United Kingdom (UK) Cold Chain Logistics Market Overview, 2029

The United Kingdom's cold chain logistics market stands at the forefront of modern supply chain management, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless transportation and storage of temperature-sensitive goods across diverse industries. As a critical component of the broader logistics and distribution network, the cold chain is characterised by a sophisticated infrastructure that encompasses refrigerated warehouses, temperature-controlled transportation fleets, and advanced technology solutions. In this dynamic market, the emphasis on maintaining precise temperature conditions throughout the supply chain is paramount, spanning from the initial stages of production to the final delivery of products to end consumers. The UK cold chain logistics sector is driven by the ever-expanding demand for perishable goods, including fresh produce, dairy products, pharmaceuticals, and a wide array of temperature-sensitive commodities. This demand is further fueled by changing consumer preferences, the globalization of supply chains, and the increasing reliance on e-commerce channels. The market's resilience and adaptability are underscored by its ability to meet the stringent requirements of sectors such as healthcare, food and beverages, and the pharmaceutical industry, where the integrity and safety of products are of utmost importance. The United Kingdom's commitment to sustainability, technological innovation, and stringent regulatory compliance adds a layer of sophistication to its cold chain infrastructure, positioning it as a key player in the global logistics landscape.

According to the research report "United Kingdom Cold Chain Logistics Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the United Kingdom Cold Chain Logistics market is projected to add more than USD 12 billion from 2024 to 2029. The UK has a well-established market for perishable goods, including fresh produce, dairy products, and frozen foods. Cold chain logistics is essential for maintaining the quality and safety of these products from farm to table. The growth of online grocery shopping and the demand for high-quality, fresh products contribute to the expansion of cold chain services. The delivery of vaccines and medications that are temperature-sensitive necessitates a dependable cold chain, and the pharmaceutical sector in the UK has been growing. The pharmaceutical industry anticipates a rise in demand for cold chain logistics services due to the creation of new drugs and the continued focus on healthcare. There are 48 cold chain logistics startups in the United Kingdom, which include Tower Cold Chain Solutions, Gist, Norish, CRS Mobile Cold Storage, and Fowler Welch. The growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility encourages the adoption of eco-friendly practices in logistics. Companies investing in sustainable cold chain solutions may gain a competitive advantage. Continuous investments in cold storage facilities, refrigerated transportation, and distribution centres contribute to the expansion of the cold chain logistics infrastructure in the UK. The demand for temperature-controlled logistics is high in the perishable food sector. Cold chain logistics ensures the quality and safety of fresh produce, dairy products, and frozen foods from producers to consumers.

Based on the types, they are segmented into the Refrigerated Warehouse and Refrigerated Transport. Among them, the Refrigerated Warehouse is the leading market, and refrigerated warehouses are crucial for storing pharmaceuticals and medical products that require specific temperature conditions. The growth of the pharmaceutical industry, including the need for cold storage of vaccines and other temperature-sensitive medications, drives the demand for refrigerated warehouse space. In terms of temperature types, they are segmented into frozen and chilled. In the United Kingdom, chilled is a growing market. Major supermarkets and retailers in the UK have been emphasising fresh and chilled products to meet consumer demands. This strategic focus has led to increased investments in chilled supply chain infrastructure. The high level of urbanisation in the UK has led to increased demand for convenient and quick meal solutions. Chilled logistics supports the distribution of ready-to-eat and convenience foods, catering to the needs of urban consumers. The UK has witnessed a trend towards healthier eating habits and a preference for fresh, minimally processed foods. Chilled logistics plays a critical role in ensuring that these fresh and healthier food options are readily available on the market. Seasonal variations in demand for specific products, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, contribute to the need for agile and flexible chilled logistics solutions. Providers must adapt to fluctuations in demand throughout the year.

According to the report, the technology is bifurcated into dry ice, gel packs, eutectic plates, liquid nitrogen, and quilts. Among them, liquid nitrogen is a significant contributor to the market; liquid nitrogen is used in cryogenic storage systems, especially in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Some vaccines, medications, and biological samples require extremely low temperatures for preservation, and liquid nitrogen is one of the substances used for this purpose. The growth of these industries could contribute to the demand for specialised cold chain logistics that involve liquid nitrogen. Laboratories, research institutions, and medical facilities often use liquid nitrogen for the storage of biological materials, cell cultures, and other sensitive samples. There is an increase in biomedical research and life sciences activities in the UK, and there is a corresponding need for specialised logistics involving liquid nitrogen. Based on the application segmented into dairy and frozen desserts, pharmaceuticals, processed food, meat, fish, and seafood, bakery and confectionery, fruits and vegetables, and others, in the United Kingdom, meat, fish, and seafood are significantly contributing to the market. Changing dietary preferences, including an increased focus on protein-rich diets and healthier eating habits, contribute to the demand for meat, fish, and seafood. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for high-quality and sustainably sourced products, making supply chain efficiency crucial. Consumers in the UK often seek premium, ethically sourced, and sustainably caught or farmed meat, fish, and seafood. The logistics involved in maintaining the quality and ensuring the sustainability of these products play a vital role in meeting market demands.

Considered in this report:
• Geography: United Kingdom
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report:
• United Kingdom Cold Chain Logistics market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation



By Types
• Refrigerated Warehouse
• Refrigerates Transportation

By Temperature Types
• Frozen
• Chilled

By Technology Types
• Dry Ice
• Gel Packs
• Eutectic Plates
• Liquid Nitrogen
• Quilts

By Application
• Dairy and frozen desserts
• Pharmaceuticals
• Process food
• Meat, Fish & Seafood
• Bakery and confectionery
• Fruits and vegetables
• Others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, and annual reports of companies, analyzing the government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic 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 doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers into regional aspects, tier aspects, age groups, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Cold Chain Logistics industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.