GITNUXREPORT 2026

Cold Storage Industry Statistics

The global cold storage industry is booming, with unprecedented growth projected across every major region worldwide.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

Global cold storage capacity grew by 5.2% annually from 2018-2023, reaching 1.2 billion cubic meters.

Statistic 2

U.S. cold storage capacity totaled 2.2 billion cubic feet in 2023, with 92% utilization rate.

Statistic 3

India has 8,000 cold storage facilities with 40 million metric tons capacity as of 2023.

Statistic 4

China boasts over 200 million cubic meters of cold storage space in 2023, 85% utilized.

Statistic 5

Europe cold storage capacity stands at 25 million pallet positions in 2022, utilization at 88%.

Statistic 6

Brazil cold storage capacity reached 1.5 million cubic meters in 2023, 75% occupancy.

Statistic 7

U.S. public refrigerated warehouses number 1,400 with 500 million sq ft total space in 2023.

Statistic 8

Global reefer container capacity increased to 6.5 million TEU in 2023, utilization 95% peak.

Statistic 9

Japan cold storage facilities total 1,200 with 15 million cubic meters capacity, 90% used.

Statistic 10

Southeast Asia cold storage capacity grew 12% YoY to 10 million pallet spaces in 2023.

Statistic 11

U.S. cold storage vacancy rate dropped to 4.5% in Q4 2023 from 7% in 2022.

Statistic 12

Global cold storage construction added 50 million sq ft between 2020-2023.

Statistic 13

Netherlands cold storage capacity is 8 million cubic meters, highest density in Europe at 450 m3 per 1,000 people.

Statistic 14

Mexico cold storage capacity totals 2.5 million pallet positions in 2023, 82% utilized.

Statistic 15

UAE cold storage facilities provide 1.2 million cubic meters, utilization 93% in 2023.

Statistic 16

U.S. holds 40% of North American cold storage capacity at 2.8 billion cu ft in 2023.

Statistic 17

Global cold storage capacity utilization averaged 89% in 2023, up from 85% in 2020.

Statistic 18

Canada cold storage space totals 450 million cu ft across 450 facilities in 2023.

Statistic 19

South Korea cold storage capacity is 12 million tons, 91% utilization rate.

Statistic 20

Worldwide, 65% of cold storage capacity is temperature-controlled below -18°C for frozen goods.

Statistic 21

Nigeria cold storage capacity utilization 70%, market $1.2 billion.

Statistic 22

Poland cold storage 4 million pallet spaces, 87% full.

Statistic 23

Singapore cold storage 800,000 m³, 96% utilization.

Statistic 24

Egypt added 200,000 MT cold storage in 2023.

Statistic 25

Spain cold storage capacity 5 million m³.

Statistic 26

Vietnam cold storage growth 18% to 2 million m³.

Statistic 27

Italy 3,200 facilities, 12 million m³ capacity.

Statistic 28

Turkey cold storage 1.8 million tons capacity.

Statistic 29

Argentina 1 million m³, 80% utilization.

Statistic 30

New Zealand 1.5 million m³ capacity.

Statistic 31

Philippines 500 cold stores, 1.2 million pallet capacity.

Statistic 32

Food and beverage segment occupies 55% of global cold storage capacity in 2023.

Statistic 33

Pharmaceuticals use 20% of cold storage worldwide, valued at $50 billion market.

Statistic 34

Dairy products account for 25% of U.S. cold storage utilization.

Statistic 35

Meat and seafood represent 35% of Europe's cold chain volume.

Statistic 36

Fruits and vegetables hold 40% capacity in India's cold storages.

Statistic 37

Vaccines require 15% of pharma cold chain, 2-8°C controlled.

Statistic 38

Beverages segment grew 18% in cold storage demand 2020-2023 globally.

Statistic 39

Frozen foods occupy 60% of U.S. household cold storage purchases.

Statistic 40

Chemicals and biotech use 10% of cold storage for -80°C freezers.

Statistic 41

Poultry products 28% of Brazil cold storage capacity.

Statistic 42

Flowers and perishables 12% in Dutch cold storages.

Statistic 43

E-commerce groceries drive 22% increase in food cold storage.

Statistic 44

Blood products utilize 5% of healthcare cold chain globally.

Statistic 45

Ice cream and desserts 15% of Asia-Pacific cold storage.

Statistic 46

Processed meats 32% in China's cold warehouses.

Statistic 47

Fresh produce 45% in Australia cold storage.

Statistic 48

Fish products 50% Nordic cold chains.

Statistic 49

Bakery goods 18% U.S. refrigerated space.

Statistic 50

Organ transplants 3% specialized ultra-cold.

Statistic 51

Confectionery 10% Europe summer peaks.

Statistic 52

Lab samples 8% life sciences cold storage.

Statistic 53

Ready meals 28% UK cold chain volume.

Statistic 54

Spirits and wine 12% premium cold storage.

Statistic 55

Cosmetics 5% temp-sensitive pharma-like.

Statistic 56

Pet food 15% growing segment globally.

Statistic 57

Electronics components 4% high-value cold.

Statistic 58

The global cold storage market size was valued at USD 237.67 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 836.71 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 14.1%.

Statistic 59

U.S. cold storage market revenue amounted to $36.5 billion in 2022, with a projected CAGR of 11.2% through 2028.

Statistic 60

Asia-Pacific cold chain market was valued at $105.4 billion in 2023, expected to grow at 16.5% CAGR to $325 billion by 2030.

Statistic 61

Europe's cold storage sector generated €45.2 billion in revenue in 2022, with 9.8% annual growth forecasted.

Statistic 62

Indian cold storage market stood at INR 1.2 lakh crore in 2023, projected to hit INR 3.5 lakh crore by 2028 at 24% CAGR.

Statistic 63

Global refrigerated warehousing market size was $175 billion in 2022, anticipated to expand at 13.4% CAGR to 2030.

Statistic 64

China cold chain logistics market reached CNY 500 billion in 2023, with 15% YoY growth.

Statistic 65

Latin America cold storage market valued at $12.8 billion in 2022, growing at 12.1% CAGR.

Statistic 66

Middle East & Africa cold chain market size hit $8.5 billion in 2023, projected 14.2% CAGR to $22 billion by 2030.

Statistic 67

Australian cold storage industry revenue was AUD 4.2 billion in 2022, with 10.5% growth expected.

Statistic 68

Global cold storage market projected to grow at 16.8% CAGR to $650 billion by 2032.

Statistic 69

U.S. cold storage market expected to reach $55 billion by 2027 at 10% CAGR.

Statistic 70

Japan cold chain market valued at JPY 2.5 trillion in 2023, 11% growth.

Statistic 71

South Korea cold storage revenue KRW 15 trillion in 2023.

Statistic 72

France cold storage market €6.8 billion in 2022.

Statistic 73

Global cold chain packaging market $25 billion in 2023, 13% CAGR.

Statistic 74

North America accounts for 28% of global cold storage capacity with 650 million sq m in 2023.

Statistic 75

Asia-Pacific region holds 45% of world cold storage facilities, over 15,000 sites in 2023.

Statistic 76

Europe has 4,500 cold storage warehouses totaling 20 million sq m floor space.

Statistic 77

U.S. South region added 15 million sq ft cold storage since 2020, leading growth.

Statistic 78

India Eastern region has 25% of national cold storage capacity at 10 million MT.

Statistic 79

China Yangtze River Delta region controls 40% of national cold chain capacity.

Statistic 80

Middle East cold storage growth led by Saudi Arabia with 30% capacity increase 2020-2023.

Statistic 81

Brazil Southeast region has 60% of country's cold storage at 900,000 m³.

Statistic 82

Australia Victoria state holds 35% of national cold storage capacity.

Statistic 83

Germany leads EU with 3.5 million pallet positions in cold storage.

Statistic 84

Southeast Asia's Indonesia added 500,000 m³ cold storage capacity in 2023.

Statistic 85

U.S. Midwest region utilization at 95%, highest nationally in 2023.

Statistic 86

Russia cold storage capacity 8 million tons, concentrated in Moscow region 50%.

Statistic 87

South Africa holds 70% of Africa's cold storage capacity at 1.2 million m³.

Statistic 88

Japan Tokyo area has 40% of national cold storage space.

Statistic 89

Mexico Bajio region growth 20% in cold storage capacity 2022-2023.

Statistic 90

UK cold storage concentrated in Midlands with 25% of total capacity.

Statistic 91

Thailand Bangkok region 55% of country's cold chain infrastructure.

Statistic 92

Africa total cold storage 5 million m³, low 2% of global.

Statistic 93

GCC countries 2.5 million m³, Saudi 40% share.

Statistic 94

Indonesia Java island 70% national capacity.

Statistic 95

U.S. California 20% national cold storage space.

Statistic 96

Russia Siberia region 25% capacity for exports.

Statistic 97

Malaysia Peninsular 80% of cold storage.

Statistic 98

Chile central valley 50% capacity.

Statistic 99

Sweden northern regions 30% for seafood.

Statistic 100

Pakistan Punjab 60% cold storage.

Statistic 101

UAE Dubai 65% of national capacity.

Statistic 102

Bangladesh Dhaka 50% capacity.

Statistic 103

Colombia Antioquia region leading growth.

Statistic 104

Automation adoption in cold storage reached 45% by 2023 globally.

Statistic 105

IoT sensors deployed in 60% of new cold storages for temp monitoring in 2023.

Statistic 106

Energy costs represent 40% of cold storage operating expenses worldwide.

Statistic 107

Solar-powered cold storages increased 25% in India 2022-2023.

Statistic 108

AI predictive maintenance reduces downtime by 30% in cold chains.

Statistic 109

Blockchain tracking implemented in 35% of pharma cold chains by 2023.

Statistic 110

Average cold storage energy efficiency improved 15% with LED lighting retrofits.

Statistic 111

Robotic picking systems in 20% of large cold warehouses, boosting throughput 40%.

Statistic 112

5G connectivity enables real-time monitoring in 50% of new facilities.

Statistic 113

CO2 refrigeration systems adopted in 55% of Europe cold storages, reducing HFCs.

Statistic 114

Drone inventory checks cut labor 25% in open cold yards.

Statistic 115

Data centers for cold chain analytics grew 300% since 2020.

Statistic 116

Vacuum insulated panels used in 70% new builds, improving insulation 30%.

Statistic 117

Mobile apps for cold chain visibility used by 65% operators.

Statistic 118

Renewable energy powers 18% of global cold storages in 2023.

Statistic 119

R&D analytics forecast 20% cold storage demand rise by 2030.

Statistic 120

Workforce shortages hit 25% in cold storage operations 2023.

Statistic 121

Edge computing in 40% facilities for faster alerts.

Statistic 122

Natural refrigerants market $10B, 25% adoption growth.

Statistic 123

AR glasses for picking improve accuracy 35%.

Statistic 124

Hydrogen fuel cells piloted in 10% large sites.

Statistic 125

Digital twins model 30% energy savings.

Statistic 126

Wearable tech monitors worker safety in 50% sites.

Statistic 127

Quantum sensors for ultra-precise temp control emerging.

Statistic 128

Sustainability reporting mandatory in 70% EU cold chains.

1/128

Sources

Trusted by 500+ publications

+497

From a quarter-trillion dollar industry to a trillion-dollar behemoth by 2030, these statistics reveal a global cold storage sector operating at a fever pitch to keep pace with our insatiable demand for everything from groceries to vaccines.

Key Takeaways

The global cold storage market size was valued at USD 237.67 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 836.71 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 14.1%.
U.S. cold storage market revenue amounted to $36.5 billion in 2022, with a projected CAGR of 11.2% through 2028.
Asia-Pacific cold chain market was valued at $105.4 billion in 2023, expected to grow at 16.5% CAGR to $325 billion by 2030.
Global cold storage capacity grew by 5.2% annually from 2018-2023, reaching 1.2 billion cubic meters.
U.S. cold storage capacity totaled 2.2 billion cubic feet in 2023, with 92% utilization rate.
India has 8,000 cold storage facilities with 40 million metric tons capacity as of 2023.
North America accounts for 28% of global cold storage capacity with 650 million sq m in 2023.
Asia-Pacific region holds 45% of world cold storage facilities, over 15,000 sites in 2023.
Europe has 4,500 cold storage warehouses totaling 20 million sq m floor space.
Food and beverage segment occupies 55% of global cold storage capacity in 2023.
Pharmaceuticals use 20% of cold storage worldwide, valued at $50 billion market.
Dairy products account for 25% of U.S. cold storage utilization.
Automation adoption in cold storage reached 45% by 2023 globally.
IoT sensors deployed in 60% of new cold storages for temp monitoring in 2023.
Energy costs represent 40% of cold storage operating expenses worldwide.

The global cold storage industry is booming, with unprecedented growth projected across every major region worldwide.

Capacity and Utilization

Global cold storage capacity grew by 5.2% annually from 2018-2023, reaching 1.2 billion cubic meters.
U.S. cold storage capacity totaled 2.2 billion cubic feet in 2023, with 92% utilization rate.
India has 8,000 cold storage facilities with 40 million metric tons capacity as of 2023.
China boasts over 200 million cubic meters of cold storage space in 2023, 85% utilized.
Europe cold storage capacity stands at 25 million pallet positions in 2022, utilization at 88%.
Brazil cold storage capacity reached 1.5 million cubic meters in 2023, 75% occupancy.
U.S. public refrigerated warehouses number 1,400 with 500 million sq ft total space in 2023.
Global reefer container capacity increased to 6.5 million TEU in 2023, utilization 95% peak.
Japan cold storage facilities total 1,200 with 15 million cubic meters capacity, 90% used.
Southeast Asia cold storage capacity grew 12% YoY to 10 million pallet spaces in 2023.
U.S. cold storage vacancy rate dropped to 4.5% in Q4 2023 from 7% in 2022.
Global cold storage construction added 50 million sq ft between 2020-2023.
Netherlands cold storage capacity is 8 million cubic meters, highest density in Europe at 450 m3 per 1,000 people.
Mexico cold storage capacity totals 2.5 million pallet positions in 2023, 82% utilized.
UAE cold storage facilities provide 1.2 million cubic meters, utilization 93% in 2023.
U.S. holds 40% of North American cold storage capacity at 2.8 billion cu ft in 2023.
Global cold storage capacity utilization averaged 89% in 2023, up from 85% in 2020.
Canada cold storage space totals 450 million cu ft across 450 facilities in 2023.
South Korea cold storage capacity is 12 million tons, 91% utilization rate.
Worldwide, 65% of cold storage capacity is temperature-controlled below -18°C for frozen goods.
Nigeria cold storage capacity utilization 70%, market $1.2 billion.
Poland cold storage 4 million pallet spaces, 87% full.
Singapore cold storage 800,000 m³, 96% utilization.
Egypt added 200,000 MT cold storage in 2023.
Spain cold storage capacity 5 million m³.
Vietnam cold storage growth 18% to 2 million m³.
Italy 3,200 facilities, 12 million m³ capacity.
Turkey cold storage 1.8 million tons capacity.
Argentina 1 million m³, 80% utilization.
New Zealand 1.5 million m³ capacity.
Philippines 500 cold stores, 1.2 million pallet capacity.

Capacity and Utilization Interpretation

The world is chilling out at near-full capacity, with every frozen pea and pallet of pharmaceuticals hustling for precious space in a rapidly expanding, yet already crowded, global cold chain.

End-Use Segments

Food and beverage segment occupies 55% of global cold storage capacity in 2023.
Pharmaceuticals use 20% of cold storage worldwide, valued at $50 billion market.
Dairy products account for 25% of U.S. cold storage utilization.
Meat and seafood represent 35% of Europe's cold chain volume.
Fruits and vegetables hold 40% capacity in India's cold storages.
Vaccines require 15% of pharma cold chain, 2-8°C controlled.
Beverages segment grew 18% in cold storage demand 2020-2023 globally.
Frozen foods occupy 60% of U.S. household cold storage purchases.
Chemicals and biotech use 10% of cold storage for -80°C freezers.
Poultry products 28% of Brazil cold storage capacity.
Flowers and perishables 12% in Dutch cold storages.
E-commerce groceries drive 22% increase in food cold storage.
Blood products utilize 5% of healthcare cold chain globally.
Ice cream and desserts 15% of Asia-Pacific cold storage.
Processed meats 32% in China's cold warehouses.
Fresh produce 45% in Australia cold storage.
Fish products 50% Nordic cold chains.
Bakery goods 18% U.S. refrigerated space.
Organ transplants 3% specialized ultra-cold.
Confectionery 10% Europe summer peaks.
Lab samples 8% life sciences cold storage.
Ready meals 28% UK cold chain volume.
Spirits and wine 12% premium cold storage.
Cosmetics 5% temp-sensitive pharma-like.
Pet food 15% growing segment globally.
Electronics components 4% high-value cold.

End-Use Segments Interpretation

In a world utterly dependent on the cold shoulder, our global pantry is the indisputable king, but a thrillingly diverse court of vaccines, premium spirits, and even sensitive electronics clamors for their own perfectly chilled slice of the throne.

Market Size and Growth

The global cold storage market size was valued at USD 237.67 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 836.71 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 14.1%.
U.S. cold storage market revenue amounted to $36.5 billion in 2022, with a projected CAGR of 11.2% through 2028.
Asia-Pacific cold chain market was valued at $105.4 billion in 2023, expected to grow at 16.5% CAGR to $325 billion by 2030.
Europe's cold storage sector generated €45.2 billion in revenue in 2022, with 9.8% annual growth forecasted.
Indian cold storage market stood at INR 1.2 lakh crore in 2023, projected to hit INR 3.5 lakh crore by 2028 at 24% CAGR.
Global refrigerated warehousing market size was $175 billion in 2022, anticipated to expand at 13.4% CAGR to 2030.
China cold chain logistics market reached CNY 500 billion in 2023, with 15% YoY growth.
Latin America cold storage market valued at $12.8 billion in 2022, growing at 12.1% CAGR.
Middle East & Africa cold chain market size hit $8.5 billion in 2023, projected 14.2% CAGR to $22 billion by 2030.
Australian cold storage industry revenue was AUD 4.2 billion in 2022, with 10.5% growth expected.
Global cold storage market projected to grow at 16.8% CAGR to $650 billion by 2032.
U.S. cold storage market expected to reach $55 billion by 2027 at 10% CAGR.
Japan cold chain market valued at JPY 2.5 trillion in 2023, 11% growth.
South Korea cold storage revenue KRW 15 trillion in 2023.
France cold storage market €6.8 billion in 2022.
Global cold chain packaging market $25 billion in 2023, 13% CAGR.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

The world is clearly getting more perishable, as our collective need to keep everything from sushi to vaccines perfectly chilled is rapidly turning cold storage into a trillion-dollar global obsession.

Regional Statistics

North America accounts for 28% of global cold storage capacity with 650 million sq m in 2023.
Asia-Pacific region holds 45% of world cold storage facilities, over 15,000 sites in 2023.
Europe has 4,500 cold storage warehouses totaling 20 million sq m floor space.
U.S. South region added 15 million sq ft cold storage since 2020, leading growth.
India Eastern region has 25% of national cold storage capacity at 10 million MT.
China Yangtze River Delta region controls 40% of national cold chain capacity.
Middle East cold storage growth led by Saudi Arabia with 30% capacity increase 2020-2023.
Brazil Southeast region has 60% of country's cold storage at 900,000 m³.
Australia Victoria state holds 35% of national cold storage capacity.
Germany leads EU with 3.5 million pallet positions in cold storage.
Southeast Asia's Indonesia added 500,000 m³ cold storage capacity in 2023.
U.S. Midwest region utilization at 95%, highest nationally in 2023.
Russia cold storage capacity 8 million tons, concentrated in Moscow region 50%.
South Africa holds 70% of Africa's cold storage capacity at 1.2 million m³.
Japan Tokyo area has 40% of national cold storage space.
Mexico Bajio region growth 20% in cold storage capacity 2022-2023.
UK cold storage concentrated in Midlands with 25% of total capacity.
Thailand Bangkok region 55% of country's cold chain infrastructure.
Africa total cold storage 5 million m³, low 2% of global.
GCC countries 2.5 million m³, Saudi 40% share.
Indonesia Java island 70% national capacity.
U.S. California 20% national cold storage space.
Russia Siberia region 25% capacity for exports.
Malaysia Peninsular 80% of cold storage.
Chile central valley 50% capacity.
Sweden northern regions 30% for seafood.
Pakistan Punjab 60% cold storage.
UAE Dubai 65% of national capacity.
Bangladesh Dhaka 50% capacity.
Colombia Antioquia region leading growth.

Regional Statistics Interpretation

The statistics paint a clear and voracious global appetite for cold storage, revealing a world where capacity feverishly chases consumption, from the concentrated power hubs of Asia-Pacific and North America to the strategic growth sprouting in the U.S. South, Saudi Arabia, and beyond.

Technological and Operational Trends

Automation adoption in cold storage reached 45% by 2023 globally.
IoT sensors deployed in 60% of new cold storages for temp monitoring in 2023.
Energy costs represent 40% of cold storage operating expenses worldwide.
Solar-powered cold storages increased 25% in India 2022-2023.
AI predictive maintenance reduces downtime by 30% in cold chains.
Blockchain tracking implemented in 35% of pharma cold chains by 2023.
Average cold storage energy efficiency improved 15% with LED lighting retrofits.
Robotic picking systems in 20% of large cold warehouses, boosting throughput 40%.
5G connectivity enables real-time monitoring in 50% of new facilities.
CO2 refrigeration systems adopted in 55% of Europe cold storages, reducing HFCs.
Drone inventory checks cut labor 25% in open cold yards.
Data centers for cold chain analytics grew 300% since 2020.
Vacuum insulated panels used in 70% new builds, improving insulation 30%.
Mobile apps for cold chain visibility used by 65% operators.
Renewable energy powers 18% of global cold storages in 2023.
R&D analytics forecast 20% cold storage demand rise by 2030.
Workforce shortages hit 25% in cold storage operations 2023.
Edge computing in 40% facilities for faster alerts.
Natural refrigerants market $10B, 25% adoption growth.
AR glasses for picking improve accuracy 35%.
Hydrogen fuel cells piloted in 10% large sites.
Digital twins model 30% energy savings.
Wearable tech monitors worker safety in 50% sites.
Quantum sensors for ultra-precise temp control emerging.
Sustainability reporting mandatory in 70% EU cold chains.

Technological and Operational Trends Interpretation

It's quite chillingly clever how this industry, once defined by its numbingly high energy bills and workforce shivers, is now feverishly automating, digitizing, and data-crunching its way toward a more efficient and sustainable future.

Sources & References

Logos provided by Logo.dev