Cold chain logistics services ensure that perishable goods — from vaccines and biologics to seafood and fresh produce — remain within a safe temperature range during storage and transport. En 2025 the cold chain market is booming: research by Precedence Research values the global sector at 436,30 mil millones de dólares en 2025 and projects it to surpass 1,3 billones de dólares por 2034. Los consumidores esperan productos frescos, productos de alta calidad, regulators enforce strict safety standards, and supply chains span continents. This guide explains how cold chain logistics services work, Por qué importan, and how technology is reshaping the industry. It draws on the latest data and expert insights for 2025, empowering you to make informed decisions whether you manage pharmaceuticals, alimento, u otros productos sensibles a la temperatura.
What do cold chain logistics services involve, and why are they essential in 2025?
Which technologies — AI, IoT, blockchain and renewable energy — are transforming cold chain logistics?
How are global market trends and regional differences shaping investment and capacity?
How can you select the right cold chain logistics partner and improve your own operations?
What are the most notable innovations and market trends emerging in 2025?
Which common questions do companies ask about cold chain services?
What are cold chain logistics services and why do they matter in 2025?
Cold chain logistics services encompass a network of processes, equipment and protocols designed to maintain specific temperature ranges from production to consumption. The system includes temperature controlled storage, transporte refrigerado, specialized packaging and monitoring technology. En 2025 the cold chain has never been more critical: Precedence Research informa que el global market is worth US$436.30 billion in 2025 y podría alcanzar US$ 1.359,78 mil millones por 2034. Varios factores impulsan este crecimiento.:
Health and safety: During the COVID 19 pandemic the cold chain ensured safe distribution of vaccines and food. Post pandemic demand remains high as biologics, mRNA vaccines and specialty foods require precise temperature control.
E commerce and globalization: Online grocery and meal kit services fuel demand for reliable last mile delivery networks. International trade of perishable goods exposes consumers to new cuisines and expands market opportunities.
Innovación tecnológica: Avances en refrigeración, Internet de las cosas (IoT) sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) allow real time monitoring, predictive maintenance and efficient route planning.
Mercados emergentes: Growing incomes and urbanization in Asia, Latin America and Africa create new demand for cold storage infrastructure.
Understanding temperature ranges and key components
Cold chain services maintain products within strict temperature brackets. Typical ranges include ambient (59–86 °F), Frío (50–59 °F), refrigerado (32–50 °F) y congelado (–22–32 °F). The following table summarizes common ranges and how they apply to your goods:
| Rango de temperatura | Productos típicos | Tu comida para llevar |
| Ambiente (59–86 °F / 15–30 ºC) | alimentos secos, ciertos productos farmacéuticos | Requires minimal cooling; ensure ventilation to avoid heat buildup. |
| Fresco (50–59 °F / 10–15 ºC) | Queso, productos frescos | Reduce el deterioro; use insulated containers and limit transport time. |
| Refrigerado (32–50 °F / 0–10 ºC) | Vacunas, productos lácteos | Previene el crecimiento bacteriano.; IoT sensors enable real time monitoring. |
| Congelado (–22–32 °F / –30–0 °C) | Carne, mariscos, postres congelados | Demands deep freezing equipment and redundancy plans to handle power failures. |
Key components of a modern cold chain include:
Sistemas de refrigeración: Compresores, condensers and evaporators maintain desired temperatures.
Almacenamiento con temperatura controlada: Insulated warehouses with automated storage and retrieval systems (COMO/RS) minimize fluctuations.
Infraestructura de transporte: Camiones aislados, reefer containers and refrigerated railcars preserve temperature during transit. Some facilities use portable cryogenic freezers capable of maintaining –80 °C to –150 °C for biologics.
Sistemas de seguimiento y control.: Los sensores y registradores de datos de IoT transmiten la temperatura en tiempo real, datos de humedad y ubicación, permitiendo una acción inmediata si las condiciones se desvían.
Protocolos de aseguramiento de la calidad.: Mapeo de temperatura, emergency response plans and first in first out inventory management ensure compliance.
Practical advice for managing cold chain operations
Plan de contingencias: Desarrollar protocolos de respuesta de emergencia para fallas de equipos o cortes de energía para evitar daños..
Utilice sensores de IoT: Instale sensores inteligentes en unidades de almacenamiento y vehículos para rastrear la temperatura y la humedad.; automatizar alertas cuando se superan los umbrales.
Entrena a tu equipo: Proporcionar formación periódica sobre los procedimientos de manipulación., registro de datos y respuestas de emergencia.
Integre la IA con la experiencia humana: Use AI for decision support while relying on operational experience to adapt to unforeseen conditions.
Ejemplo del mundo real: En 2024 CJ Logistics America announced a new cold storage facility near Kansas City featuring automated systems, refrigeración energéticamente eficiente y monitoreo de IoT. The project illustrates how modern cold storage combines technology and sustainability.
How are technologies like AI, IoT and blockchain transforming cold chain logistics?
Technology plays a pivotal role in the 2025 cadena de frio. Innovations reduce waste, improve efficiency and enable compliance.
IA y análisis predictivo: smarter decisions and reduced spoilage
Artificial intelligence analyzes historical and real time data to predict equipment failures, optimize delivery routes and forecast demand. Los beneficios incluyen:
Optimización de ruta: Los algoritmos consideran el tráfico., weather and delivery windows to find efficient paths, reducing fuel consumption and maintaining temperature integrity.
Mantenimiento predictivo: Analyzing sensor data helps schedule repairs before refrigeration units fail, preventing costly breakdowns.
Previsión de la demanda: AI models seasonal consumption patterns, reducing waste and inventory costs.
Research indicates that AI enabled demand forecasting and predictive maintenance reduce spoilage by automating alerts and maintenance schedules. Según StartUs Insights, the cold chain market added over 26 800 nuevos empleados in the last year and filed more than 2 800 patentes, reflecting a strong innovation ecosystem.
IoT permitió el monitoreo en tiempo real: visibilidad de extremo a extremo
IoT devices such as smart sensors, GPS trackers and data loggers provide unbroken visibility across the cold chain. These devices send alerts when temperatures drift outside safe ranges, which offers several advantages:
Preventing spoilage: Continuous monitoring allows immediate action if temperatures rise or fall unexpectedly.
Cumplimiento regulatorio: IoT devices provide verifiable records of a product’s journey, helping companies meet food safety and pharmaceutical regulations.
Transparencia del cliente: Real time data can be shared with customers, building trust and improving satisfaction.
El segmento de hardware lideró el mercado de seguimiento de la cadena de frío en 2022, tenencia encima 76% de la cuota de mercado.
Blockchain para trazabilidad y confianza
La tecnología Blockchain crea registros a prueba de manipulaciones de los recorridos de los productos, permitiendo la trazabilidad de extremo a extremo. En el sector farmacéutico, blockchain helps monitor temperature and location data, ensuring that all stakeholders share the same immutable record. Esto reduce el riesgo de manipulación de datos., simplifies audits and enhances patient safety. El Thermal Control Business Update notes that blockchain integration improves compliance and builds consumer trust.
Renewable energy and sustainability
Energy consumption is a major cost driver in cold chain logistics. Solar powered refrigeration units offer sustainable solutions, particularly in rural or energy scarce regions. Commercial solar electricity rates in the United States range from 3.2 a 15.5 centavos por kWh, compared with an average commercial utility rate of 13.10 centavos por kWh en 2024. By leveraging solar panels for warehouses and refrigerated trucks, businesses can lower operating costs and reduce carbon footprints.
Sustainable packaging is also gaining traction. Ligero, biodegradable thermal wraps and reusable cold packs decrease environmental impact, support corporate sustainability goals and comply with regulations. Además, AI driven route optimization and predictive maintenance minimize fuel use, further reducing emissions.
Market trends and regional insights for 2025
Global market growth and projections
Multiple research agencies project robust growth for the cold chain sector:
Investigación de precedencia estimates that the global market will grow from US$436.30 billion in 2025 a US$ 1.359,78 mil millones por 2034 en un CAGR de 13.46%.
Perspectivas de StartUs, citing The Business Research Company, informa que el cold chain market size will increase from US$454.48 billion in 2025 a 776.01 mil millones de dólares en 2029, a CAGR de 12.2%.
Fortune Business Insights (quoted by Maersk) valora el mercado en 324.850 millones de dólares en 2024 and projects it to reach 862,33 mil millones de dólares por 2032, exhibiendo un CAGR de 13%.
Research Nester states that the cold chain logistics market was valued at US$385.6 billion in 2025 y se prevé que alcance US$1,429.5 billion by 2035 con un CAGR de 14%.
While estimates differ, the consensus is clear: demand for temperature controlled logistics is accelerating. The Asia–Pacific region is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of roughly 14.3% entre 2025 y 2034. The dairy and frozen desserts segment held the largest share (36.10%) of applications in 2024, while pre cooling facilities were valued at 204.400 millones de dólares en 2024.
Aspectos destacados regionales
| Región | Key insights | Implicaciones para ti |
| América del norte | The market is projected to rise from 116.850 millones de dólares en 2024 a 289.580 millones de dólares EE.UU. 2034, reflecting growing pharmaceutical demand and e commerce. The US government’s National Cybersecurity Strategy Implementation Plan (Puede 2024) emphasizes securing food and pharma cold chains, signalling increased regulatory scrutiny. | Companies must comply with cybersecurity and food safety regulations while investing in new capacity and technology. |
| Asia-Pacífico | This region will experience the highest growth. Promedios de consumo de lácteos en la India 427 g per cápita (above the global average of 305 gramo), and the quick service restaurant sector is expected to grow 20–25% in fiscal 2024. Governments are investing in export programs (p.ej., the UK Dairy Export Programme) to increase international trade of perishable goods. | Businesses need scalable warehousing and distribution networks to meet rising demand for fresh foods and vaccines. |
| Europa | Ageing cold storage infrastructure — often 40–50 years old — is driving investment in modernization, automation and energy efficient systems. | Replacing outdated facilities with automated, sustainable designs will reduce energy costs and improve compliance. |
| América Latina | Growing exports of fresh produce and seafood require upgraded cold chain infrastructure. Investments in renewable energy and IoT monitoring help navigate power supply challenges. | Prioritize energy efficient warehouses and solar powered solutions to overcome infrastructure gaps. |
| África | Expansion of cold chain capacity is critical for food security and vaccine distribution. Solar powered cold storage units and portable cryogenic freezers are particularly valuable in areas with unreliable electricity. | Consider modular, solar powered containers and portable freezers to serve remote areas. |
Sector specific trends
Productos farmacéuticos y biológicos.
Biofarmacéuticos, gene therapies and vaccines demand precise temperature control and regulatory compliance. Se espera que el mercado de la cadena de frío farmacéutica alcance 1.454 mil millones de dólares por 2029, con una CAGR de 4.71% de 2024 a 2029. Innovations such as portable cryogenic freezers (maintaining –80 °C to –150 °C) enable distribution of ultra cold biologics.
Alimento, beverages and plant based products
Rising consumer demand for fresh, organic and plant based foods drives investment in cold chain capacity. El North America food cold chain logistics market se espera que alcance 86.670 millones de dólares en 2025. Plant based protein alternatives could account for 7.7% del mercado mundial de proteínas por 2030 con un valor superior 162 mil millones de dólares, increasing demand for specialized refrigerated transport. Quick service restaurants (QSR) in India are projected to grow 20–25% in fiscal 2024, further boosting cold chain investment.
Diagnostics and life sciences
Medical diagnostics and life science research rely on temperature controlled transport for reagents, samples and clinical trial materials. The expansion of cell and gene therapies adds complexity, requiring ultra low temperatures and robust traceability systems.
How to choose and optimize cold chain logistics services
Choosing the right logistics provider can mean the difference between compliant, high quality deliveries and costly product loss. Use the following framework to assess providers and improve your own operations.
Identify your product’s temperature profile
Determine el rango de temperatura requerido (ambiente, Frío, refrigerado o congelado) and sensitivity to temperature fluctuations. For biologics or gene therapies requiring ultra low temperatures, ensure providers offer cryogenic freezers and validated equipment.
Evaluate technology and monitoring capabilities
Monitoreo en tiempo real: Ask whether the provider offers IoT sensors, GPS tracking and automated alerts.
Mantenimiento predictivo e IA: Providers using AI to predict equipment failures and optimize routes can reduce spoilage and delays.
Blockchain or digital records: Look for tamper proof traceability systems, Especialmente para productos farmacéuticos.
Inspect infrastructure and capacity
Almacenamiento con temperatura controlada: Visit warehousing facilities to verify insulation, automatización y eficiencia energética. Outdated infrastructure may lead to temperature excursions and higher energy costs.
Red de transporte: Evaluate the provider’s fleet (camiones, contenedores, vagones) and ability to handle last mile delivery.
Redundancy plans: Confirm backup generators, spare parts and contingency strategies for equipment failure.
Consider sustainability and energy efficiency
With rising energy costs and environmental regulations, choose providers investing in renewable energy and sustainable packaging. Solar powered warehouses and electric refrigerated vehicles reduce operating costs and carbon emissions.
Assess regulatory compliance and certifications
Ensure the provider complies with Good Distribution Practice (PIB), Análisis de Peligros y Puntos Críticos de Control (HACCP) and relevant ISO standards. Ask about audits and quality assurance protocols.
Evaluate pricing and service flexibility
Request detailed pricing models, including costs for storage, transporte, monitoring and value added services (p.ej., repacking or kitting). Flexible contract terms and scalable capacity allow you to respond to seasonal demand swings.
Use a self assessment tool
Take this simple quiz to clarify your needs:
What product category do you handle? (Select all that apply: productos farmaceuticos, biologics/gene therapies, productos frescos, alimentos congelados, plant based products, diagnóstico).
What temperature range is required? (Ambiente, Fresco, Refrigerado, Congelado, Ultrabajo).
How critical is real time monitoring? (Alto, Moderado, Bajo).
Do you need global reach or local distribution? (Global, Regional, Local).
Do you prioritize sustainability? (Yes — renewable energy & embalaje; No; Not sure).
Basado en tus respuestas, you can prioritize providers with the right temperature capabilities, tecnología, geographic coverage and sustainability measures.
Estudio de caso: En julio 2025 Lineage Logistics expanded its footprint in Canada by acquiring three cold storage facilities in Quebec, enhancing capacity for fruit, vegetable and frozen product logistics. Strategic investments like this signal consolidation and increased capacity in North America.
Latest developments and trends in 2025
1. Automation and robotics address labour shortages
Cold storage facilities face labour shortages and rising costs. Sistemas automatizados de almacenamiento y recuperación. (COMO/RS) y el manejo robótico reducen los errores, operate continuously and improve throughput. Studies suggest acerca de 80% de los almacenes no están automatizados, leaving significant room for adoption. Automation not only boosts efficiency but also improves consistency in temperature and inventory control.
2. Sustainability is a core value
Environmental concerns and tighter regulations push sustainability to the forefront. Según Trackonomy, el global food cold chain infrastructure accounts for roughly 2% de las emisiones globales de CO₂. Sistemas de refrigeración energéticamente eficientes, renewable energy sources and biodegradable packaging help reduce carbon footprints. Companies adopting sustainable practices not only comply with regulations but also reduce waste and energy costs. Solar powered cold storage and electric trucks are gaining traction.
3. End to end visibility through real time tracking
Mantener la calidad del producto requiere visibilidad ininterrumpida. IoT enabled tracking devices provide real time data on temperature, ubicación y condición, allowing route optimization and faster response to disruptions. El segmento de hardware lideró el mercado de seguimiento de la cadena de frío en 2022, con 76% cuota de mercado.
4. Infrastructure modernization and energy efficiency
Aging cold storage facilities often fail to meet modern standards. Inversiones en automatización, compliance and insulation are essential. The Maersk insight report notes that the regulatory phase out of synthetic refrigerants such as HCFCs and HFCs is accelerating facility upgrades. New facilities incorporate improved insulation, real time data collection and on site renewable energy.
5. AI and predictive analytics empower smarter decisions
La IA optimiza las rutas, forecasts demand and predicts maintenance needs, reducing delays and spoilage. AI driven analytics help mitigate risks, forecast consumption patterns and improve service reliability. Trackonomy notes that by 2025, 74% Se espera que los datos logísticos estén estandarizados., facilitating seamless integration across supply chains.
6. Crecimiento en la cadena de frío farmacéutica
The pandemic highlighted the importance of ultra cold storage for vaccines and biologics. Aproximadamente 20% de los nuevos fármacos en desarrollo son terapias basadas en genes y células, que requieren un estricto control de temperatura. The pharmaceutical cold chain is projected to reach 1.454 mil millones de dólares por 2029.
7. Inversión en logística de alimentos frescos y entrega de última milla
E commerce grocery services and meal kit providers are expanding rapidly. The North America food cold chain market is projected to reach 86.670 millones de dólares en 2025. Online ordering and direct to consumer models demand new refrigerated micro fulfilment centers, route optimization and real time tracking. New food products — plant based and organic items — require specialized transport to maintain freshness.
8. Asociaciones estratégicas e integración de la cadena de suministro
Collaboration across the cold chain ecosystem improves resilience and visibility. Partnerships among food manufacturers, packaging suppliers and technology providers enable integrated solutions. Standardized data and smart containers support seamless integration across supply chains, con 74% of logistics data expected to be standardized by 2025.
9. Emergence of blockchain and IoT innovations in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is becoming a hub for cold chain innovation. Innovators are integrating blockchain for end to end traceability, unidades de almacenamiento en frío con energía solar, IoT enabled smart sensors for real time monitoring, Optimización de rutas impulsada por IA, and portable cryogenic freezers that maintain –80 °C a –150 °C. These innovations help bridge infrastructure gaps in regions with inconsistent power supply and long transport distances.
Preguntas frecuentes
Q1: ¿Cuál es la diferencia entre la logística de cadena de frío y la logística tradicional??
Cold chain logistics maintains temperature controlled environments from storage to delivery, ensuring that perishable goods stay within specified ranges. Traditional logistics does not focus on temperature control and may expose goods to ambient conditions.
Q2: How is AI used in cold chain logistics?
AI analyzes real time and historical data to optimize routes, predecir fallas de equipos y pronosticar la demanda. It reduces fuel consumption, prevents spoilage and improves customer service.
Q3: Do all products need real time temperature monitoring?
No necesariamente. High risk items like vaccines, biologics and high value seafood require continuous monitoring, while shelf stable items may need only periodic checks. Assess your product’s sensitivity and regulatory requirements.
Q4: ¿Por qué es importante la sostenibilidad en la cadena de frío??
La cadena de frío alimentario representa alrededor 2% de las emisiones globales de CO₂. Refrigeración energéticamente eficiente, renewable power and biodegradable packaging reduce environmental impact and operational costs.
Q5: ¿Qué son los congeladores criogénicos portátiles?, and when are they used?
Portable cryogenic freezers maintain ultra low temperatures (–80 °C a –150 °C) for biologics, gene therapies and cell treatments. They enable flexible distribution of products requiring deep freezing.
Q6: How does blockchain enhance cold chain transparency?
Blockchain creates immutable records of temperature, location and handoff events, ensuring that all parties share the same data. It reduces fraud, simplifies compliance and increases trust.
Resumen y recomendaciones
Cold chain logistics services are critical for delivering perishable goods safely and efficiently. The market continues to expand rapidly, with global value projected to grow from 436 mil millones de dólares en 2025 a más de 1,3 billones de dólares EE.UU. 2034. Drivers include expanding international trade, comercio electrónico, pharmaceutical advancements and growing demand for fresh foods. Tecnologías como la IA, sensores de iot, blockchain and renewable energy reduce waste, improve visibility and enable compliance.
To optimize your cold chain operations, identify the temperature profile of your products, evaluate technology capabilities, inspect infrastructure, prioritize sustainability and ensure regulatory compliance. Invest in automation and predictive analytics to address labour shortages and rising costs. Consider strategic partnerships to enhance visibility and resilience. As emerging markets and new products drive demand, staying informed about innovations — from portable cryogenic freezers to standardized data platforms — will help you remain competitive in 2025 y más allá.
Acerca de Tempk
Tempk es un proveedor líder de soluciones logísticas de cadena de frío, offering temperature controlled packaging, insulated containers and IoT enabled monitoring systems. Our products include reusable insulated boxes, bolsas de hielo en gel y unidades de refrigeración con energía solar. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver reliable, energy efficient solutions for pharmaceuticals, fresh foods and specialty products. With a commitment to sustainability and compliance, we help clients reduce spoilage, meet regulatory requirements and achieve their business goals.
Ready to safeguard your temperature sensitive cargo? Contact the Tempk team for a personalized consultation and discover how our cold chain logistics services can protect your products and support your growth.
