China Cold Chain Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Storage, Transportation), By Temperature Range (Chilled, Frozen), By Application, By City, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

The China cold chain market size is expected to reach USD 32.46 billion by 2030. The market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 18.8% from 2023 to 2030. The cold chain market refers to a specialized and integrated supply chain system that focuses on the transportation, storage, and handling of temperature-sensitive goods to maintain their freshness, quality, and safety. It is designed to preserve the required temperature conditions for perishable products, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive items, throughout their entire journey from production to consumption.

In the cold chain market, various temperature-controlled logistics solutions, including refrigerated trucks, warehouses, and containers, are employed to ensure the products remain within the specified temperature range, typically below certain thresholds like 2°C to 8°C for pharmaceuticals and below -18°C for frozen food. This careful management of temperature is essential to prevent spoilage, bacterial growth, and degradation of the products, safeguarding their integrity and safety.

In the evolving cold chain market, RFID technology has emerged as a pivotal driver, playing a crucial role in enhancing visibility and efficiency throughout the entire process. The challenges of maintaining optimal product temperatures during transportation and storage have been met with innovative solutions, and the adoption of data analytics and AI has revolutionized supply chain management. By processing and analyzing vast amounts of data collected from various sources, companies can optimize their operations, anticipate potential issues, and gain valuable insights to enhance overall efficiency.

The convergence of these technological advancements has transformed the landscape, facilitating more efficient and reliable transportation and storage of temperature-sensitive goods. This technological synergy empowers businesses to streamline their processes, minimize wastage, and ensure that perishable items reach consumers in their freshest and highest-quality state. Moreover, the Chinese Government has taken a proactive approach to stimulating the growth of the cold chain market by implementing stringent regulations and food safety standards.


The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the market. This market encompasses the transportation, storage, and distribution of temperature-controlled food products. Due to the pandemic, there has been a notable shift in consumer behavior towards online grocery shopping and home delivery, resulting in an increased demand for cold chain logistics services. The food supply chain, a complex network involving farmers, processors, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers, has experienced disruptions at every stage, reducing demand for temperature-controlled goods.

Among the temperature-sensitive products, fruits and vegetables have been particularly affected, necessitating careful handling and transportation to maintain their freshness and safety. The closure of restaurants and reduced international trade due to travel restrictions have significantly diminished the demand for these perishable items. Consequently, many farmers have faced challenges selling their produce, incurring substantial losses in the agriculture industry. Moreover, the decreased demand for temperature-controlled products has resulted in increased food wastage, leading to additional economic and environmental concerns.

The cold chain market in China is highly competitive. Major players invest in research & development (R&D) to drive innovation. Some prominent players include John Swire & Sons (H. K.) Ltd., Arcticold Food., Gaishi Group, S. F. Express, Xianyi Holding Group, and Beijing Ershang Group Co. Ltd. These major players are adopting different development strategies such as expansion, mergers & acquisitions, product launches, and others to expand their presence and market share in the market. Along with key strategies, these players are introducing new features to improve the customer experience.

In July 2022, Yum China Holdings, Inc. announced the construction of a 61,000 square meter providing supply chain support to Yum China's restaurants in eastern China. The newly established facility will serve as a crucial integrated cold chain transit hub for the entire region, bolstering the company's operations throughout the country. The facility's features include ambient temperature storage, cold-chain storage, well-equipped office space, and other essential supporting facilities to ensure seamless and efficient logistics operations.

China Cold Chain Market Report Highlights

• The cold chain market refers to a specialized and integrated supply chain system that focuses on the transportation, storage, and handling of temperature-sensitive goods to maintain their freshness, quality, and safety
• Based on type, the monitoring components segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 24.3% over 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
• Based on temperature range, the frozen segment dominated the market in 2022 with a revenue share of 59.3% and it is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 20.0% from 2023 to 2030. 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
• Based on application, the pharmaceuticals segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 20.6% over the forecast period