Perishable Goods Sea Transportation Market Report 2025

The perishable goods sea transportation market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $2.06 billion in 2024 to $2.22 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to globalization of supply chains, increased demand for fresh and frozen foods, stringent quality and safety standards, rise in consumption of exotic foods, government initiatives supporting export, growing importance of cold chain logistics.

The perishable goods sea transportation market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $3.07 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to evolving consumer preferences for freshness, expansion of emerging markets, introduction of advanced packaging solutions, global efforts to reduce food waste, rising demand for organic and locally sourced products. Major trends in the forecast period include technology integration, direct-to-consumer trends, digital platforms for booking and tracking, risk mitigation strategies, adoption of smart technologies in cold chain management, integration of real-time monitoring systems.

The anticipated increase in the global demand for processed food is set to drive the growth of the perishable goods sea transportation market. Processed foods, encompassing various alterations during preparation, such as cooking, freezing, or packaging, are transported via refrigerated ships equipped with air circulation systems to maintain freshness. An article from Soocial in 2022 revealed that one in every five people in the UK consumes prepared meals weekly, with a 41.4% market share for ready-to-eat food in North America. This surge in demand for processed food is a significant driver for the perishable goods sea transportation market.

The expanding e-commerce industry is projected to significantly enhance the growth of the perishable goods sea transportation market in the coming years. E-commerce involves the buying and selling of goods and services through the Internet or other electronic networks. The rise of e-commerce drives the demand for perishable goods sea transportation by requiring reliable and efficient logistics solutions to satisfy online consumers' expectations for timely, diverse, and high-quality perishable products. For example, in May 2024, the United States Census Bureau, a US-based government agency, reported that e-commerce sales increased by 8.5% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, representing 15.6% of total retail sales, which rose by 2.8% year over year. Therefore, the growing e-commerce sector is propelling the growth of the perishable goods sea transportation market.

A notable trend in the perishable goods sea transportation market is the adoption of technological advancements in freight management. Major industry players are integrating cutting-edge technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), radio frequency identification, machine learning, and cloud-based security solutions to enhance the efficiency of transporting perishable goods. Kuehne + Nagel International AG, a Switzerland-based logistics company, introduced the Seaexplorer disruption indicator in January 2022, providing insights, analytics, and trend information on sea freight disruptions, empowering customers to predict and plan for potential supply chain impacts.

Leading companies in the perishable goods sea transportation market are investing in advanced technologies such as freight movement technology to expand their customer base and increase revenue. Freight movement technology involves the application of technological solutions to optimize the transportation of goods across the supply chain. In March 2023, ArcBest Corporation, a US-based transport company, launched Vaux - a hardware and software combination revolutionizing freight processes by facilitating rapid unloading and comprehensive visibility into freight movement across warehouse facilities. This technology enhances efficiency and coordination in warehouse operations.

In July 2023, Seafrigo, a France-based logistics company that specializes in temperature-controlled supply chain solutions, acquired Perishable Movements Limited (PML) for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition is intended to enhance Seafrigo's service offerings, expand its geographic reach, improve operational efficiency, and bolster its position within the temperature-controlled logistics sector. Perishable Movements Limited (PML) is a UK-based logistics and transportation company focused on the handling and movement of perishable goods.

Major companies operating in the perishable goods sea transportation market include A.P. Moller - Maersk A/S, C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc., CMA CGM Group, Deutsche Post DHL Group, DSV Panalpina A/S, Kuehne + Nagel International AG, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd., Orient Overseas Container Line, Schenker AG, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, COSCO Shipping Co. Ltd., Hanson Logistics Ltd., Hapag-Lloyd AG, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics SE and Co KG, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A., Seatrade Reefer Chartering NV, Seaboard Marine Ltd., Swire Pacific Cold Storage Ltd., ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd., Crowley Maritime Corporation, Hamburg Sud.

North America was the largest region in the perishable goods sea transportation market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the perishable goods sea transportation market report during the forecast period. The regions covered in the perishable goods sea transportation market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the perishable goods sea transportation market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Perishable goods sea transportation involves the shipment of temperature-sensitive goods by sea using refrigerated ships equipped with proper air circulation systems and temperature-controlled intermodal cargo containers.

The two main types of sea transportation for perishable goods are domestic transportation and outbound transportation. Domestic transportation pertains to the movement of perishable goods within the national borders of a country. When categorized by order type, perishable goods transportation is further divided into export and import orders. These transportation services are utilized for shipping various perishable goods, including meat, chicken, fish, shellfish, vegetables and fruits, bread, candy, snacks, dairy products, frozen desserts, and other perishable items.

The perishable goods sea transportation market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides perishable goods sea transportation market statistics, including perishable goods sea transportation industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a perishable goods sea transportation market share, detailed perishable goods sea transportation market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the perishable goods sea transportation industry. This perishable goods sea transportation market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The perishable goods sea transportation market includes revenues earned by entities by transporting products such as dairy products, and raw meats with various transportation options including a dry van, and refrigerated freight. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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