Taiwan Cold Chain Market Outlook to 2029

The report titled “Taiwan Cold Chain Market Outlook to 2029 - By Storage and Transportation Type, By End Users (Food, Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals), By Temperature Range, By Ownership Model, and By Region” provides a comprehensive analysis of the cold chain logistics industry in Taiwan. The report covers an overview and genesis of the industry, overall market size in terms of revenue, market segmentation; trends and developments, regulatory landscape, customer level profiling, issues and challenges, and comparative landscape including competition scenario, cross comparison, opportunities and bottlenecks, and company profiling of major players in the Taiwan Cold Chain Market. The report concludes with future market projections based on market revenue, by segment, service type, end-user industry, and case studies highlighting major growth enablers and key cautionary areas.

Taiwan Cold Chain Market Overview and Size

The Taiwan cold chain market reached a valuation of TWD 40 Billion in 2023, fueled by increasing demand for temperature-sensitive logistics, particularly in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. Rising consumer awareness around food safety, stringent government regulations, and the growing export market for fresh produce and biopharma products have contributed to robust market expansion. Major players operating in the space include Great Wall Cold Chain, THT Logistics, Kerry TJ Logistics, DHL Supply Chain Taiwan, and Yusen Logistics.

In 2023, Kerry TJ Logistics expanded its cold storage infrastructure in Taoyuan to support rising demand for temperature-controlled warehousing, especially for vaccine storage. The urban centers of Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung are major hubs owing to high population density and proximity to port facilities and distribution centers.

Market Size for Taiwan Cold Chain Industry on the Basis of Revenues in USD Million, 2018-2024

What Factors are Leading to the Growth of Taiwan Cold Chain Market:

• Rising Pharmaceutical and Biotech Exports: Taiwan's position as a major regional biotech hub has led to a surge in demand for temperature-controlled logistics. Biopharmaceutical exports grew by 11.3% in 2023, increasing the requirement for reliable cold chain services.

• Shift in Food Consumption Trends: A significant increase in demand for fresh, frozen, and processed foods—particularly seafood, fruits, and meat—has led to the development of more cold storage infrastructure. E-commerce grocery sales saw a 17% YoY growth, further accelerating demand for cold chain capabilities.

• Government Regulations and Food Safety Standards: Regulatory mandates such as Taiwan’s Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation are pushing stakeholders to adopt reliable cold chain practices across the food supply chain to maintain compliance and product quality.

Which Industry Challenges Have Impacted the Growth for Taiwan Cold Chain Market

• Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Limited availability of advanced temperature-controlled storage facilities and outdated transportation infrastructure continue to hinder cold chain efficiency in Taiwan. Industry estimates suggest that nearly 30% of perishable goods experience minor spoilage due to inconsistent temperature control during transportation, particularly in rural areas.

• High Operational Costs: The cost of maintaining cold storage and temperature-controlled logistics is considerably high due to energy-intensive equipment and rising electricity prices. As per 2023 data, cold chain logistics costs are estimated to be 18–22% higher than standard logistics services, affecting the profitability margins for small-scale operators.

• Workforce Skill Gap: A shortage of trained personnel to manage and operate cold storage systems and refrigerated logistics poses a significant operational challenge. Surveys indicate that more than 40% of logistics providers face difficulties in hiring skilled technicians, which often results in inefficient cold chain handling and higher product loss.

What are the Regulations and Initiatives which have Governed the Market:

• Cold Chain Certification and Monitoring Standards: The Taiwanese government enforces stringent certification requirements for cold storage and transport service providers under the Food Safety and Sanitation Act and Pharmaceutical Affairs Law. In 2023, over 85% of certified cold chain facilities underwent regular compliance checks, ensuring quality and safety throughout the logistics process.

• Temperature Monitoring Mandate for Pharmaceuticals: The Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) requires real-time temperature tracking and GPS-enabled monitoring systems for all pharmaceutical cold chain logistics. This mandate has driven tech adoption, with nearly 60% of pharmaceutical logistics fleets upgraded with IoT-based cold monitoring by 2023.

• Government Support for Green Cold Chain Solutions: Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs has introduced incentives to promote energy-efficient and eco-friendly refrigeration systems. Subsidies of up to TWD 2 million are available for retrofitting cold storage with solar-powered systems or smart temperature controls, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of cold logistics. Adoption of green cold chain practices has grown by 13% YoY since the program's launch in 2021.

Taiwan Cold Chain Market Segmentation

• By Market Structure: The organized sector is rapidly gaining traction in Taiwan's cold chain market, led by large logistics providers and 3PL companies offering integrated cold storage and transportation solutions. These firms leverage automation, digital monitoring, and compliance certifications to serve key sectors such as pharmaceuticals and processed food. The unorganized sector, comprising smaller local players, still holds a substantial share, especially in the fresh produce and seafood segments, due to their agility and hyperlocal reach, though they often face challenges in meeting standardized safety and temperature protocols.

• By End-Use Industry: The food and beverage industry is the dominant consumer of cold chain services in Taiwan, driven by demand from supermarkets, convenience stores, and e-commerce grocery platforms. This includes frozen foods, dairy, and fresh produce. The pharmaceutical industry represents the second-largest segment due to strict temperature control requirements for vaccines, biologics, and specialty drugs. The chemical sector, while smaller, utilizes cold logistics primarily for temperature-sensitive industrial chemicals and lab reagents.

• By Temperature Range: The chilled segment (0°C to 8°C) is the largest by revenue share, catering mainly to dairy, fresh produce, and ready-to-eat meals. The frozen segment (below -18°C) follows, largely used for meat, seafood, and ice cream. An emerging segment is ultra-cold storage (below -70°C), primarily driven by demand for mRNA vaccines and specialty pharmaceuticals.

Competitive Landscape in Taiwan Cold Chain Market

The Taiwan cold chain logistics market is moderately consolidated, with a mix of established logistics firms and specialized cold chain operators. The growth of pharmaceutical cold storage demand and rising food e-commerce deliveries have also led to the emergence of digital-first and niche service providers. Major players in the market include Kerry TJ Logistics, Yamato Transport, President Transnet, Chi Mei Logistics, and Evergreen Logistics, among others.

Some of the recent competitor trends and key information about competitors include:

• Kerry TJ Logistics: One of Taiwan’s leading cold chain service providers, Kerry expanded its pharmaceutical-grade cold warehouses in 2023, adding over 10,000 pallet positions across northern and central Taiwan. The company also partnered with hospitals and vaccine manufacturers to ensure end-to-end cold chain integrity.

• Yamato Transport (Taiwan): Known for its temperature-controlled last-mile delivery service, Yamato introduced smart refrigerated lockers in Taipei in 2023 to cater to the booming demand for chilled grocery and meal kit deliveries. The move resulted in a 17% increase in urban cold parcel volumes.

• President Transnet: A key player in food and beverage logistics, the company has recently upgraded its fleet with IoT-based temperature and humidity sensors to enhance traceability. It reported a 22% increase in cold shipments in 2023 driven by rising consumer demand for ready-to-eat meals.

• Chi Mei Logistics: Specializing in cold chain for chemicals and dairy products, Chi Mei launched energy-efficient cooling systems across its southern Taiwan depots. The initiative helped cut refrigeration energy costs by 15% YoY, improving sustainability metrics and operational profitability.

• Evergreen Logistics: With a strong presence in frozen seafood logistics, Evergreen invested in cross-docking facilities and reefer container solutions in 2023 to optimize supply chain flow. The company also signed a strategic agreement with a major seafood exporter, boosting its international cold chain capabilities.

What Lies Ahead for Taiwan Cold Chain Market?

The Taiwan cold chain market is expected to witness steady growth through 2029, supported by the rising demand for temperature-sensitive logistics in food, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. The sector is anticipated to grow at a healthy CAGR, driven by infrastructure modernization, technological adoption, and regulatory support for quality assurance in cold chain handling.

• Expansion of Pharmaceutical and Biotech Cold Storage Needs: With Taiwan emerging as a key player in regional pharmaceutical production and clinical research, the demand for ultra-cold and precision-controlled storage is expected to grow significantly. This includes increasing storage needs for biologics, vaccines, and mRNA-based therapies, pushing logistics providers to upgrade their capabilities.

• Rise of E-Grocery and Meal Kit Deliveries: As consumer behavior shifts towards online grocery shopping and ready-to-cook meal kits, the demand for last-mile chilled and frozen logistics is projected to rise. By 2029, the e-grocery segment alone is expected to account for over 25% of cold chain delivery volumes in urban Taiwan.

• Adoption of IoT and Real-Time Monitoring: The market is expected to see increased deployment of IoT-based solutions for real-time temperature and humidity tracking. These systems will improve traceability, minimize spoilage, and ensure regulatory compliance, particularly for pharmaceutical and high-value food logistics.

• Government Push for Sustainable Cold Chain Infrastructure: Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs is expected to continue offering incentives for energy-efficient cold storage units and eco-friendly refrigerants. Green cold chain practices, such as solar-powered warehouses and electric refrigerated transport, will become increasingly important, helping companies meet ESG targets and reduce operational costs.

Future Outlook and Projections for Taiwan Cold Chain Market on the Basis of Revenues in USD Million, 2024-2029

Taiwan Cold Chain Market Segmentation

• By Market Structure:

  • Organized Logistics Providers

  • Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Cold Chain Operators

  • Captive In-house Cold Chain Facilities

  • Local Refrigerated Transporters

  • Temperature-Controlled Warehousing Companies

  • Urban Last-Mile Cold Chain Delivery Firms

• By End-Use Industry:

  • Food & Beverage (Frozen Foods, Dairy, Seafood, Fresh Produce)

  • Pharmaceuticals (Vaccines, Biologics, Clinical Trial Samples)

  • Chemicals (Temperature-Sensitive Lab Chemicals, Reagents)

  • E-Commerce Grocery Platforms

  • Food Service & Meal Kit Providers

• By Temperature Range:

  • Chilled (0°C to 8°C)

  • Frozen (Below -18°C)

  • Ultra-Cold (Below -70°C)

  • Ambient-Controlled (15°C to 25°C)

• By Ownership Model:

  • Third-Party Operated

  • Captive (Owned by Food/Pharma Companies)

  • Hybrid (Collaborative Logistics Networks)

• By Region:

  • Northern Taiwan (Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung)

  • Central Taiwan (Taichung, Changhua)

  • Southern Taiwan (Kaohsiung, Tainan, Pingtung)

  • Eastern Taiwan (Hualien, Taitung)

  • Offshore Islands (Kinmen, Penghu)

Players Mentioned in the Report:

• Taiwan Cold Chain Logistics Company (TCCLC)
• Yusen Logistics Taiwan
• UPS Healthcare Taiwan
• DHL Taiwan
• YES Logistics
• Kerry TJ Logistics
• CTW Logistics
• Choice E-Logistics
• Logistic Republic
• MENQ Logistics
• HCT Logistics
• Centurion Logistics Services
• Transworld Express
• Best Logistics Taiwan
• Omni Logistics Taiwan
• GEODIS Taiwan
• Maersk Taiwan
• Dimerco Express Group
• SunFresh Cold Chain Logistics
• Gallant Ocean Group

Key Target Audience:

• Cold Chain Logistics Companies

• Food Manufacturing & Processing Firms

• Pharmaceutical and Biotech Companies

• Government and Regulatory Bodies (e.g., TFDA, Ministry of Economic Affairs)

• Technology Solution Providers (IoT, Cold Monitoring Systems)

• Warehousing & Transport Infrastructure Investors

• Market Research and Consulting Firms

Time Period:

• Historical Period: 2018–2023

• Base Year: 2024

• Forecast Period: 2024–2029