South Africa Cold Chain Logistics Market

South Africa Cold Chain Logistics Market Overview:

The South Africa cold chain logistics market size was valued at USD 2.04 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 7.48 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 13.85% during 2025-2033. The cold chain logistics market is growing owing to heightened investments in infrastructure and a transition towards sustainable methods. The implementation of advanced cold storage and transportation solutions, alongside advancements in energy-efficient technologies like electric refrigerated trailers, is contributing to the expansion of the South Africa cold chain logistics market share.

South Africa Cold Chain Logistics Market Trends:

Environmental Sustainability Initiatives

With the growing awareness about environmental issues, businesses are under heightened pressure to minimize their carbon emissions and implement sustainable practices, especially in logistics. Cold chain operations, marked by significant energy use from refrigeration requirements, are particularly focused on adopting sustainable practices. Innovations like electric-powered refrigerated trailers and energy-saving refrigeration systems are becoming essential in the cold chain logistics industry. These developments aid in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, cutting operational expenses, and enhancing overall environmental effects. In line with this trend, in 2025, Woolworths and DP World launched the Thermo King AxlePower, a 100%-electric, zero-emissions refrigerated trailer in South Africa. The trailer, operating between Johannesburg and Cape Town, uses energy recovery from the trailer's wheels to power the refrigeration system, saving 20 tons of CO₂ annually. This collaboration marks a significant step toward sustainable transport in Africa's logistics sector. Apart from this, the incorporation of renewable energy sources and energy recovery technologies in cold chain logistics is gaining momentum, as companies are increasingly striving to align their operations with international sustainability standards. This change not only aids environmental objectives but also boosts the market's competitiveness as individuals and companies are becoming conscious about the environmental effects of supply chains. With sustainability emerging as a crucial differentiator in the market, the implementation of eco-friendly technologies in cold chain logistics is increasing, providing both environmental and financial advantages.

Increased Investments in Cold Chain Infrastructure

Rising investments in infrastructure enhancement from both public and private entities to improve storage, transportation, and distribution efficiency for temperature-sensitive goods is bolstering the South Africa cold chain logistics market growth. The strategic importance of a robust cold chain network is becoming evident, particularly as demand for perishable goods continues to rise. To meet this demand, funding is directed toward expanding and modernizing cold storage facilities, improving refrigeration systems, and upgrading transportation fleets with advanced temperature control technologies. These developments not only improve the efficiency and reliability of cold chain operations but also help mitigate challenges related to South Africa's diverse geography, especially in remote areas. Logistics companies are placing greater emphasis on developing facilities that can accommodate an increasing volume of perishable items while adhering to strict quality requirements. For instance, in 2024, MSC South Africa launched a 15,000-m² refrigerated warehouse in Durban to improve the management of perishable items. The center, belonging to MSC’s MEDLOG division, provided a capacity ranging from 8,000 to 10,000 pallets and facilitates the import and export of fresh produce. It was linked with the PPECB database to guarantee adherence to regulations and traceability. Such investments are essential for addressing the growing demand for perishable items while upholding the quality and safety of temperature-sensitive goods.

South Africa Cold Chain Logistics Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on type and application.

Type Insights:

• Refrigerated Warehouses
• Refrigerated Transportation
  • Railways
  • Airways
  • Roadways
  • Waterways

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes refrigerated warehouses and refrigerated transportation (railways, airways, roadways, and waterways).

Application Insights:

• Fruits and Vegetables
• Bakery and Confectionary
• Dairy and Frozen Desserts
• Meat, Fish, and Sea Food
• Drugs and Pharmaceuticals
• Others

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application have also been provided in the report. This includes fruits and vegetables, bakery and confectionary, dairy and frozen desserts, meat, fish, and sea food, drugs and pharmaceuticals, and others.

Regional Insights:

• Gauteng
• KwaZulu-Natal
• Western Cape
• Mpumalanga
• Eastern Cape
• Others

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, and others.

Competitive Landscape:

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.

South Africa Cold Chain Logistics Market News:

• In May 2025, Maersk invited South African exporters to preview its upcoming cold storage facility at Belcon Logistics Park in Cape Town. The facility, part of a network of three cold storage sites, aims to improve logistics for perishable goods like fruits. It aligns with Maersk’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.
• In December 2024, Commercial Cold Holdings (CCH) launched its Greenbushes cold storage facility in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. The facility, with an 8,000-pallet capacity, aimed to enhance local agricultural exports, particularly citrus, and improve the region's cold chain infrastructure.

South Africa Cold Chain Logistics Market Report Coverage:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the South Africa cold chain logistics market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What is the breakup of the South Africa cold chain logistics market on the basis of type?
• What is the breakup of the South Africa cold chain logistics market on the basis of application?
• What is the breakup of the South Africa cold chain logistics market on the basis of region?
• What are the various stages in the value chain of the South Africa cold chain logistics market? 
• What are the key driving factors and challenges in the South Africa cold chain logistics market?
• What is the structure of the South Africa cold chain logistics market and who are the key players?
• What is the degree of competition in the South Africa cold chain logistics market? 

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the South Africa cold chain logistics market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the South Africa cold chain logistics market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the South Africa cold chain logistics industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.