Vietnam Cold Chain Logistics in Agro & Pharma Market

Vietnam Cold Chain Logistics in Agro & Pharma Market valued at USD 1.2 Bn, driven by demand for perishable goods and pharma growth at 10.5% CAGR, with government investments boosting infrastructure.

The Vietnam Cold Chain Logistics in Agro & Pharma Market is valued at USD 1.2 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for temperature-sensitive products, particularly in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, alongside the expansion of e-commerce and retail channels. The rising consumer awareness regarding food safety and quality has further propelled the need for efficient cold chain solutions. Recent trends highlight a surge in demand for imported dairy, ready-to-eat meals, and organic produce, as well as advanced biologics and vaccines in the healthcare sector. These factors are compelling logistics providers to invest in validated cold storage, last-mile delivery vehicles with real-time temperature monitoring, and multi-temperature warehouses to ensure product integrity and compliance with evolving standards.

Key cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi dominate the market due to their strategic locations, robust infrastructure, and high population density. These urban centers serve as major distribution hubs, facilitating the efficient movement of goods. The concentration of pharmaceutical companies and food processing industries in these regions also contributes to their market dominance. Ho Chi Minh City, as the economic hub, hosts a significant portion of logistics infrastructure and cold storage, while Hanoi benefits from government infrastructure investments and central policy support for modernized supply chains.
In 2023, the Vietnamese government implemented the “National Strategy for Cold Chain Development”, which aims to enhance the cold chain infrastructure across the country. This initiative includes investments of approximately USD 300 million to improve cold storage facilities and transportation networks, ensuring compliance with international standards and boosting the overall efficiency of the cold chain logistics sector. The strategy is supported by the Ministry of Industry and Trade under Decision No. 970/QD-TTg, 2023, which mandates specific operational standards for cold storage, transportation, and handling of temperature-sensitive goods, and requires periodic compliance audits for logistics providers.

Vietnam Cold Chain Logistics in Agro & Pharma Market Segmentation

By Type:

The cold chain logistics market is segmented into various types, including Refrigerated Transport, Cold Storage Facilities, Refrigerated Warehousing, Refrigerated Distribution, and Transportation Management Systems. Each of these segments plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of temperature-sensitive products throughout the supply chain. Refrigerated transport continues to dominate due to the essential role it plays in maintaining product quality during transit, especially with the rise of e-commerce and demand for fresh food deliveries. Major providers are investing in fleets with advanced temperature control and real-time monitoring systems to address consumer preferences for freshness and safety.

The Refrigerated Transport segment is currently dominating the market due to the increasing demand for efficient logistics solutions that ensure the safe delivery of perishable goods. This segment is essential for maintaining the cold chain from producers to consumers, particularly in urban areas where fresh produce and pharmaceuticals are in high demand. The rise of e-commerce has also contributed to the growth of refrigerated transport, as more consumers seek home delivery of temperature-sensitive products.

By Application:

The market is further segmented by application into Food and Beverage, Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, and Biotechnology. Each application has unique requirements for temperature control and logistics management. The food and beverage segment leads due to rising consumption of fresh produce and processed foods, with stakeholders prioritizing efficient cold chain solutions to enhance shelf life and meet regulatory standards.

The Food and Beverage application segment leads the market, driven by the growing consumer demand for fresh and safe food products. The increasing focus on food safety regulations and quality assurance has necessitated the implementation of robust cold chain logistics solutions. Additionally, the rise in online grocery shopping has further fueled the need for efficient cold storage and transportation systems to meet consumer expectations for quality and freshness.

Vietnam Cold Chain Logistics in Agro & Pharma Market Competitive Landscape

The Vietnam Cold Chain Logistics in Agro & Pharma Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as VIETPHAT Group, Cold Storage Thang Loi, Transimex, Gemadept, Sotrans, TCT Logistics, CJ Logistics Vietnam, DHL Supply Chain Vietnam, JWD Asia Logistics (Vietnam) Co., Ltd., APL Logistics Vietnam, Kuehne + Nagel Vietnam, Maersk Vietnam, Nippon Express Vietnam, DB Schenker Vietnam, Yusen Logistics Vietnam, Sagawa Express Vietnam, Vinamilk, and TransContinental contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Vietnam Cold Chain Logistics in Agro & Pharma Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

Increasing Demand for Perishable Goods:

The demand for perishable goods in Vietnam is projected to reach 1.5 million tons in future, driven by urbanization and changing consumer preferences. The rise in disposable income, which is expected to increase by approximately 6.6% annually, has led to a greater consumption of fresh produce and dairy products. This surge necessitates efficient cold chain logistics to maintain product quality and safety, thereby propelling market growth in the agro sector.

Expansion of the Pharmaceutical Sector:

Vietnam's pharmaceutical market is anticipated to grow to $7.7 billion in future, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5%. This growth is fueled by an increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and a rising demand for healthcare services. Consequently, the need for reliable cold chain logistics to ensure the integrity of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals is becoming increasingly critical, driving investments in this sector.

Government Initiatives for Infrastructure Development:

The Vietnamese government has allocated approximately $1.2 billion for infrastructure improvements in the logistics sector in future. This includes the development of cold storage facilities and transportation networks. Such initiatives aim to enhance the efficiency of cold chain logistics, particularly in rural areas, thereby supporting the agricultural and pharmaceutical industries and ensuring better access to markets.

Market Challenges

High Operational Costs:

The operational costs for cold chain logistics in Vietnam can reach up to 30% higher than traditional logistics due to the need for specialized equipment and technology. This financial burden can deter small and medium-sized enterprises from investing in necessary infrastructure, limiting their ability to compete effectively in the market. As a result, the overall growth of the cold chain logistics sector may be hindered.

Inadequate Infrastructure in Rural Areas:

Approximately 60% of rural areas in Vietnam lack adequate cold chain infrastructure, which poses significant challenges for the distribution of perishable goods. This deficiency leads to high spoilage rates, estimated at 20% for fruits and vegetables, and limits farmers' access to larger markets. Consequently, the inefficiency in logistics hampers the growth potential of the agro sector and affects food security.

Vietnam Cold Chain Logistics in Agro & Pharma Market Future Outlook

The future of cold chain logistics in Vietnam's agro and pharma sectors appears promising, driven by technological advancements and increasing consumer expectations for quality. The integration of IoT and AI technologies is expected to enhance supply chain efficiency, while government support for infrastructure development will facilitate better access to cold storage solutions. As e-commerce continues to expand, the demand for reliable cold chain logistics will likely increase, creating new opportunities for growth and innovation in the market.

Market Opportunities

Growth in E-commerce for Food and Pharmaceuticals:

The e-commerce sector in Vietnam is projected to reach $23 billion in future, creating significant opportunities for cold chain logistics. As online grocery shopping and pharmaceutical sales increase, the demand for efficient delivery systems that maintain product integrity will rise, prompting investments in cold chain solutions tailored for e-commerce.

Investment in Cold Storage Facilities:

With the government’s commitment to improving logistics infrastructure, investments in cold storage facilities are expected to exceed $500 million in future. This investment will enhance the capacity and efficiency of cold chain logistics, enabling better preservation of perishable goods and pharmaceuticals, ultimately benefiting producers and consumers alike.