2nd World Cold Chain Expo | 10th -11th September 2025
cold.chain@tab-global.com
Festival Arena Dubai
India's cold chain logistics industry is set for rapid growth, from $14.49 billion in 2023 to $52.96 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 15.56%.
◉ Regional Disparities in Infrastructure – Northern India (Uttar Pradesh & West Bengal) dominates with 25+ million metric tons of cold storage, but the Northeast lags under 2 million metric tons, despite its rich horticultural output.
◉ Cold Storage Capacity – India's total cold storage space exceeded 39.37 million metric tons in 2023, but distribution remains uneven.
◉ Post-Harvest Losses – Over 15 million metric tons of food are lost annually due to inadequate storage and logistics infrastructure.
Critical for Supply Chains – Strengthening cold chain logistics is vital to reducing waste, improving food security, and enhancing the shelf life of perishable goods.
With a booming market and increasing investment, India's cold chain logistics sector is set to play a pivotal role in modernizing food supply chains and minimizing losses. #ColdChainIndia #FoodSecurity #LogisticsGrowth
Emerging technologies have enhanced many aspects of the ice cream supply chain, but final-mile visibility remains a challenge.
◉ Tracking Limitations – Unilever is exploring connected sensors for real-time tracking from distribution centres to freezers, but cost-effective implementation remains a hurdle.
◉ Fleet Management Complexity – Integrating AI into trucking operations is difficult due to reliance on both large carriers and independent operators. While ocean freight tracking has improved, trucking has yet to catch up.
◉ Automation in Warehouses – Unilever is expanding its network of highly automated "dark" warehouses, using drones for stock management to reduce labour challenges in low-temperature environments. Currently, 10% of Unilever's warehouses operate in this manner, with expansion plans.
◉ Long-Term Tech Strategy – Despite cost challenges, piloting and scaling new technologies is key. Unilever believes that strong partnerships will drive long-term innovation in cold chain logistics.
◉ Ice Cream Business Spin-Off: By the end of 2024, Unilever's ice cream segment will become a separate entity, potentially introducing supply chain efficiencies. The business grew 3.7% in 2024, driven by innovation and operational improvements.
With ongoing automation, AI integration, and strategic partnerships, Unilever aims to build a smarter, more efficient cold chain for its ice cream business. #ColdChain #SupplyChainInnovation #Unilever
Emirates has become the first airline to join the Move to -15°C Coalition, an initiative launched at COP28 to redefine frozen food temperature standards, cutting energy use and lowering environmental impact while maintaining food quality.
◉ Cold Chain Expertise – Emirates SkyCargo transports 900 to 1,000 tonnes of fresh food daily, leveraging its advanced cool chain infrastructure and industry partnerships to enhance frozen food logistics.
◉ Industry Leadership – As a leader in perishable food transportation, Emirates aims to apply its cargo expertise to drive innovation in frozen food storage and shipping.
◉ Sustainability Focus – The coalition builds on research from the Three Degrees of Change report, promoting cross-sector collaboration to advance climate-conscious food supply chains.
◉ Global Collaboration – The initiative unites key players from food production, shipping, air freight, ports, rail, cold storage, and retail to create scalable, sustainable logistics solutions.
Why It Matters:
By reimagining frozen food logistics, Emirates and its coalition partners are paving the way for more efficient, eco-friendly supply chains and setting new industry benchmarks. #ColdChain #Sustainability #Emirates
