Middle East & Africa Cold Chain Market Outlook, 2029

As a pivotal component of the supply chain, cold chain logistics in the MEA region addresses the intricate requirements of transporting and storing temperature-sensitive goods, ranging from pharmaceuticals and healthcare products to perishable food items. The MEA region's cold chain sector plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between producers and consumers, ensuring the preservation of product integrity and safety throughout the journey from origin to destination. With a burgeoning population, economic growth, and an increasing focus on healthcare and food safety, the demand for efficient and reliable cold chain solutions is escalating.

The MEA region experiences extreme temperatures, ranging from scorching desert heat to cooler mountainous regions. This poses unique challenges for maintaining the cold chain, requiring innovative solutions and technologies to address temperature differentials. The MEA region comprises diverse landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and coastal areas. Cold chain logistics must adapt to these diverse environments, reflecting the geographical complexity of the region. The growth of e-commerce is transforming cold chain logistics in the MEA region. Consumers' increasing reliance on online shopping and demand for fresh and frozen goods necessitate a robust and efficient cold chain infrastructure.

Governments in the Middle East and Africa have been emphasising the need for efficient cold chain logistics to support the distribution of vaccines, medicines, and other temperature-sensitive healthcare products. Initiatives may involve investments in cold storage facilities, transportation infrastructure, and technology to ensure the integrity of medical supplies. Furthermore, governments invest in building and upgrading cold storage facilities, refrigerated transportation, and related infrastructure. This includes the construction of modern warehouses equipped with advanced temperature control systems to support the entire cold chain process.

According to the research report, 'Middle East and Africa Cold Chain Logistic Market Outlook, 2028', the Middle East and Africa Cold Chain Logistic market is anticipated to grow with more than 14% CAGR from 2023-2028. The expansion of the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors in the MEA region drives the demand for cold chain logistics. The need for temperature-controlled storage and transportation of vaccines, medicines, and other healthcare products is critical for maintaining their efficacy. The MEA region serves as a vital hub for global vaccine distribution, especially during health crises.

Cold chain logistics is essential for preserving the integrity of vaccines and ensuring their efficient distribution to various countries within the region and beyond. Urbanisation and changing consumer habits, including a demand for convenience and a wider variety of food products, drive the need for cold chain logistics. The cold chain supports the efficient distribution of temperature-sensitive goods to meet evolving consumer preferences. Cold chain logistics plays a critical role in responding to humanitarian needs, particularly during crisis situations.

The efficient distribution of medical supplies, vaccines, and relief goods requires a well-established and responsive cold chain infrastructure. Certain countries in the MEA region, such as the United Arab Emirates, serve as global trade hubs. The demand for cold chain logistics is driven by the need to facilitate the import and export of temperature-sensitive goods, connecting the region with international markets.

Major Drivers

• Global Trade Connectivity: Certain countries in the MEA region, such as the United Arab Emirates, serve as global trade hubs. The demand for cold chain logistics is driven by the need to facilitate the import and export of temperature-sensitive goods, connecting the region with international markets.
• Consumer Demand for Convenience: Changing consumer habits, including a preference for convenient shopping experiences and a wider variety of food products, contribute to the demand for cold chain logistics. The cold chain supports the distribution of diverse temperature-sensitive goods to meet evolving consumer preferences.

Major Challenges

• Temperature Extremes: The MEA region experiences extreme temperatures, ranging from scorching heat in desert areas to cooler temperatures in mountainous regions. Managing the cold chain amidst these temperature extremes requires sophisticated technology and innovative solutions to ensure product integrity.
• Security Concerns: Security issues, including theft and tampering, can impact the safety and reliability of the cold chain. Ensuring the security of temperature-sensitive goods during transportation and storage is crucial but can be challenging in certain regions with security risks.

Major Opportunity

• E-commerce Growth and Fresh Food Delivery: The rising popularity of e-commerce in the region, coupled with the demand for fresh and frozen goods, creates opportunities for cold chain logistics providers. Meeting the needs of online shoppers for timely and safe delivery of temperature-sensitive products presents a lucrative market segment.
• Sustainable Cold Chain Solutions: The growing emphasis on sustainability creates opportunities for businesses to develop and offer eco-friendly cold chain logistics solutions. Implementing energy-efficient technologies and adopting sustainable practices align with global environmental goals.

Based on the types, they are segmented into Refrigerated Warehouse and Refrigerated Transport. Among them, in the Middle East and Africa, refrigeration transport significantly contributes to the market. In terms of temperature types, they are segmented into frozen and chilled.

The rise in consumer demand for fresh and perishable goods, including fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat products, is driving the need for refrigerated transportation. This demand is fueled by changing dietary preferences, urbanization, and a growing middle class in certain parts of the MEA region. Certain countries in the MEA region are significant exporters of perishable goods, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers. To maintain the quality and freshness of these products during international transportation, refrigerated containers and vehicles are essential, driving the growth of refrigerated transportation in the export sector.

Ongoing infrastructure development, including the construction of modern logistics hubs and cold storage facilities, is supporting the growth of refrigerated transportation. Improved infrastructure facilitates the seamless movement of temperature-sensitive goods across the region. Furthermore, as the temperature types in the Middle East and Africa are growing, urbanisation is associated with busier lifestyles and a preference for convenience. Chilled products, such as pre-packaged salads, fresh fruits, and refrigerated beverages, align with the convenience factor, catering to urban consumers with limited time for meal preparation.

Recognising the growing demand for chilled products, there have been investments in cold chain infrastructure. This includes the development of refrigerated warehouses, transportation fleets with cooling capabilities, and advanced temperature monitoring systems. The growth of the middle-class population in certain parts of the MEA region has led to an increase in disposable income. As a result, consumers are willing to pay a premium for convenience and higher-quality products, including chilled and fresh goods.

According to the report, the technology is bifurcated into dry ice, gel packs, eutectic plates, liquid nitrogen, and quilts. In the Middle East and Africa, gel packs significantly contribute to the market. 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.

The pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors in the MEA region often deal with temperature-sensitive medications and vaccines. Gel packs are used to maintain the required temperature range during transportation, ensuring the efficacy and safety of pharmaceutical products. Gel packs are employed in the transportation of chilled and perishable food products, including fresh produce, dairy items, and ready-to-eat meals. Maintaining a consistent and cool temperature is crucial to preserving the quality and safety of these products. Some gel packs are designed to be reusable and environmentally friendly.

As sustainability becomes a focus in logistics practices, the demand for eco-friendly gel packs that minimise waste and environmental impact is on the rise. Businesses in the MEA region are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of maintaining a robust cold chain. Gel packs are part of the best practices adopted by logistics providers to ensure the quality and safety of temperature-sensitive products. Furthermore, fruits and vegetables significantly contribute to the demand of the cold chain logistics market; maintaining a controlled and consistent temperature throughout the supply chain helps extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.

Cold chain logistics solutions, including refrigerated transportation and storage, slow down the ripening process and inhibit the growth of microorganisms, preserving the produce for a longer period of time. Post-harvest losses are a significant concern in the agricultural sector. Cold Chain Logistics helps minimise these losses by reducing spoilage, decay, and waste during transportation and storage, thereby improving overall supply chain efficiency.

Based on the report, the major countries covered in the report include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the rest of the Middle East and Africa.

Saudi Arabia contributes to the market. Saudi Arabia has been experiencing growth in its pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. The demand for temperature-controlled storage and transportation of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and biopharmaceuticals is a key driver of the cold chain logistics market. Saudi Arabia plays a crucial role as a distribution hub for vaccines, especially during health crises. The transportation and distribution of vaccines require a robust cold chain infrastructure, making the country integral to regional and global vaccine distribution efforts.

The growth of retail and supermarket chains in Saudi Arabia has increased the demand for a consistent and reliable supply of fresh products. Cold Chain Logistics ensures that these retailers receive regular and quality supplies of perishable goods. Saudi Arabia has been making significant investments in cold chain infrastructure, including the construction of modern warehouses, refrigerated transportation facilities, and storage solutions. These investments contribute to the overall growth and efficiency of the cold chain logistics market.

The rapid urbanisation of Saudi Arabia has led to changing lifestyles, with an increased demand for convenient and fresh food products. Cold Chain Logistics supports the timely delivery of fresh produce to urban centers. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims at economic diversification and reducing dependence on oil, has led to increased investments in various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and logistics. This diversification has contributed to the growth of the cold chain logistics market.

The Middle East and Africa 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
• Tactical UAVs
• Strategic UAVs
• Combat UAVs

By Type

• Fixed Wing
• Rotary Wing
• Hybrid

By Application

• Military
• Commercial
• Government & Law
• Consumer

By Range

• Visual Line Of Sight (VLOS)
• Extended Visual Line Of Sight (EVLOS)
• Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS)

By Mode of Operation

• Remotely Piloted
• Optionally Piloted
• Fully Autonomous

By MTOW(Maximum TakeOff Weight)

• < 25 KG
• 25-170 KG
• >170 KG

By System

• Platform
• Payload
• Datalink
• Ground Control Station
• Launch & Recovery System

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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