Saudi Arabia Cold Chain Logistics Market Overview
Market Size in 2024: USD 2,710.6 Million
Market Size in 2033: USD 7,743.2 Million
Market Growth Rate 2025-2033: 12.37%
According to IMARC Group's latest research publication, “Saudi Arabia Cold Chain Logistics Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast by Type, Application, and Region, 2025-2033", The Saudi Arabia cold chain logistics market size reached USD 2,710.6 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 7,743.2 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 12.37% during 2025-2033.
Growth Factors in the Saudi Arabia Cold Chain Logistics Market
Saudi Arabia’s cold chain logistics industry is surging, fueled by high demand for temperature-sensitive goods—especially perishable foods. The country is the largest food importer in the GCC, handling around 70% of poultry from Brazil and importing significant volumes of meat, produce, and dairy from Europe, Asia, and neighboring Arab countries. The food sector’s appetite for advanced cold chain networks is further driven by huge meat and poultry consumption—among the world’s highest per capita rates. High-profile cultural events, like Hajj and Eid, create additional spikes in demand. The market’s structure is expanding; cold storage now represents over 56% of the country’s total cold chain activity. Recent joint ventures, such as NADEC’s partnership with United Feed Co. for meat production, keep supply robust and fresh in Saudi hypermarkets, restaurants, and export terminals.
A rapidly developing pharmaceutical and healthcare sector is fundamentally shaping the cold chain logistics landscape. With over 40 local pharma factories now supplying 36% of local needs and import reliance for all biological drugs, companies demand highly specialized, temperature-controlled logistics. The government’s push, including the National Transformation Plan, aims to localize 40% of pharma production, necessitating major new investments in refrigerated storage and compliant, real-time monitored transportation networks. Foreign investment in new factories and government support for facility expansion are both strong, with substantial funding committed to ensure cold chain delivery for vaccines, biologicals, and specialty medicines. Regulatory requirements lead to cutting-edge logistics: new storage innovations, last-mile pharma distribution, and full visibility through IoT tracking.
Saudi government initiatives are crucial in making the Kingdom a regional cold chain powerhouse. Under the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) and Vision 2030, over $2.66 billion has been allocated to building logistics zones, bonded warehouses, cold corridors, and seamless transport links. Recent policy updates introduced 15 new export and logistics incentives to cut bureaucracy, streamline land access, and provide financing for storage entrepreneurs. Companies benefit from long-term leases, subsidized land, and custom-built facilities—all lowering barriers for investment in scale and innovation. Leading international logistics players, like CEVA-Almajdouie, are forming partnerships to optimize regional network design, expand cold storage capacity, and deliver efficient end-to-end solutions, all aligning Saudi logistics performance with global standards.
Key Trends in the Saudi Arabia Cold Chain Logistics Market
Cutting-edge technology is transforming Saudi Arabia’s cold chain logistics. Companies are investing in IoT devices for real-time temperature and humidity tracking across fleets and warehouses. These tools ensure food, medicine, and fresh produce remain within strict storage parameters during transport and storage, minimizing spoilage and regulatory risks. Automation and AI-driven management systems enable predictive maintenance and dynamic rerouting, reducing operational costs and improving delivery accuracy. Augmented by secure cloud dashboards, both fleet operators and customers enjoy upgraded transparency, quality, and trust. According to recent industry surveys, nearly every major cold chain operator in the country is now integrating smart logistics software, robotics, and even automated guided vehicles in new infrastructure projects.
E-commerce is fueling a sharp rise in cold chain logistics demand, especially for quick commerce—fast, short-distance deliveries of groceries, ready meals, and pharmaceuticals. Platforms and retailers are urged by urban consumers for same-day and two-hour fresh food deliveries, sparking a race to expand cold storage depots close to city centers and use AI-enabled route optimization for maximum efficiency. Cold chain networks now offer specialized “last-mile” solutions for temperature-sensitive shipments, critical for the booming online grocery and medicine sector. Major players are partnering with leading digital platforms and local startups to expand their service range and tight time delivery windows, making cold chain reliability a standard expectation for e-shoppers in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Environmental focus is fast emerging as a top priority within Saudi Arabia’s cold chain logistics. Companies are investing in energy-efficient refrigeration, solar-powered warehouse integration, and hybrid or electric refrigerated vehicles to cut environmental impact. Regulatory pressure and a commitment to Vision 2030’s sustainability goals are driving upgrades to infrastructure, such as eco-friendly insulation, waste-heat recovery, and smarter energy management within cold warehouses. Some operators have introduced green certifications for logistics facilities to appeal to global food companies and healthcare firms with strong ESG mandates. Advanced fleet management systems further trim emissions and optimize energy use, positioning Saudi cold supply chains as benchmarks for both reliability and green operations across the wider Middle East.
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Saudi Arabia Cold Chain Logistics Industry Segmentation:
The report has segmented the market into the following categories:
Type Insights:
Application Insights:
Regional Insights:
Competitive Landscape:
The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia’s cold chain logistics sector is set for robust, tech-driven growth. With annual trade in temperature-sensitive goods reaching over $1.6 billion and a dynamic population demanding fresher, safer foods and specialized medical care, development isn’t slowing down. Advances in technology, deep government support, and strategic regional positioning will further cement the Kingdom’s logistics hub status. Expansion of smart warehouses, energy-efficient fleets, and digitally enabled delivery channels will be matched by quick adaptation to consumer preferences and regulatory standards. As the market prioritizes sustainability and resilience, both public and private sectors will enable a more seamless, transparent cold supply chain—ultimately raising service standards and shoring up food and medical security across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.
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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