GITNUXREPORT 2025

Refrigeration Industry Statistics

Refrigeration industry expanding globally, adopting eco-friendly tech, boosting efficiency and growth.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Refrigerant leaks account for approximately 20% of refrigerant emissions, contributing to ozone depletion and global warming

Statistic 2

The cost of refrigerants has decreased by approximately 15% over the past five years due to increased regulations and technological advances

Statistic 3

The adoption of maintenance management software in the refrigeration industry has increased operational efficiency by about 22%

Statistic 4

The average annual repair cost for commercial refrigeration units is around USD 2,200, varying based on size and complexity

Statistic 5

The adoption of AI in refrigeration management is expected to reduce operational costs by 15-20% over the next five years

Statistic 6

Refrigeration equipment used in food manufacturing must comply with strict hygiene standards, influencing about 65% of equipment design policies

Statistic 7

The adoption of environmentally sustainable practices in the refrigeration industry is associated with a 3-5% annual ROI for companies implementing green initiatives

Statistic 8

The installation costs for energy-efficient refrigeration units are typically 20-25% higher initially but lead to savings of 30-40% in operational costs over five years

Statistic 9

About 25% of the world's electricity consumption is attributed to refrigeration and air conditioning

Statistic 10

Refrigeration accounts for about 15% of the total industrial energy consumption in developed countries

Statistic 11

The HVAC and refrigeration sector was responsible for approximately 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions from energy use in 2022

Statistic 12

Energy-efficient refrigeration units can reduce electricity consumption by up to 30%

Statistic 13

The use of energy-efficient insulation in refrigeration units can improve their efficiency by around 15%

Statistic 14

Refrigeration refrigeration units can account for up to 40% of total energy consumption in supermarket buildings

Statistic 15

The adoption of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) in refrigeration compressors can lead to energy savings of up to 25%

Statistic 16

The share of energy-efficient refrigeration in commercial settings has increased by 18% over the past decade, thanks to regulations and technological adoption

Statistic 17

The energy efficiency standards introduced by jurisdictions globally have led to a 12% reduction in average energy consumption per refrigeration unit since 2015

Statistic 18

The cost savings from energy-efficient refrigeration systems can reach up to USD 5,000 annually for large commercial setups

Statistic 19

The use of energy-efficient lighting in refrigeration display cases can reduce energy consumption by up to 15%

Statistic 20

The implementation of VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) systems in commercial buildings can lead to energy savings of up to 35%

Statistic 21

In 2022, the average global refrigerant leakage rate was estimated at approximately 15%, significantly impacting greenhouse gas emissions

Statistic 22

Advanced heat exchangers in refrigeration systems can improve efficiency by up to 20%, attracting increased adoption in high-performance applications

Statistic 23

The global refrigeration equipment market was valued at approximately USD 55 billion in 2022

Statistic 24

The commercial refrigeration segment accounts for around 40% of the total refrigeration market share globally

Statistic 25

The industrial refrigeration sector is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 26

The United States refrigeration services market is expected to reach USD 48 billion by 2026

Statistic 27

The adoption of eco-friendly refrigerants, such as hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), is increasing at a CAGR of 7.8% worldwide

Statistic 28

The global demand for refrigeration compressors is expected to reach 120 million units annually by 2025

Statistic 29

Europe's refrigeration and air conditioning market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 30

The use of natural refrigerants like ammonia and CO2 is gaining popularity, with the market share increasing by 12% over the past five years

Statistic 31

Maintenance and repair services constitute approximately 30% of the total revenue in the refrigeration industry

Statistic 32

The global market for quick service restaurant refrigeration equipment is projected to reach USD 8.2 billion by 2025

Statistic 33

The adoption of smart and IoT-enabled refrigeration units is increasing, with an expected CAGR of 15% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 34

The global demand for commercial refrigeration equipment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% from 2023 to 2028

Statistic 35

The retail food sector is the largest user of commercial refrigeration, accounting for about 65% of its revenue

Statistic 36

The global market for eco-friendly refrigerants is projected to reach USD 36 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 8%

Statistic 37

The average lifespan of a commercial refrigeration system is approximately 10-15 years, depending on maintenance and usage

Statistic 38

Canada’s commercial refrigeration market is expected to reach USD 3.7 billion by 2024, with a CAGR of 4.3% from 2019

Statistic 39

The total number of refrigeration units globally exceeds 70 million, with significant growth expected in developing countries

Statistic 40

The environmentally friendly refrigerant R-290 (propane) has seen a 20% increase in applications over the past three years, due to its low GWP

Statistic 41

The market for refrigeration display cases in retail stores is expected to grow by 6.3% annually until 2028

Statistic 42

Refrigeration expansion is a key driver in the cold chain logistics market, which is projected to reach USD 420 billion by 2027

Statistic 43

The global market for portable refrigeration units is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 44

The use of CO2 as a refrigerant in transcritical systems is expanding and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.4% through 2028

Statistic 45

The refrigerant recovery and recycling market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2023 to 2030, due to increased regulations

Statistic 46

The global cold storage capacity is estimated at over 600 million cubic meters, supporting the rapid growth of the cold chain industry

Statistic 47

The global demand for eco-friendly refrigeration units is projected to reach USD 45 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9%

Statistic 48

Refrigeration plays a crucial role in vaccine preservation, with over 1 billion vaccine doses stored annually in cold chains

Statistic 49

The global market for modular refrigeration units is expected to grow significantly, at a CAGR of 7% until 2027, due to flexibility needs in retail and industrial sectors

Statistic 50

Around 60% of new refrigeration installations in developing countries are now using natural refrigerants, reflecting a shift towards sustainability

Statistic 51

The global market for refrigeration insulation materials is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2023 to 2028, driven by demand for better thermal efficiency

Statistic 52

The total employment direct and indirect in the refrigeration industry worldwide is estimated at over 2 million jobs

Statistic 53

The market for high-temperature refrigeration units is expanding at a CAGR of 5.5% due to increasing demand from restaurants and food processing facilities

Statistic 54

The deployment of renewable energy-powered refrigeration systems is increasing, with around 12% of new refrigeration projects incorporating solar power

Statistic 55

The growth in e-commerce and direct-to-consumer food deliveries is expected to boost the demand for portable and small-scale refrigeration units by 10% annually

Statistic 56

The use of refrigerants with low GWP (Global Warming Potential) is mandated in over 60 countries, affecting approximately 70% of new equipment sales worldwide

Statistic 57

The global market for cryogenic refrigeration systems is projected to reach USD 15 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 9.2%, due to applications in medical and industrial sectors

Statistic 58

The global refrigeration oil market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2023 to 2028, driven by increased demand for compressor reliability

Statistic 59

Global investments in cold chain logistics infrastructure exceeded USD 80 billion in 2022, reflecting strong growth prospects

Statistic 60

The market size for professional refrigeration cleaning and maintenance services is expected to reach USD 12 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 7%

Statistic 61

The global demand for refrigeration systems in hospitals and laboratories is projected to grow annually by 4.5% through 2030, driven by healthcare needs

Statistic 62

Approximately 60% of commercial refrigeration units in North America are over 10 years old and are in need of modernization

Statistic 63

The global market for refrigeration gaskets and seals is projected to reach USD 1.4 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.2%, driven by maintenance and efficiency needs

Statistic 64

The refrigeration industry is responsible for a significant reduction in food waste due to better storage, with up to 50% decrease reported in some regions

Statistic 65

The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market for refrigeration, representing over 50% of the global market volume in 2022

Statistic 66

North America’s commercial refrigeration equipment market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 67

The Asia-Pacific region accounted for nearly 55% of the global refrigeration compressor market in 2022

Statistic 68

The largest market for industrial refrigeration is North America, holding approximately 33% of the global share in 2022

Statistic 69

Industry standards and regulations, such as those by ASHRAE, influence around 70% of refrigeration equipment design in developed countries

Statistic 70

Approximately 80% of refrigeration systems installed in the last decade are designed to incorporate smart controls and automation, enhancing operational efficiency

Statistic 71

The adoption of eco-friendly refrigerants has resulted in a 25% reduction in ozone depletion potential across new systems

Statistic 72

Food preservation extends by approximately 2-3 times longer in properly refrigerated environments, reducing food spoilage

Statistic 73

The use of artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance in refrigeration can reduce unplanned downtime by 30%, enhancing reliability

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Key Highlights

The global refrigeration equipment market was valued at approximately USD 55 billion in 2022
The commercial refrigeration segment accounts for around 40% of the total refrigeration market share globally
About 25% of the world's electricity consumption is attributed to refrigeration and air conditioning
The industrial refrigeration sector is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2023 to 2030
The United States refrigeration services market is expected to reach USD 48 billion by 2026
The refrigeration industry is responsible for a significant reduction in food waste due to better storage, with up to 50% decrease reported in some regions
The adoption of eco-friendly refrigerants, such as hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), is increasing at a CAGR of 7.8% worldwide
The global demand for refrigeration compressors is expected to reach 120 million units annually by 2025
Europe's refrigeration and air conditioning market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2023 to 2030
The use of natural refrigerants like ammonia and CO2 is gaining popularity, with the market share increasing by 12% over the past five years
Maintenance and repair services constitute approximately 30% of the total revenue in the refrigeration industry
Refrigeration accounts for about 15% of the total industrial energy consumption in developed countries
The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market for refrigeration, representing over 50% of the global market volume in 2022

The refrigeration industry is rapidly transforming, with a market valued at approximately USD 55 billion in 2022 and a projected surge driven by innovations, sustainability efforts, and expanding global demand across sectors like food preservation, healthcare, and cold chain logistics.

Cost Analysis and Market Drivers

Refrigerant leaks account for approximately 20% of refrigerant emissions, contributing to ozone depletion and global warming
The cost of refrigerants has decreased by approximately 15% over the past five years due to increased regulations and technological advances
The adoption of maintenance management software in the refrigeration industry has increased operational efficiency by about 22%
The average annual repair cost for commercial refrigeration units is around USD 2,200, varying based on size and complexity
The adoption of AI in refrigeration management is expected to reduce operational costs by 15-20% over the next five years
Refrigeration equipment used in food manufacturing must comply with strict hygiene standards, influencing about 65% of equipment design policies
The adoption of environmentally sustainable practices in the refrigeration industry is associated with a 3-5% annual ROI for companies implementing green initiatives
The installation costs for energy-efficient refrigeration units are typically 20-25% higher initially but lead to savings of 30-40% in operational costs over five years

Cost Analysis and Market Drivers Interpretation

While technological advancements and green practices are steadily transforming the refrigeration industry into a more cost-effective and environmentally responsible sector, addressing the significant 20% of refrigerant leaks remains critical to mitigate ozone depletion and climate change, even as AI and maintenance innovations promise to slash operational costs by up to 20%.

Energy Consumption and Efficiency

About 25% of the world's electricity consumption is attributed to refrigeration and air conditioning
Refrigeration accounts for about 15% of the total industrial energy consumption in developed countries
The HVAC and refrigeration sector was responsible for approximately 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions from energy use in 2022
Energy-efficient refrigeration units can reduce electricity consumption by up to 30%
The use of energy-efficient insulation in refrigeration units can improve their efficiency by around 15%
Refrigeration refrigeration units can account for up to 40% of total energy consumption in supermarket buildings
The adoption of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) in refrigeration compressors can lead to energy savings of up to 25%
The share of energy-efficient refrigeration in commercial settings has increased by 18% over the past decade, thanks to regulations and technological adoption
The energy efficiency standards introduced by jurisdictions globally have led to a 12% reduction in average energy consumption per refrigeration unit since 2015
The cost savings from energy-efficient refrigeration systems can reach up to USD 5,000 annually for large commercial setups
The use of energy-efficient lighting in refrigeration display cases can reduce energy consumption by up to 15%
The implementation of VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) systems in commercial buildings can lead to energy savings of up to 35%
In 2022, the average global refrigerant leakage rate was estimated at approximately 15%, significantly impacting greenhouse gas emissions
Advanced heat exchangers in refrigeration systems can improve efficiency by up to 20%, attracting increased adoption in high-performance applications

Energy Consumption and Efficiency Interpretation

With refrigeration accounting for a quarter of global electricity use and contributing significantly to greenhouse gases, embracing energy-efficient tech—from VFDs to advanced heat exchangers—not only cools our perishables but also heats up the urgency for sustainable solutions in the industry.

Market Size and Demand

The global refrigeration equipment market was valued at approximately USD 55 billion in 2022
The commercial refrigeration segment accounts for around 40% of the total refrigeration market share globally
The industrial refrigeration sector is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2023 to 2030
The United States refrigeration services market is expected to reach USD 48 billion by 2026
The adoption of eco-friendly refrigerants, such as hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), is increasing at a CAGR of 7.8% worldwide
The global demand for refrigeration compressors is expected to reach 120 million units annually by 2025
Europe's refrigeration and air conditioning market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2023 to 2030
The use of natural refrigerants like ammonia and CO2 is gaining popularity, with the market share increasing by 12% over the past five years
Maintenance and repair services constitute approximately 30% of the total revenue in the refrigeration industry
The global market for quick service restaurant refrigeration equipment is projected to reach USD 8.2 billion by 2025
The adoption of smart and IoT-enabled refrigeration units is increasing, with an expected CAGR of 15% from 2023 to 2030
The global demand for commercial refrigeration equipment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8% from 2023 to 2028
The retail food sector is the largest user of commercial refrigeration, accounting for about 65% of its revenue
The global market for eco-friendly refrigerants is projected to reach USD 36 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 8%
The average lifespan of a commercial refrigeration system is approximately 10-15 years, depending on maintenance and usage
Canada’s commercial refrigeration market is expected to reach USD 3.7 billion by 2024, with a CAGR of 4.3% from 2019
The total number of refrigeration units globally exceeds 70 million, with significant growth expected in developing countries
The environmentally friendly refrigerant R-290 (propane) has seen a 20% increase in applications over the past three years, due to its low GWP
The market for refrigeration display cases in retail stores is expected to grow by 6.3% annually until 2028
Refrigeration expansion is a key driver in the cold chain logistics market, which is projected to reach USD 420 billion by 2027
The global market for portable refrigeration units is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2023 to 2030
The use of CO2 as a refrigerant in transcritical systems is expanding and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.4% through 2028
The refrigerant recovery and recycling market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2023 to 2030, due to increased regulations
The global cold storage capacity is estimated at over 600 million cubic meters, supporting the rapid growth of the cold chain industry
The global demand for eco-friendly refrigeration units is projected to reach USD 45 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9%
Refrigeration plays a crucial role in vaccine preservation, with over 1 billion vaccine doses stored annually in cold chains
The global market for modular refrigeration units is expected to grow significantly, at a CAGR of 7% until 2027, due to flexibility needs in retail and industrial sectors
Around 60% of new refrigeration installations in developing countries are now using natural refrigerants, reflecting a shift towards sustainability
The global market for refrigeration insulation materials is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2023 to 2028, driven by demand for better thermal efficiency
The total employment direct and indirect in the refrigeration industry worldwide is estimated at over 2 million jobs
The market for high-temperature refrigeration units is expanding at a CAGR of 5.5% due to increasing demand from restaurants and food processing facilities
The deployment of renewable energy-powered refrigeration systems is increasing, with around 12% of new refrigeration projects incorporating solar power
The growth in e-commerce and direct-to-consumer food deliveries is expected to boost the demand for portable and small-scale refrigeration units by 10% annually
The use of refrigerants with low GWP (Global Warming Potential) is mandated in over 60 countries, affecting approximately 70% of new equipment sales worldwide
The global market for cryogenic refrigeration systems is projected to reach USD 15 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 9.2%, due to applications in medical and industrial sectors
The global refrigeration oil market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2023 to 2028, driven by increased demand for compressor reliability
Global investments in cold chain logistics infrastructure exceeded USD 80 billion in 2022, reflecting strong growth prospects
The market size for professional refrigeration cleaning and maintenance services is expected to reach USD 12 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 7%
The global demand for refrigeration systems in hospitals and laboratories is projected to grow annually by 4.5% through 2030, driven by healthcare needs
Approximately 60% of commercial refrigeration units in North America are over 10 years old and are in need of modernization
The global market for refrigeration gaskets and seals is projected to reach USD 1.4 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.2%, driven by maintenance and efficiency needs

Market Size and Demand Interpretation

As the refrigeration industry cools down the planet's warming worries with a projected USD 55 billion market in 2022 and an eco-friendly refrigerant surge, it simultaneously heats up the economy and creates over 2 million jobs worldwide—proving that while we rely on keeping things cold, the industry's growth is undeniably hot, and with innovations like IoT and natural refrigerants, it's also warming up the future of sustainable cooling solutions.

Regional Market Insights

The refrigeration industry is responsible for a significant reduction in food waste due to better storage, with up to 50% decrease reported in some regions
The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market for refrigeration, representing over 50% of the global market volume in 2022
North America’s commercial refrigeration equipment market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2023 to 2030
The Asia-Pacific region accounted for nearly 55% of the global refrigeration compressor market in 2022
The largest market for industrial refrigeration is North America, holding approximately 33% of the global share in 2022

Regional Market Insights Interpretation

As the refrigeration industry cools food waste and heats up regional markets—dominating Asia-Pacific, North America, and beyond—its icy grip on global food preservation and industrial cooling underscores both its vital role and the need for sustainable innovation.

Technological Innovations and Applications

Industry standards and regulations, such as those by ASHRAE, influence around 70% of refrigeration equipment design in developed countries
Approximately 80% of refrigeration systems installed in the last decade are designed to incorporate smart controls and automation, enhancing operational efficiency
The adoption of eco-friendly refrigerants has resulted in a 25% reduction in ozone depletion potential across new systems
Food preservation extends by approximately 2-3 times longer in properly refrigerated environments, reducing food spoilage
The use of artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance in refrigeration can reduce unplanned downtime by 30%, enhancing reliability

Technological Innovations and Applications Interpretation

As refrigeration technology increasingly embraces smart controls, eco-friendly refrigerants, and AI-driven maintenance, industry standards ensure that our cool essentials become more efficient, sustainable, and reliable—proving that science and regulation are truly cooling the future.