Pune, India – June 20, 2025 – The Global Perishable Goods Transportation Market is set to grow steadily, expected to reach USD 35.2 Billion by 2034, up from USD 20.4 Billion in 2024, at a 5.6% CAGR during the 2025–2034 forecast period. This growth is being driven by the rising demand for fresh food, medicines, and other temperature-sensitive goods, along with new investments in cold chain infrastructure and green logistics.
Perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, seafood, frozen desserts, and pharmaceutical items require reliable transport under controlled conditions. The growing global population, increasing health awareness, and changing consumer preferences toward fresh and organic food are creating strong demand for these logistics services. As a result, the role of perishable goods transportation in the global supply chain has become more important than ever before.
Cold Chain Failures Fuel Innovation
According to TGFWorld, nearly 20% of perishable shipments face damage due to cold chain failures. This highlights the urgent need for improved packaging, refrigeration, and tracking technologies to avoid spoilage. The industry is responding by adopting advanced cold chain solutions, such as smart temperature monitoring systems, high-performance insulated packaging, and data-driven logistics platforms that allow companies to monitor product conditions in real time.
Leading players in the market are developing modern systems that ensure temperature stability and faster delivery. These efforts not only reduce product loss but also ensure that quality and freshness are maintained from source to consumer.
Sea and Road Transport Are Key Pillars
Transport by sea remains essential for large-scale international shipping of perishable items. In 2023, around 47% of goods traded between the EU and other regions by value were moved by sea, according to data from Europa. Additionally, 74% of traded goods by volume rely on maritime routes. These numbers underscore the importance of seaways in maintaining global perishable supply chains.
On the other hand, road transport is the backbone of last-mile delivery, especially in large countries like India, where trucks handle over 70% of all freight. Roadways dominate the mode of transportation segment, with 49.3% of the market share in 2024. Their flexibility and door-to-door delivery capabilities make them ideal for perishable cargo that must reach markets quickly and in perfect condition.
Asia-Pacific Leads the Global Market
Asia-Pacific held a 35.2% share of the market in 2024, valued at USD 7.14 Billion, making it the leading regional player. The region’s leadership is attributed to rapid industrial growth, rising demand for packaged food, and the expansion of e-commerce platforms offering same-day or next-day fresh grocery delivery.
Countries like China, India, and Japan are seeing increased investments in cold storage and refrigerated vehicles. These improvements are helping reduce spoilage and extend the reach of perishable goods to rural and urban markets alike.
Technology and Innovation to Reduce Product Loss
According to data from TGF World, nearly 20% of perishable shipments are damaged due to cold chain failures, such as incorrect temperatures or poor insulation during transport. To address this problem, companies are now investing in smart cold chain technologies. These include real-time temperature tracking sensors, high-performance insulated packaging, and AI-powered logistics platforms that alert operators if temperature thresholds are crossed.
These innovations help improve delivery speed and ensure that food or medicines stay fresh until they reach the end user. In addition, they lower waste, which helps reduce costs and environmental impact. Some logistics companies are also exploring solar-powered refrigerated vehicles and eco-friendly coolants to support sustainability goals.
Role of Road and Sea Transport in the Cold Chain
Two main transport methods dominate the movement of perishable goods: sea and road. Sea transport is critical for large-scale international shipments, particularly for countries that import or export large volumes of perishable items. According to data from Europa, 47% of traded goods by value and 74% by volume in the EU use maritime routes. Refrigerated containers, or “reefers,” are now widely used in sea transport to maintain low temperatures during long voyages.
Meanwhile, road transport plays a key role in short-distance and last-mile deliveries. In countries like India and the United States, trucks carry a majority of perishable goods. In 2024, roadways held a 49.3% market share, thanks to their speed, flexibility, and direct-to-store delivery advantages. Modern refrigerated trucks equipped with GPS and climate monitoring systems are now becoming more common to meet rising safety and freshness standards.
Asia-Pacific: The Regional Leader
In 2024, the Asia-Pacific region accounted for 35.2% of the global market, valued at USD 7.14 billion. This dominance can be credited to strong economic development, growth in the processed food sector, and booming online grocery services. Countries such as China, India, and Japan are expanding their cold storage infrastructure and increasing their fleets of refrigerated transport vehicles.
E-commerce platforms are also driving the need for same-day or next-day delivery of fresh items, which requires reliable and fast logistics. Urbanization and rising middle-class incomes in Asia are expected to continue supporting this growth over the next decade.
Sustainability and Regulatory Drivers
Governments and international bodies have introduced strict safety regulations for the transport of perishable goods, especially pharmaceuticals. These rules mandate clear documentation, safe handling, and proper refrigeration throughout the supply chain. Compliance with these rules is encouraging companies to upgrade their transport systems and train their staff.
At the same time, there is growing attention on sustainability. The use of energy-efficient refrigeration units, recyclable packaging materials, and low-emission transport is becoming more common. These changes are being supported by incentives from governments and increasing demand from eco-conscious consumers.
Conclusion
The perishable goods transportation market is set for steady and significant growth as global food and medical supply chains become more sophisticated. The combination of rising demand, stricter regulations, and continuous innovation in cold chain technology is shaping a future where freshness, safety, and speed are not just goals, but requirements. Investments in infrastructure, especially in high-growth regions like Asia-Pacific, will be key to maintaining this upward momentum.
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