Global Food Logistics Market
The global food logistics market is undergoing rapid expansion as supply chains modernize, cold storage capacity increases, and consumer demand for fresh, high-quality food surges across emerging and developed regions. In 2024, the market reached a value of USD 127.23 billion, driven by rising consumption of perishable food, growth of e-commerce, and advancements in temperature-controlled transportation.
Looking ahead, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.00% during 2025–2034, eventually reaching USD 274.68 billion by 2034. This sustained momentum highlights the sector’s central role in global trade and the increasing complexity of getting food safely from farms to consumers.
Global Food Logistics Key Market Drivers
1. Rising Demand for Fresh and Processed Food
Consumers worldwide are seeking fresher, safer, and more diverse food products. This is especially evident in the dairy, meat, seafood, and fresh produce segments, which require efficient cold chain logistics.
2. Growth of Online Grocery and Food Delivery
The boom in e-commerce and same-day delivery services has reshaped food distribution networks. Retailers and logistics providers are investing heavily in automated warehouses, last-mile delivery solutions, and refrigerated fleets.
3. Expanding Global Trade of Perishables
Countries are increasingly exporting and importing large volumes of fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and processed food products. This expansion is fueling the need for more advanced and reliable international food logistics systems.
4. Advancements in Cold Chain Technology
Innovations in refrigeration, fleet tracking, IoT sensors, and warehouse automation are improving shelf life, reducing spoilage, and enhancing supply chain transparency.
Global Food Logistics Market Segmentation by Product
The food logistics market is highly diversified, serving a wide range of product categories, each with unique storage and transportation needs.
1. Dairy Products
Dairy requires strict temperature control and rapid movement through the supply chain. Rising consumption of cheese, yogurt, and specialty dairy items continues to support growth.
2. Bakery and Confectionery
With demand boosted by the expanding retail and foodservice sectors, efficient logistics are essential for maintaining product freshness and quality.
3. Processed Food and Vegetable Oil
The processed food sector benefits from long shelf life but still requires streamlined logistics for bulk shipments, retail replenishment, and export operations.
4. Fish, Meat, and Seafood
Among the fastest-growing categories, this segment depends heavily on cold chain infrastructure. Increasing global seafood trade is further accelerating market demand.
5. Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh produce logistics is one of the most challenging areas, as spoilage rates are high and shelf life is short. Innovations in pre-cooling, packaging, and temperature monitoring are helping reduce loss.
6. Fruit Pulp and Concentrates
Used extensively in beverages and packaged food, this segment requires hygienic, temperature-controlled handling and specialized transport.
7. Coffee and Tea
While these products are less temperature-sensitive, they demand dry, controlled environments to preserve flavor and quality during long-distance transportation.
8. Others
This category includes spices, ready-to-eat meals, specialty ingredients, and organic food products that rely on diverse logistics solutions depending on perishability and destination.
Global Food Logistics Regional Market Insights
North America
North America remains one of the largest markets, driven by strong cold chain networks, advanced technology adoption, and a mature food retail sector. The U.S. demand for organic and fresh food continues to expand refrigerated logistics.
Europe
Europe’s strong focus on sustainability and food safety standards is encouraging the adoption of green logistics solutions, including electric fleets and energy-efficient warehouses.
Asia-Pacific
APAC is the fastest-growing region, supported by massive urbanization, population growth, and rising disposable incomes. Countries like China, India, and Southeast Asia are investing heavily in cold chain expansion.
Latin America
Growing exports of fruits, vegetables, and meat are strengthening logistics infrastructure, particularly in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.
Middle East & Africa
Rising food imports and government investments in logistics hubs are fueling the growth of cold storage and transport networks across the Gulf countries and parts of Africa.
Competitive Landscape
The global food logistics market features a mix of large multinational companies and regional providers. Key players are continuously expanding warehouse capacity, upgrading cold chain technology, and forming strategic partnerships.
Major Companies Covered
AmeriCold Logistics LLC – A leading player in temperature-controlled warehousing and supply chain services.
Dachser Group SE & Co. KG – Known for integrated logistics solutions and extensive international freight networks.
AJC International, Inc. – Specialized in global procurement and distribution of frozen food.
CJ Logistics Corporation – A major Asian logistics provider investing in automation and smart logistics systems.
C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. – One of the world’s largest logistics companies with strong capabilities in food and beverage supply chains.
Matson, Inc. – Plays a vital role in Pacific shipping routes, delivering food products across complex regions.
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics SE & Co. KG – Offers global cold chain logistics solutions with advanced monitoring technologies.
Others – Include regional players expanding capabilities in refrigerated transport and warehousing.
Future Outlook
The next decade is expected to bring significant transformation in food logistics as companies increasingly adopt digitalization, automation, and sustainability-centered solutions. Key future trends include:
Growth of autonomous and electric refrigerated vehicles
Blockchain-driven traceability for food safety
Rise of micro-fulfillment centers for faster delivery
Investments in solar-powered cold storage
Expansion of AI-enabled demand forecasting
As global food trade continues to expand, the food logistics market will play an essential role in ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable distribution.
