The Middle East and Africa Cold Chain Logistic market is anticipated to grow with more than 14% CAGR from 2023–2028 due to expansion of pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors
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,” published by Bonafide Research, 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.
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Download Sample 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.
By Type | Refrigerated Warehouse | |
Refrigerated Transportation | ||
By Refrigerated Transportation | Roadways | |
Waterways | ||
Railways | ||
Airways | ||
By Temprature Type | Frozen | |
Chilled | ||
By Technology | Dry Ice | |
Gel Packs | ||
Eutectic Plates | ||
Liquid Nitrogen | ||
Quilts | ||
By Process | Pre-Cooling Facilities | |
Cold Storage | ||
Refrigerated Carriers | ||
Packaging | ||
Information Management System | ||
By Applications | Dairy and frozen desserts | |
Pharmaceuticals | ||
Process food | ||
Meat, Fish & Seafoods | ||
Bakery and confectionery | ||
Fruits and vegetables | ||
Others | ||
MEA | United Arab Emirates | |
Saudi Arabia | ||
South Africa |
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.
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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.
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