Cold chain logistics: growth and consolidation create opportunities for investors 

The global cold chain logistics market is forecast to reach $497bn in 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.9% to 2035.

In Europe, a fragmented market, changing food distribution needs and demand for specialist pharmaceutical services are creating opportunities for acquisitions and platform growth.

Our latest M&A report examines the market dynamics shaping the sector, the role of financial and strategic buyers, and the opportunities for investors and operators to build scale and strengthen their market positions.

What the report covers: 

• A statistical analysis of the growing global market for temperature-controlled storage and transport across food and pharmaceutical supply chains.
• How foodservice and online grocery are reshaping order handling, picking, packing and delivery requirements.
• Why injectable GLP-1 growth, with obesity medicine sales forecast at $92bn in 2026, is creating recurring demand for refrigerated pharmaceutical storage and distribution.
• How acquisitions can expand European geographic coverage, add specialist capabilities and strengthen distribution network density. With independent operators accounting for approximately 40% of European third-party cold-storage capacity, significant consolidation opportunities remain.
• The role of private equity, infrastructure investors, private debt and property financing in supporting acquisitions, with financial sponsors on the buyer side in over half of transactions
• Recent selected transactions illustrating buyer strategies across food and pharmaceutical cold chain logistics

What this means for investors and operators

Growth alone does not guarantee attractive returns. As customer requirements grow more complex, operators must balance storage capacity with efficient handling, reliable distribution and specialist service.

For buyers, the opportunity lies in identifying businesses that strengthen an existing platform, broaden the customer offering or improve network economics. Customer mix, operating efficiency, contract visibility and integration requirements remain central to creating value through M&A.

Contact Jan Willem Jonkman or Robert Bosch to access the report and explore your M&A opportunities.