Market Overview:
The food logistics market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by rising demand for perishable goods, e-commerce and sustainability and eco-friendly practices. According to IMARC Group's latest research publication, "Food Logistics Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast by Transportation Mode, Product Type, Service Type, Segment, and Region, 2025-2033", the global food logistics market size was valued at USD 122.23 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 222.44 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.33% from 2025–2033.
This detailed analysis primarily encompasses industry size, business trends, market share, key growth factors, and regional forecasts. The report offers a comprehensive overview and integrates research findings, market assessments, and data from different sources. It also includes pivotal market dynamics like drivers and challenges, while also highlighting growth opportunities, financial insights, technological improvements, emerging trends, and innovations. Besides this, the report provides regional market evaluation, along with a competitive landscape analysis.
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Our report includes:
- Market Dynamics
- Market Trends And Market Outlook
- Competitive Analysis
- Industry Segmentation
- Strategic Recommendations
Growth Factors Driving the Food Logistics Industry
- Rising Demand for Perishable Goods:
People are craving fresh, healthy foods like never before—think organic produce, plant-based meals, and allergen-free options. This surge in demand for perishable goods is pushing food logistics to keep up with temperature-controlled transport and storage. The European food cold chain logistics market, for example, is expected to hit €65.89 billion this year, driven by the need for efficient solutions to keep food fresh. Companies like Walmart are expanding their grocery delivery services to meet this demand, investing heavily in refrigerated transport. Governments are also stepping in—the EU’s “Farm to Fork” strategy aims to cut food waste by 50% by 2030, encouraging logistics firms to adopt better cold chain practices to ensure fresh goods reach consumers without spoilage.
- E-Commerce and Last-Mile Delivery Boom:
The rise of online grocery shopping has transformed food logistics, with consumers expecting fast, reliable deliveries. Companies like Amazon Fresh are scaling up their delivery networks to meet this demand, with millions of users relying on same-day or next-day services. This year, the online food delivery market is projected to serve 3.9 billion consumers globally, nearly ten times the U.S. population. Retailers are investing in tech like AI-powered logistics to optimize routes and cut costs. For example, Blue Dart recently launched an affiliate program to boost innovations in last-mile delivery. This e-commerce surge is forcing logistics providers to rethink supply chains, focusing on speed and customer satisfaction, while also navigating rising costs for delivery personnel and dark store operations.
- Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices:
Consumers and businesses are prioritizing sustainability, pushing food logistics to adopt greener practices. The industry is shifting to eco-friendly packaging and energy-efficient transport to lower carbon footprints. In Germany, consumer demand for sustainable packaging has led companies to invest in bioplastics and paper-based solutions. Globally, the food waste recycling machine market is expected to reach $3.1 billion this year, driven by stricter regulations on food dumping. The EU’s “Farm to Fork” initiative is also promoting organic farming, which requires specialized logistics to handle delicate produce. Companies like XPO Logistics are adopting electric vehicles and smart packaging to reduce emissions, aligning with consumer expectations and regulatory goals while balancing cost-efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Trends in the Global Food Logistics Market
- AI and Smart Technology Integration:
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing food logistics by streamlining operations and boosting efficiency. AI-powered systems help optimize delivery routes, predict demand, and manage inventory in real time. For instance, companies like Blue Dart are using AI to enhance last-mile delivery, cutting costs and improving speed. Smart sensors and IoT-enabled devices are also gaining traction, with the food waste recycling machine market hitting $3.1 billion this year, thanks to tech that monitors food freshness. These tools reduce spoilage and improve supply chain transparency. In Europe, autonomous smart packaging is emerging to extend shelf life, helping logistics firms meet consumer demand for fresh, high-quality food while tackling sustainability challenges.
- Growth of Ethnic and Health-Conscious Foods:
The global appetite for ethnic and healthier food options is reshaping logistics needs. The ethnic food market is projected to reach $179.21 billion by 2034, driven by demand for sugar-free, gluten-free, and plant-based products. This trend requires specialized logistics, like temperature-controlled transport for delicate ingredients. Companies like Walmart are expanding their own-brand ethnic food lines, relying on logistics partners to handle complex supply chains. In the U.S. and Canada, celebrity chef endorsements are boosting demand for local cuisines, requiring logistics firms to adapt to diverse storage and transport needs. This shift is pushing providers to invest in flexible, scalable systems to deliver these specialized products efficiently to a growing market.
- Robotics and Automation in Warehousing:
Food logistics is embracing robotics to meet rising demand and improve efficiency. The food robotics market is expected to hit $4.54 billion by 2029, with robots handling tasks like packing, sorting, and inventory management. For example, companies are using automated systems in warehouses to process orders faster, especially for e-commerce giants like Amazon Fresh. These systems reduce labor costs and errors while speeding up order fulfillment. In Switzerland, the food service market, valued at $6.2 billion this year, is seeing increased use of packaging robots to streamline operations. This trend is critical as logistics firms face pressure to deliver quickly while maintaining quality, especially in the fast-growing online grocery sector.
- Expansion and Specialization of Cold Chain Logistics:
The cold chain segment within food logistics is experiencing significant expansion and increasing specialization. As demand for fresh, frozen, and chilled food products continues to rise globally, the imperative to maintain precise temperature control from producer to consumer becomes paramount. This trend involves investments in state-of-the-art refrigerated warehousing, advanced reefer containers, and temperature-monitoring solutions that provide continuous data throughout transit. Furthermore, there's a growing specialization within the cold chain, with logistics providers developing tailored solutions for specific food categories, such as ultra-frozen seafood, delicate fresh produce, or pharmaceutical-grade food ingredients, each requiring distinct environmental conditions. The complexity of these specialized cold chains also drives innovation in packaging, insulation, and multi-temperature transportation capabilities, ensuring that diverse temperature requirements can be met within a single logistical journey, thereby preserving product quality and extending shelf life.
We explore the factors driving the growth of the market, including technological advancements, consumer behaviors, and regulatory changes, along with emerging food logistics market trends.
Leading Companies Operating in the Global Food Logistics Industry:
- AmeriCold Logistics LLC
- Deutsche Bahn (DB) Schenker AG
- H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
- Schneider National
- CaseStack
- N. Deringer, Inc.
- Echo Global Logistics, Inc.
- Evans Distribution Systems, Inc.
- Hellmann Worldwide Logistics SE Co. KG
- Matson Logistics
- Odyssey Logistics Technology Corporation
Food Logistics Market Report Segmentation:
By Transportation Mode:
- Railways
- Roadways
- Seaways
- Airways
Roadways represent the largest segment due to their extensive network, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness in transporting food products over short to medium distances.
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 hold the biggest share attributed to the increasing demand for these protein-rich foods and their need for specialized handling and refrigeration during transport.
By Service Type:
- Cold Chain
- Non-Cold Chain
Cold chain services exhibit clear dominance in the market as it caters to the growing need for temperature-controlled environments to maintain the quality and safety of perishable food items during storage and transportation.
By Segment:
- Transportation
- Packaging
- Instrumentation
Transportation accounts for the majority of the market share due to its pivotal role in ensuring the timely and efficient movement of food products from producers to consumers.
Regional Insights:
- North America: (United States, Canada)
- Asia Pacific: (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Others)
- Europe: (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, Others)
- Latin America: (Brazil, Mexico, Others)
- Middle East and Africa
North America dominates the market on account of its advanced logistics and transportation infrastructure, growing consumer base, and rising demand for various food products.
Research Methodology:
The report employs a comprehensive research methodology, combining primary and secondary data sources to validate findings. It includes market assessments, surveys, expert opinions, and data triangulation techniques to ensure accuracy and reliability.
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