Europe Cold Chain Market Outlook, 2029

The cold chain logistics network in Europe is highly complex and interconnected, involving a multitude of stakeholders, including suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors, retailers, and logistics providers. This intricate network ensures the seamless movement of temperature-sensitive goods across borders. Europe boasts one of the most robust pharmaceutical supply chains globally. The region plays a central role in the production and distribution of vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive medicines, with advanced cold chain infrastructure to maintain product integrity. The voice of the cold storage sector in Europe is the European Cold Storage and Logistics Association (ECSLA).

The organisation's main goal is to support members in cutting operating expenses while also helping warehouse and logistics operators operate better. With a combined capacity of over 60 million m3 of cold storage, thousands of cold stores have their interests directly and indirectly represented by ECSLA. Europe is at the forefront of adopting innovative technologies in temperature-controlled transportation. From refrigerated trucks equipped with advanced monitoring systems to specialised containers for sea and air freight, the industry continually embraces technological advancements. The growth of e-commerce has significantly influenced the cold chain logistics landscape in Europe.

Online grocery shopping and the demand for perishable goods delivered to homes have driven the need for efficient last-mile delivery solutions with temperature-controlled vehicles. Europe's open borders and the free movement of goods across EU member states contribute to the efficiency of cross-border cold chain logistics. This facilitates the smooth transportation of temperature-sensitive goods between countries, supporting international trade. Europe boasts one of the most robust pharmaceutical supply chains globally. The region plays a central role in the production and distribution of vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive medicines, with advanced cold chain infrastructure to maintain product integrity.

According to the research report 'Europe Cold Chain Logistic Market Outlook, 2029', the Europe Cold Chain Logistic market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 170 Billion by 2029. The cold chain logistics market in Europe is significantly influenced by the perishable food supply chain. It supports the transportation of fresh produce, dairy products, meat, and other perishable items, meeting consumer demand for high-quality and fresh food products year-round. The openness of borders within the European Union (EU) facilitates cross-border trade. The demand for cold chain logistics is driven by the need to transport temperature-sensitive goods seamlessly between EU member states and other international markets.

Europe's commitment to sustainability influences the cold chain logistics sector. Companies are adopting eco-friendly practices, including energy-efficient refrigeration systems, green packaging, and sustainable transportation options, aligning with environmental goals. Europe plays a crucial role in global vaccine distribution. The demand for cold chain logistics has surged, particularly during health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, as the region contributes to the production and export of vaccines to address international public health needs. Europe has stringent regulatory standards governing the transportation and storage of temperature-sensitive goods, especially in the pharmaceutical and food sectors. Compliance with these standards drives the demand for cold chain logistics services that ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.

Major Drivers

• Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Growth: The pharmaceutical and healthcare industries in Europe are major contributors to the demand for cold chain logistics. With the increasing production and distribution of temperature-sensitive medicines, vaccines, and biopharmaceuticals, there is a growing need for specialised cold chain solutions to maintain product efficacy.
• Perishable Food Supply Chain: Europe's robust agricultural sector and the demand for fresh and perishable food items drive the cold chain logistics market. The need to transport and store fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meat at controlled temperatures is essential for preserving quality and reducing food waste.

Major Challenges

• Temperature Variability: Europe experiences diverse climates, from subarctic to Mediterranean. Managing temperature variability across different regions poses a challenge for maintaining the integrity of temperature-sensitive goods during transportation and storage.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Despite advancements, some regions in Europe still face infrastructure gaps in terms of cold storage facilities, transportation networks, and last-mile delivery capabilities. These gaps can limit the seamless flow of temperature-sensitive goods across the supply chain.

Major Opportunity

• Expanding E-commerce and Online Grocery: The growth of e-commerce and online grocery shopping in Europe presents a substantial opportunity for the cold chain logistics market. The demand for the temperature-controlled transportation and delivery of perishable goods, including fresh produce and frozen items, is on the rise.
• Sustainable Practices and Green Logistics: The growing emphasis on sustainability in Europe creates opportunities for cold chain logistics providers to adopt eco-friendly practices. Investing in energy-efficient infrastructure, green packaging, and sustainable transportation options aligns with environmental goals and enhances market competitiveness.

Based on the types, they are segmented into Refrigerated Warehouse and Refrigerated Transport. Among them, refrigeration warehouses lead the market. In terms of temperature types, they are segmented into frozen and chilled.

Europe is a major hub for pharmaceutical production and distribution. Refrigerated warehouses are crucial for storing pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and biopharmaceuticals at precise temperatures to ensure their efficacy and safety. The increasing demand for temperature-controlled storage in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors drives the prominence of refrigerated warehouses. The popularity of frozen food items, such as frozen fruits, vegetables, seafood, and ready-to-eat meals, contributes to the need for refrigerated storage.

Refrigerated warehouses are equipped to handle a wide range of frozen products, ensuring that they remain at the required temperatures throughout the storage period. The bakery and confectionery industry in Europe relies on refrigerated storage for products that require temperature control, such as cakes, pastries, and chocolate. Refrigerated warehouses maintain the texture, freshness, and quality of these temperature-sensitive items throughout the supply chain. In Europe, chilled temperature types significantly contribute to the market. Consumers in Europe are placing a growing emphasis on fresh and high-quality food products.

The chilled temperature segment caters to the transportation and storage needs of fresh produce, dairy, and other perishable goods, meeting the demand for products with shorter shelf lives. The variety of chilled food categories has expanded, including items like pre-packaged salads, fresh juices, deli meats, and ready-to-eat meals. This diversification of chilled food products has led to an increased need for specialised cold chain logistics that can maintain the specific temperatures required for these items.

According to the report, the technology is bifurcated into dry ice, gel packs, eutectic plates, liquid nitrogen, and quilts; in Europe, dry ice is the majorly dominant segment. Based on the application, it is segmented into dairy and frozen desserts, pharmaceuticals, processed food, meat, fish, and seafood, bakery and confectionery, fruits and vegetables, and others.

Pharmaceutical and healthcare-related goods transportation is a major focus of the European cold chain logistics business. In order to maintain the necessary low temperatures throughout the transportation of vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, and other medical products, dry ice is regarded as a dependable and practical alternative. In order to improve the effectiveness and dependability of cold chain logistics, the industry culture promotes innovation and the implementation of cutting-edge technology. Dry ice is regarded as a technologically advanced option that fits with the culture of embracing innovation to satisfy the changing requirements of the market because of its capacity to offer extremely low temperatures.

In Europe, meat, fish, and seafood significantly contribute to the market. European consumers place a strong emphasis on the freshness and quality of meat, fish, and seafood products. Cold chain logistics ensures that these products are transported and stored at optimal temperatures, preserving their freshness and meeting consumer expectations. Meat, fish, and seafood are highly perishable products that require specific temperature conditions to prevent spoilage and maintain safety for consumption. Cold chain logistics helps control temperatures throughout the supply chain, from production to distribution.

Europe is a significant player in the international trade of meat, fish, and seafood products. Cold chain logistics facilitates the export and import of these goods, ensuring that they meet regulatory standards and quality requirements during cross-border transportation. Europe attracts a significant number of tourists, many of whom seek unique culinary experiences. The demand for diverse and fresh meat, fish, and seafood in restaurants and hospitality establishments contributes to the reliance on cold chain logistics to maintain high-quality standards.

Based on the report, the major countries covered in the report include Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and the rest of Europe.

Germany is strategically located in the heart of Europe, making it a central hub for transportation and logistics. Its geographical position allows for efficient distribution networks, facilitating the movement of goods across European countries. Germany boasts a well-developed and efficient logistics infrastructure, including a dense network of roads, railways, and ports. This infrastructure is critical for the seamless transportation of goods, including those requiring cold chain logistics. Germany has one of the largest and strongest economies in Europe.

The country's economic strength contributes to a high level of industrial and commercial activities, including the production and distribution of goods that may require cold chain logistics. The country is a major player in global trade and exports. The country's export-oriented economy means that it plays a significant role in the international supply chain. Cold chain logistics is crucial for the transportation of goods, including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and perishable items, to global markets.

Germany is a manufacturing powerhouse, producing a wide range of goods, including automotive products, machinery, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Many of these products have specific temperature requirements during transportation, driving the demand for cold chain logistics. The country has a robust pharmaceutical industry. The transportation of pharmaceuticals often requires precise temperature control, and the country's leadership in this sector contributes to the demand for advanced cold chain logistics solutions.

The Europe cold chain logistics market is experiencing continuous growth due to ongoing technological advancements and improvements in cold chain infrastructure worldwide. The market is witnessing a steady rise in research-related initiatives and investments by key players resulting in improved technology, a better supply chain, and new product and service launches. The leading vendors are focusing on strategic alliances, partnerships, and geographical expansion to strengthen their market position.

The cold chain industry is highly competitive and companies are undertaking strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, expansions, and product developments to gain a competitive edge. For instance, in March 2023, Americold Logistics, Inc. announced the expansion of its facility in Spain. The expansion aimed to add 12,000 pallet positions and 11 loading bays in Barcelona, offering order preparation, storage, transportation, and value-added services across Europe.

Considered in this report

• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report

• UAE market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Class

• Small UAVs
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• Strategic UAVs
• Combat UAVs

By Type

• Fixed Wing
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• Hybrid

By Application

• Military
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By Range

• Visual Line Of Sight (VLOS)
• Extended Visual Line Of Sight (EVLOS)
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The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organisations related to the UAE industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.


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