Cloud-based

By Temperature Range 

• Chilled
• Frozen
• Deep Frozen

By Application 

• Food & Beverages
  • Fruits & Vegetables
  • Fruit Pulp & Concentrates
  • Dairy Products
    • Milk
    • Butter
    • Cheese
    • Ice Cream
    • Others
  • Fish, Meat, and Seafood
  • Processed Food
  • Bakery & Confectionary
  • Others
• Pharmaceuticals
  • Vaccines
  • Blood Banking
  • Others
• Others