Food Logistics Market Report by Transportation Mode, Product Type, Service Type, Segment, and Region 2024-2032

Abstract

The global food logistics market size reached US$ 114.4 Billion in 2023. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 211.9 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9% during 2024-2032. The market is growing rapidly driven by increasing demand for fresh and perishable foods, rapid globalization of food trade, significant technological advancements, including temperature-controlled logistics, surge in e-commerce platforms, and imposition of safety regulations, ensuring quality of food products.

Food Logistics Market Analysis:

Market Growth and Size: The market is witnessing stable growth, driven by the increasing global demand for a variety of food products, rapid globalization of food trade, and rising consumer preferences for fresh, perishable foods.

Major Market Drivers: Key drivers influencing the market growth include heightened demand for perishable foods, advancements in technology, the growth of e-commerce, imposition of stringent food safety regulations, and rapid urbanization and changing consumer lifestyles.

Technological Advancements: Recent innovations, such as temperature-controlled logistics, global positioning system (GPS) tracking, and improved transportation management systems are supporting the market growth. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain technologies, that are enhancing supply chain transparency is bolstering the market growth.

Industry Applications: The market serves a wide range of applications, including transportation, cold chain management, packaging, and warehousing. It caters to various food segments, such as meats, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and processed foods.

Key Market Trends: The key market trends involve the growing emphasis on sustainability, an increase in mergers and acquisitions, and a shift towards customized logistics solutions. Besides this, the increasing investment in technology and expansion of cold chain capabilities are bolstering the market growth.

Geographical Trends: North America leads the market due to advanced logistics infrastructure, a high degree of supply chain integration, and rising demand for diverse foods. Other regions are also showing significant growth, fueled by rapid economic growth and urbanization.

Competitive Landscape: The market is characterized by the presence of both global players and specialized regional providers that are focusing on technological advancements, expanding their service offerings, and engaging in strategic partnerships and expansions.

Challenges and Opportunities: The market faces various challenges, such as managing the complexities of global supply chains, adhering to diverse regulatory standards, and addressing environmental concerns. However, recent technological innovations and the growing demand for sustainable and efficient logistics solutions is creating new opportunities for the market growth.

Food Logistics Market Trends:

Increasing demand for perishable foods

The rising consumer preference for fresh and perishable foods is significantly driving the market growth. In line with this, the growing awareness of health and nutrition, leading to an increased demand for fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meats, is bolstering the market growth. The logistics of transporting these perishable items are complex, as they require a controlled environment to maintain quality and freshness. It involves temperature-controlled warehousing and transportation, which is crucial for extending the shelf life of perishable goods. Furthermore, the ongoing advancements in refrigerated transport technologies, innovative packaging solutions, and improved inventory management techniques, are positively impacting the market growth. Besides this, the changing dietary preferences and the popularity of global cuisines, which further complicate the logistics requirements due to the varied nature of these food products, are supporting the market growth.

Rapid globalization of food trade

The movement of food products across international borders has intensified due to factors, such as trade liberalization, economic growth in emerging markets, and diversification of food sources. This globalization of food trade involves complex logistics and supply chain management to handle the transportation, storage, and distribution of diverse food items. It requires dealing with different regulatory environments, transportation modes, and logistics infrastructures. This has led to the development of specialized logistics services, such as multi-modal transportation solutions and integrated supply chain management systems. Additionally, globalization has necessitated the adoption of international standards and best practices in food logistics, including traceability and compliance with various health and safety regulations.

Significant technological advancements

The advancement of technology has revolutionized how food products are transported, stored, and tracked throughout the supply chain. Key technological advancements include temperature-controlled logistics (TCL), which is vital for maintaining the quality of perishable goods. TCL involves sophisticated refrigeration and climate-control systems in warehouses and transportation vehicles. Furthermore, the integration of global positioning system (GPS) tracking and radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, which have improved the visibility and traceability of food products during transit, allowing for real-time monitoring and management, is positively influencing the market growth. Besides this, the development of transportation management systems (TMS) and warehouse management systems (WMS), which have become more sophisticated, integrating various aspects of logistics operations for better efficiency and cost-effectiveness, is driving the market growth.

Surge in e-commerce platforms

The surge in e-commerce, particularly in the food sector, has substantially influenced the food logistics market. Consumers are turning to online platforms for grocery shopping, which has created new challenges and opportunities for logistics providers. The primary challenge in e-commerce logistics is managing the 'last mile' delivery, which involves transporting goods from distribution centers to the final destination in a timely and cost-effective manner. This is particularly complex for food items, which often require temperature-controlled environments and quick delivery to ensure freshness. Furthermore, the expansion of e-commerce platforms has led to innovations in last-mile delivery solutions, such as the use of drones and autonomous vehicles, which is contributing to the market growth. It has also necessitated changes in packaging solutions to ensure food safety and quality during transit.

Imposition of stringent food safety regulations

Governments are increasingly focused on ensuring the safety and quality of food products, which has led to the implementation of more comprehensive and rigorous regulations. These regulations often mandate specific handling, storage, and transportation requirements for food products, particularly perishable goods. Compliance with these regulations is critical for logistics providers, as it involves adhering to standards for temperature control, hygiene, packaging, and traceability. Furthermore, the need for traceability in the supply chain has become particularly important, requiring systems that can track the movement and handling of food products from source to consumer. It has led to the adoption of advanced tracking and documentation technologies, such as blockchain and RFID.

Food Logistics Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the global and regional levels for 2024-2032. Our report has categorized the market based on transportation mode, product type, service type, and segment.

Breakup by Transportation Mode:

Railways

Roadways

Seaways

Airways

Roadways accounts for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the transportation mode. This includes railways, roadways, seaways, and airways. According to the report, roadways represented the largest segment.

The roadways segment holds the largest market share due to its flexibility, accessibility, and efficiency in transporting food products. Road transport is critical for both long-haul deliveries and last-mile connectivity, offering door-to-door service that other modes cannot match. It is particularly vital in the distribution of perishable goods like dairy, fruits, and vegetables, where time is of the essence. Additionally, the widespread network of roads allows for direct and rapid transportation of goods from suppliers to distribution centers and retail outlets. Besides this, advancements in road transportation technology, such as refrigerated trucks and real-time tracking systems, which have enhanced the efficiency and reliability of road transport, are driving the market growth.

Railways are known for their cost-effectiveness and ability to transport huge volumes of goods over long distances. This mode of transportation is especially suitable for bulk food commodities like grains, oils, and processed foods. Rail transport offers several advantages, including lower fuel consumption per ton-mile, reduced traffic congestion, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

The seaways segment plays a crucial role in the international food logistics market, facilitating the global trade of food products. Sea transport is a cost-effective method for moving large quantities of goods across continents. It is particularly crucial for importing and exporting bulk commodities like grains, edible oils, and frozen foods.

The airways segment is crucial for transporting high-value, perishable, and time-sensitive food products. It provides the fastest delivery method, significantly reducing transit time, which is vital for products like fresh seafood, exotic fruits, and specialty meats. This mode of transportation is also used for reaching remote areas where other modes are less feasible.

Breakup by Product Type:

Fish, Shellfish, and Meat

Vegetables, Fruits, and Nuts

Cereals, Bakery and Dairy Products

Coffee, Tea, and Vegetable Oil

Others

Fish, shellfish, and meat holds the largest share in the industry

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product type have also been provided in the report. This includes fish, shellfish, and meat, vegetables, fruits, and nuts, cereals, bakery and dairy products, coffee, tea, and vegetable oil, and others. According to the report, fish, shellfish, and meat accounted for the largest market share.

The segment comprising fish, shellfish, and meat holds the largest market share due to the high global demand for these protein-rich foods. It requires specialized handling and transportation due to its highly perishable nature. The logistics for fish, shellfish, and meat often involve a cold chain to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage, encompassing refrigerated storage and transport facilities. The supply chain for these products is complex, extending from fishing grounds and farms to processing centers and finally to consumers, often spanning across international borders.

The vegetables, fruits, and nuts segment caters to the growing consumer demand for fresh and healthy produce. It includes a wide range of perishable items that require careful handling and a controlled environment to maintain quality and extend shelf life. The logistics of fruits, vegetables, and nuts involves a cold chain system encompassing pre-cooling, refrigerated transport, and cold storage.

The cereals, bakery, and dairy products segment includes a broad range of products, from shelf-stable items like cereals and baked goods to perishable items like milk and cheese. The logistics for cereals and bakery products typically involve dry storage and distribution channels, while dairy products often require a cold chain for transportation and storage.

The coffee, tea, and vegetable oil segment holds a significant place in the food logistics market. These products are essential commodities in global trade, often sourced from specific regions and exported worldwide. The logistics of coffee, tea, and vegetable oil involve careful handling and storage to preserve flavor and quality, with a focus on preventing moisture and environmental exposure.

Breakup by Service Type:

Cold Chain

Non-Cold Chain

Cold chain represents the leading market segment

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the service type. This includes cold chain and non-cold chain. According to the report, the cold chain represented the largest segment.

The cold chain segment holds the largest market share due to the critical need for temperature-controlled environments in the transportation and storage of perishable food products. It includes a comprehensive system of refrigerated warehouses, distribution centers, and transportation vehicles, which are essential for maintaining the quality of products like dairy, fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood. Furthermore, the increasing global demand for fresh and frozen foods, heightened consumer awareness about food safety, and stricter regulatory standards for food handling are also contributing to the market growth.

The non-cold chain segment caters to the transportation and storage of products that do not require temperature-controlled environments. It includes staple dry goods, such as cereals, grains, canned foods, and non-perishable packaged items. Non-cold chain logistics are characterized by simpler and more cost-effective operations compared to the cold chain, as they do not necessitate specialized refrigeration equipment and technology.

Breakup by Segment:

Transportation

Packaging

Instrumentation

Transportation exhibits a clear dominance in the market

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the segment have also been provided in the report. This includes transportation, packaging, and instrumentation. According to the report, transportation accounted for the largest market share.

The transportation segment holds the largest market share, serving as the backbone of the entire supply chain. It encompasses the movement of food products from the point of origin to processing facilities, distribution centers, retailers, and ultimately to consumers. It includes various modes of transport, such as road, rail, air, and sea, each suited for different types of food products and distances. Furthermore, the dominance of the transportation segment is due to its vital role in ensuring the timely and efficient delivery of food products, which is essential for maintaining freshness, quality, and safety, particularly for perishable items.

The packaging segment provides solutions that protect food products during transit, extend shelf life, and meet regulatory standards. Packaging in food logistics is not just about containment but also about preserving the quality and safety of food products, facilitating storage, and providing consumer convenience. It includes a variety of packaging materials and technologies, ranging from basic materials like cardboard and plastic to advanced solutions like biodegradable packaging.

The instrumentation segment includes the tools and technologies used for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the food logistics process. Instrumentation in food logistics encompasses a broad range of technologies, including temperature and humidity sensors for maintaining the quality of perishable goods, tracking systems for supply chain visibility, and automation technologies for efficient warehouse management.

Breakup by Region:

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Middle East and Africa

Latin America

North America leads the market, accounting for the largest food logistics market share

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. According to the report, North America accounted for the largest market share.

North America represents the largest segment, driven by advanced logistics infrastructure, a high degree of supply chain integration, and a robust demand for diverse food products. Additionally, the presence of a well-developed road and rail network, efficient port systems, and cutting-edge logistics technologies, which facilitate efficient food transportation and distribution, is contributing to the market growth. Besides this, the rising consumer spending power and strong demand for a wide range of food products, including fresh, frozen, and processed goods, are catalyzing the market growth.

The food logistics market in Europe is characterized by its diverse food culture, stringent food safety regulations, and advanced logistics infrastructure. Besides this, the region's strong focus on food quality and safety standards, which requires sophisticated logistics solutions, particularly in maintaining the cold chain for perishable goods, is contributing to the market growth.

The Asia Pacific region is rapidly growing in the food logistics market, driven by economic growth, increasing consumer spending, and urbanization. Furthermore, the presence of diverse food consumption patterns, ranging from traditional staples to a growing demand for Western-style foods, is supporting the market growth. Besides this, the region is witnessing significant investments in logistics infrastructure development, including cold chain facilities, to meet the rising demand for perishable goods.

The food logistics market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is growing due to its diverse geographic and climatic conditions, which impact food production and supply chains. Furthermore, the region relies heavily on food imports, necessitating a robust logistics framework to ensure food security and accessibility. Besides this, regional countries are investing in advanced logistics infrastructure, including ports and free trade zones, which is driving the market growth.

In Latin America, the food logistics market is growing with a focus on both intra-regional and international food trade. Furthermore, the region is known for its agricultural exports, including fruits, vegetables, and coffee, requiring efficient logistics for global distribution. Additionally, regional countries are modernizing transportation networks and investing in cold chain logistics to improve the efficiency and reliability of food supply chains.

Leading Key Players in the Food Logistics Industry:

Major players are heavily investing in advanced technologies, such as blockchain for enhanced traceability, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for predictive analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time tracking. Furthermore, companies are expanding their cold chain logistics capabilities by investing in temperature-controlled warehouses, refrigerated vehicles, and advanced cooling systems to ensure the quality of food products during transportation and storage. Additionally, they are implementing more eco-friendly transportation methods to reduce carbon emissions and optimize routes. Besides this, key players are collaborating with technology providers, local logistics companies, and even competitors to share resources, knowledge, and market reach.

The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

AmeriCold Logistics LLC

Deutsche Bahn (DB) Schenker AG

C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

Schneider National

CaseStack

A.N. Deringer, Inc.

Echo Global Logistics, Inc.

Evans Distribution Systems, Inc.

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics SE & Co. KG

Matson Logistics

Odyssey Logistics & Technology Corporation

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

Latest News:

In March 2023, AmeriCold Logistics announced strategic investment in Dubai-based cold storage company RSA Cold Chain.

In July 2023, C.H. Robinson Worldwide announced that its Robinson Fresh division was honored by omnichannel retailer Food Lion for its sustainable end-to-end supply chain solutions and support for hunger relief.

In October 2023, Schneider was named Top Food Chain provider by Food Chain Digest, the official magazine of Food Shippers of America (FSA).

Key Questions Answered in This Report

• 1. What was the size of the global food logistics market in 2023?
• 2. What is the expected growth rate of the global food logistics market during 2024-2032?
• 3. What are the key factors driving the global food logistics market?
• 4. What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global food logistics market?
• 5. What is the breakup of the global food logistics market based on the transportation mode?
• 6. What is the breakup of the global food logistics market based on the product type?
• 7. What is the breakup of the global food logistics market based on the service type?
• 8. What is the breakup of the global food logistics market based on the segment?
• 9. What are the key regions in the global food logistics market?
• 10. Who are the key companies/players in the global food logistics market?