Cold chain in the 4.0 era: Current landscape and business opportunities

The cold chain is a temperature-controlled system for preserving and transporting sensitive products such as food, pharmaceuticals, seafood, and fruits. It is not merely a part of logistics but a high-tech process requiring synchronization in packaging, storage, transportation, and monitoring. In the context of globalization and rising demand for food safety, the cold chain plays a vital role in extending shelf life, maintaining product quality, and increasing value. For exports, maintaining the cold chain is essential to meet strict standards in markets like the US, EU, and Japan.

Cold Chain in the Era of Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 is opening a new chapter in how value chains are organized and managed throughout the product life cycle (Industrial Internet Consortium, 2017). According to research by Wu et al. (2016), cited in the journal Smart Supply Chain Management: A Review and Implications for Future Research (The International Journal of Logistics Management) “A smart supply chain integrates advanced technologies such as IoT, smart infrastructure, connected machines, and real-time data exchange to enable faster and more accurate decision-making at every stage.”

In the cold chain sector, several key technologies are driving significant transformation:

• Blockchain: Enhances transparency and traceability of product origins and handling.
• RFID and temperature sensors: Enable real-time monitoring of storage and transport conditions.
• Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Cloud Computing: Support the processing, analysis, and management of large-scale logistics data.

A notable example is Walmart China, which has partnered with IBM and Tsinghua University to develop a blockchain-based tracking system that monitors the temperature and humidity of food products from farm to supermarket.

Current Status of Cold Chain Logistics in Vietnam

A Rapidly Expanding Market

According to FiinGroup, Vietnam’s cold chain market is projected to reach a value of USD 202 million in 2024. This includes:

• 1.3 million cold storage pallets
• 1,499 professionally operated refrigerated trucks
• 117 cold storage facilities and 47 specialized cold transportation service providers (as of December 2024)

These figures highlight a rapidly growing market, driven by rising demand in sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, and the export of agricultural and seafood products. Despite having over 1.3 million cold storage pallets, Vietnam’s cold storage density is just 132 pallets per 10,000 people. This figure, while higher than the Philippines (58) and Indonesia (30), remains significantly lower than Thailand (204), China (913), and Japan (1,592). This gap points to significant development potential especially as both domestic consumers and international buyers increasingly demand higher standards for cold storage and product safety.

Opportunities

Vietnam’s cold storage market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% to 13% during 2025–2028, depending on the scenario. In the base case, total cold storage capacity could reach 1.78 million pallets by 2028, reflecting a strong investment trend in cold infrastructure. Demand for temperature-controlled storage is projected to continue outpacing supply, driving further investment into modern warehouses and advanced preservation technologies.

Vietnam is currently in a “golden window” for cold chain development, supported by expanding free trade agreements (FTAs), the recovery of the food and beverage (F&B) sector, and growing consumer demand for fresh and clean food in increasingly urbanized and higher-income societies. This makes now an ideal time for investors and logistics businesses to scale up their infrastructure and adopt cutting-edge cold chain technologies.

Challenges

Despite its growth potential, Vietnam’s cold chain system remains fragmented. Key issues include:

• Lack of infrastructure in production regions: Most cold storage is concentrated in the southern economic triangle (Ho Chi Minh City – Binh Duong – Dong Nai), while regions such as the Mekong Delta lack adequate cold storage facilities.
• Insufficient digital connectivity: Data flow between farms, producers, and distributors is still underdeveloped and not fully digitized.
• Limited technological investment: The sector heavily relies on basic refrigerated containers, with limited adoption of RFID, blockchain, or data analytics software.

Cold chain logistics is no longer just about technical infrastructure—it is emerging as a decisive competitive advantage in Vietnam’s pursuit of sustainable agriculture and export growth. Strategic, long-term investment in this sector is essential for both domestic enterprises and international investors to seize the upcoming growth wave.

VILOG 2025 – Where Smart Logistics and Cold Chain Solutions Converge

In this context, the Vietnam International Logistics Exhibition – VILOG 2025 – will serve as a large-scale event connecting domestic and international businesses. Taking place from July 31 to August 2, 2025 at SECC, Ho Chi Minh City, the event will be held under the theme “Digital Transformation – Green Development in Logistics”, and is expected to welcome over 20,000 visitors and 350 exhibiting companies.

Organized under the direction of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, with strong support from the Agency of Foreign Trade, and co-hosted by the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA) and VINEXAD (UFI member), VILOG 2025 will focus on cutting-edge logistics technologies including IoT, AI, automation systems, smart warehousing, green transportation, and supply chain management software.

The exhibition will offer a dynamic space to:

• Showcase energy-efficient and intelligent cold chain solutions
• Connect with leading logistics technology companies in Vietnam and abroad
• Discover the latest trends in digital transformation for logistics operations
• Engage with experts from VALOMA, VLA, and logistics organizations across ASEAN
• Network with potential partners in logistics, e-commerce, and investment

If your company provides cold chain solutions, or is simply looking to expand within the logistics ecosystem, don’t miss the opportunity to participate in one of the year’s most important logistics exhibitions.

🔗 Register your booth at: https://vilog.vn/dang-ky-gian-hang
📅 Date: July 31 – August 2, 2025
📍 Venue: SECC – District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
🤝 Media Partner: C+ CONSULT