United Kingdom Cold Chain Logistics Market Size Analysis - Market Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook Report (2025-2034)

The United Kingdom cold chain logistics market value reached USD 7.33 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.70% between 2025 and 2034 to reach a value of around USD 14.02 Billion by 2034.

United Kingdom Cold Chain Logistics Market Growth

Cold chain logistics refers to a process that deals with the transportation of temperature-sensitive materials or products. It involves the use of gel packs, dry ice, liquid nitrogen, eutectic plates, reefers, and quilts, among others which can preserve perishable materials. Cold chain products are transported by railcars, reefers, and air cargo, among others.

The growing demand for meat, seafood, and pharmaceutical products in the country is driving the United Kingdom cold chain logistics market demand.

Rising disposable incomes are also surging the popularity of online grocery shopping, which is providing further growth for the United Kingdom cold chain logistics industry.

United Kingdom Cold Chain Logistics Market Analysis

The United Kingdom cold chain logistics market dynamics and trends are influenced by the robust cell and gene therapy sector, bolstered by a strong research environment, driving advancements in cold chain logistics technologies.

Additionally, the growing preference for fresh foods with longer shelf lives, alongside increased demand for frozen herbs, ready-to-eat meals, and snacks, is spurring the development of refrigerated warehouses. These factors are contributing to the overall growth of the United Kingdom cold chain logistics industry.

United Kingdom Cold Chain Logistics Industry Outlook

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), R&D in pharmaceuticals accounts for 27% of all UK manufacturing R&D, indicating the sector's strategic importance in driving innovation and competitiveness within the broader manufacturing industry. This investment is evident in employment statistics, with 30% of the UK pharmaceutical workforce engaged in R&D. Their efforts are concentrated on formulation discovery, development, clinical trials, and innovations in drug delivery devices, which in turn drives demand for the United Kingdom cold chain logistics industry revenue.

The Northwest region leads the sector, contributing 38% of the UK's pharmaceutical Gross Value Added (GVA) and generating 43.1% of the sector’s turnover. This dominance is likely due to the concentration of major pharmaceutical companies and advanced manufacturing facilities in the region. London and the Southeast follow, with a GVA contribution of 11.9% and turnover of 17.1%, underscoring the capital's role as a hub for both research and commercialisation of pharmaceutical products.

In 2020, total UK seafood consumption reached 162.98 grams per person per week, marking a 1.0% increase from 2019. This growth was largely fuelled by a 1.6% increase in at-home seafood consumption, which rose to 148.02 grams per person per week. Additionally, the trend of consuming seafood at home has been steadily rising since 2018, growing from 138.50 grams to 148.02 grams by 2020. This consistent increase over three years suggests a gradual change in consumer behaviour, likely influenced by greater awareness of seafood's health benefits, improved availability of seafood products in supermarkets, and a rise in home cooking trends, all contributing to the growth of the United Kingdom cold chain logistics market revenue.

Utilises cutting-edge refrigeration and automation technologies to ensure efficient and reliable cold chain management.

• Well-developed network of refrigerated warehouses and transport systems supports the seamless distribution of perishable goods.
• Significant investment in R&D, particularly in pharmaceuticals and cell and gene therapies, drives innovation and growth of the United Kingdom cold chain logistics industry.

Significant investment in technology and infrastructure leads to high operational costs.

• Strict regulatory requirements for temperature control and safety can increase compliance costs.
• Reliance on imported goods may pose risks related to supply chain disruptions.

Increased consumer preference for fresh and frozen foods expands opportunities in the United Kingdom cold chain logistics market.

• Rising emphasis on eco-friendly practices and energy-efficient solutions can attract investment and improve efficiency.
• Ongoing innovation in cold chain technologies presents opportunities for enhanced service offerings and market expansion.

Economic fluctuations and potential Brexit impacts could affect market stability and investment.

• Intense competition within the logistics sector could pressure profit margins and market share.
• Vulnerability to disruptions in global supply chains can affect the availability and cost of goods.

Key Players in the United Kingdom Cold Chain Logistics Market and Their Key Initiatives

Lineage Logistics Holdings, LLC

• Invested in advanced cold storage facilities across the United Kingdom.
• Expanded its United Kingdom reach through strategic acquisitions.

Culina Logistics Limited

• Partnered with leading food producers to streamline supply chains in order to meet the growing demand of the United Kingdom cold chain logistics market.
• Focused on sustainability by adopting energy-efficient refrigeration systems.

NewCold Cooperative UA

• Utilised high levels of automation and robotics in their warehouses.
• Placed a strong emphasis on sustainability to capture the United Kingdom cold chain logistics market opportunities.

FreshLinc Limited

• Offered tailored transport services for fresh produce.
• Provided end-to-end cold chain solutions.

United Kingdom Cold Chain Logistics Industry Segmentation

“United Kingdom Cold Chain Logistics Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Services

• Storage
• Transportation
• Value Added Services

Market Breakup by Temperature Type

• Chilled
• Frozen
• Ambient

Market Breakup by Application

• Horticulture
• Dairy Products
• Meats, Fish, Poultry
• Beverages
• Pharma, Life Sciences, and Chemicals
• Others

United Kingdom Cold Chain Logistics Market Share

The pharmaceutical and life sciences sector in the UK has been experiencing robust growth, driven by escalating health issues, the presence of major pharmaceutical companies, and rising investments in new product development. This development is increasing the United Kingdom cold chain logistics demand growth to maintain the efficiency and quality of pharmaceuticals during transportation and storage.

The need for precise temperature control for an expanding range of drugs and vaccines, as well as the growing use of regenerative medicines, cellular therapies, and biomarker testing is further boosting the cold chain logistics market. Additionally, stringent safety and security standards for pharmaceuticals across the UK are creating valuable opportunities for the United Kingdom cold chain logistics market development.

Leading Companies in the United Kingdom Cold Chain Logistics Market

The company’s focus on the storage and transportation of perishable goods, providing a wide array of services tailored to diverse industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and other products that require specific temperature controls.

• Lineage Logistics Holdings, LLC
• Culina Logistics Limited
• NewCold Cooperative UA
• FreshLinc Limited
• Kerry Logistics Network Limited
• Americold Logistics, Inc.
• Seafast Logistics PLC
• Blacksmith Freight Ltd
• AH United Kingdom Holdco 1 Limited
• Cool Cargo United Kingdom