Market Summary
Global Reefer Container Market Overview
The Reefer Container Market size was valued at USD 7.21 Billion in 2024. The Reefer Container Market industry is projected to grow from USD 7.78 Billion in 2025 to USD 16.62 Billion by 2035, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.25% during the forecast period (2025-2035).
The rising demand for perishable goods and increased global trade and export activities and increased investments in cold storage facilities are driving the growth of the Reefer Container Market.
As per the Analyst at MRFR, Uver the past ten years, there has been a notable increase in the worldwide market for reefer containers, which are necessary for the transportation of commodities that are sensitive to temperature, such as food and medications. Yet, a significant barrier in this industry is the rising inclination for local sourcing.
Numerous economic, environmental, and social issues that affect consumer behavior and corporate tactics are what are driving this trend. Economic factors have a major role in the growth of local sourcing. Companies are increasingly realizing how much it may save to import goods from far-off markets by cutting down on transportation expenses. Because fuel prices vary greatly, local sourcing is a more appealing choice regarding overall transportation costs.
FIGURE 1: REEFER CONTAINER MARKET VALUE (2019-2035) USD BILLION
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
Reefer Container Market Opportunity
GROWTH IN ONLINE GROCERY AND FOOD DELIVERY SERVICES
The expanding popularity of online grocery and food delivery services is creating substantial prospects for the worldwide reefer container industry, which specializes in the transportation of commodities that are sensitive to temperature. The need for dependable chilled transportation has increased as consumer behavior turns more toward online shopping and convenience, opening several opportunities for reefer container suppliers. The distribution of food has changed due to the emergence of online shopping services. Consumers increasingly pick fresh produce, dairy, and meat introduced to their doorsteps. This demand necessitates a robust cold chain infrastructure to make sure that these perishable objects maintain their satisfactory throughout the supply chain. Reefer containers are becoming more and more popular since they are necessary for the effective and safe transportation of these products.
The use of refrigerated transport systems becomes increasingly important as more supermarket merchants embrace e-commerce platforms. Online grocery services require real-time monitoring and temperature tracking to make sure the product is fresh upon transport. Reefer boxes prepared with the advanced generation, consisting of IoT sensors, can provide actual-time records on temperature and humidity, enhancing the overall reliability of the delivery chain. There is a growing demand for dependable and effective cold transport solutions because of the quick growth of food delivery services, especially in metropolitan regions. Companies like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and others require dependable techniques for handing over now not only cooked food but also uncooked elements. Reefer bins are increasingly being utilized to transport a variety of food items, making sure that they come to their destination in optimal condition. The need for both long- and short-haul chilled transport options is being driven by this development.
The market for reefer containers is offered yet another opportunity by the globalization of food supply chains. The demand for imported perishables is rising as people make more daring dietary choices. An effective cold chain that can withstand long-distance shipping without compromising product integrity is required to keep up with this trend. Reefer containers are ideal for this job since they offer the requisite temperature control for exporting perishable products internationally. The market for reefer containers is also being impacted by the food industry's rising emphasis on sustainability. Many customers are more and more aware of the environmental impact of their food selections, leading to a call for sustainable practices at some stage in the supply chain.
Reefer containers that use energy-efficient technology satisfy customer and regulatory sustainability requirements while also lowering carbon footprints. Manufacturers now have the chance to develop and provide environmentally friendly reefer options because of this change. The range of goods that need to be sent chilled increases along with the growth of the online grocery industry. Precise temperature control is also required for non-perishable commodities such as medications, flower products, and specialized meals. Reefer container operators can broaden their client base and enhance their service offerings by venturing into new markets through diversification.
Reefer Container Market Segment Insights
Reefer Container Market System by Size Insights
Based on Size, this segment includes 20 Feet, 40 Feet, More than 40 Feet. The 40 Feet segment dominated the global market in 2024, while the 20 Feet segment is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. A 40-foot reefer container is a larger refrigerated shipping container designed to transport temperature-sensitive goods over long distances, ensuring they remain fresh, safe, and in optimal condition. With dimensions of approximately 40 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and 8.5 feet in height (or 9.5 feet in the case of a "high-cube" variant), it offers double the storage capacity of its 20-foot counterpart.
This is of advantage for the bulk export of perishable products such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, frozen meats, seafood, drugs, and other perishable goods that are delicately temperature sensitive. The bigger the 40-foot Reefer container, the easier it is for a business to ship a larger consignment of goods with a single shipment.
FIGURE 2: REEFER CONTAINER MARKET SHARE BY SIZE 2024 AND 2035 (USD BILLION)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Reefer Container Market System by Transportation Mode Insights
Based on Transportation Mode, this segment includes Seaways, Roadways, Railways. The Seaways segment dominated the global market in 2024, while it is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Seaways transportation of reefer containers plays a crucial role in the global logistics network, enabling the efficient and safe movement of temperature-sensitive goods across oceans.
This method of transport utilizes refrigerated shipping containers, known as "reefers," which are temperature controlled, helping in the effective delivery of perishable products such as vegetables, fruit, dairy products, frozen meat and seafood, drugs, and other temperature-dependent products in the best possible condition. This is important in the preservation of quality and shelf life of products, especially for long distances, when these goods are transported through sea routes.
Reefer Container Market System by Industry Insights
Based on Industry, this segment includes Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Chemical. The Food & Beverage segment dominated the global market in 2024, while it is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Perishable products are transported safely and efficiently while maintaining their quality, freshness, and safety. Ensuring by reefer containers, or refrigerated containers, play an essential role in the food and beverage industry.
These containers, also referred to as reefers, are fitted with refrigeration or cooling facilities and are vital when handling temperature-sensitive goods and fruits, vegetables, dairy foods, meat, fish, frozen foods, drinks, and other perishables that need to be preserved. This controlled condition enables the products to maintain their quality, increasing the lifespan of the products over time. The main advantage of using these containers in the food and beverage sectors is that they can range from -30 °C for frozen products to +30 °C for the chilled.
Reefer Container Market System Regional Insights
Based on the Region, the Reefer Container Market is segmented into North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. The Asia-Pacific dominated the global market in 2024, while it is projected to be the fastest–growing segment during the forecast period. Major demand factors driving the Asia-Pacific market are the rising demand for perishable goods and increased global trade and export activities and increased investments in cold storage facilities.
In August 2023, Daikin Reefer partnered with Thai mango shipper SWIFT Co. Ltd and the global shipping company CMA CGM to conduct static and live trial shipments of Nam Doc Mai (Honey) and Mahachanok (Rainbow) mangoes from Thailand to Korea and Japan. These shipments utilize Daikin Active CA (Controlled Atmosphere) technology, which helps maintain the freshness and quality of perishable goods during long-distance transport. This collaboration is intended to attract new customers and increase Daikin Reefer's business in the Asian market, demonstrating the potential for growth in the region's reefer container industry.
FIGURE 3: REEFER CONTAINER MARKET VALUE BY REGION 2024 AND 2035 (USD BILLION)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review
Further, the countries considered in the scope of the Application Tracking System Market are the US, Canada, Mexico, Germany, UK, Italy, Spain, France, China, Japan, India and others.
Reefer Container Market Key Market Players & Competitive Insights
Many global, regional, and local vendors characterize the Reefer Container Market. The market is highly competitive, with all the players competing to gain market share. Intense competition, rapid advances in technology, frequent changes in government policies, and environmental regulations are key factors that confront market growth. The vendors compete based on cost, product quality, reliability, and government regulations. Vendors must provide cost-efficient, high-quality products to survive and succeed in an intensely competitive market.
The major players in the market include Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd., CMA CGM Group, A.P. Moller – Maersk, Singamas Container Holdings Ltd, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A., Hapag-Lloyd AG, COSCO Shipping Ports Limited, Evergreen Marine Corp., ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd., China International Marine Containers (Group) Co., Ltd., are among others. The Reefer Container Market is a consolidated market due to increasing competition, acquisitions, mergers and other strategic market developments and decisions to improve operational effectiveness.
Key Companies in the Reefer Container Market include
- Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd.
- CMA CGM Group
- P. Moller – Maersk
- Singamas Container Holdings Ltd
- MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A.
- Hapag-Lloyd AG
- COSCO Shipping Ports Limited
- Evergreen Marine Corp.
- ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd.
- China International Marine Containers (Group) Co., Ltd.,
Reefer Container Market Industry Developments
February 2024: Evergreen Group has acquired 100% of the shares of Italia Marittima on 31 January 2024 for €405 million. Italia Marittima's assets include 5 containerships with a total capacity of 22,728 teu comprising of 3 Evergreen U-class ships of 5,652 teu built in 2000-2001 and 2 Evergreen B-type ships of 2,886 teu built in 2018.
January 2023: Hapag-Lloyd acquired a 49% minority stake in the Spinelli Group, an Italian terminal and transport operator, enhancing its presence in the European logistics market.
September 2021: CIMC acquired Maersk refrigerator and other businesses to improve the global cold chain industry layout. a marine refrigerator and refrigerated container manufacturing business under Maersk Group, with a transaction consideration of about USD 1,083.8 million, about RMB 7 billion.
October 2021: ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. purchased seven secondhand vessels (built between 2007-2009) in several separate transactions. The vessels purchased include five 4,250 TEU vessels and two 1,100 TEU vessels, for a total consideration of approximately $320 million.
Reefer Container Market Segmentation
Reefer Container Market by Size Outlook
- 20 Feet
- 40 Feet
- More than 40 Feet
Reefer Container Market by Transportation Size Outlook
- Seaways
- Roadways
- Railways
Reefer Container Market by Industry Outlook
- Food & Beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical
Reefer Container Market Regional Outlook
- North America
- US
- Canada
- Mexico
- Europe
- Germany
- UK
- Italy
- Spain
- France
- Rest of Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
Market Size & Forecast
| Report Attribute/Metric | Details |
| Market Size 2024 | USD 7.21 Billion |
| Market Size 2025 | USD 7.78 Billion |
| Market Size 2035 | USD 16.62 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) | 8.25% (2025-2035) |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2025-2035 |
| Historical Data | 2019-2023 |
| Forecast Units | Value (USD Billion) |
| Report Coverage | Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| Segments Covered | By Size, By Transportation Mode, By Industry |
| Geographies Covered | North America, Europe, Asia Pacific |
| Countries Covered | The US, Canada, Mexico, Germany, UK, Italy, Spain, France, China, Japan, India. |
| Key Companies Profiled | Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd., CMA CGM Group, A.P. Moller – Maersk, Singamas Container Holdings Ltd, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A., Hapag-Lloyd AG, COSCO Shipping Ports Limited, Evergreen Marine Corp., ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd., China International Marine Containers (Group) Co., Ltd. |
| Key Market Opportunities | · Growth in online grocery and food delivery services · Integration of IOT and smart technologies |
| Key Market Dynamics | · Rising demand for perishable goods · Increased global trade and export activities · Increased investments in cold storage facilities |
Major Players
Global Outlook (USD Billion,2019-2035)
Global Reefer Container, By Size (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- 20 Feet
- 40 Feet
- More than 40 Feet
Global Reefer Container, By Transportation Mode (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Seaways
- Roadways
- Railways
Global Reefer Container, By Industry (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Food & Beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical
North America Outlook (USD Billion,2019-2035)
North America Reefer Container, By Size (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- 20 Feet
- 40 Feet
- More than 40 Feet
North America Reefer Container, By Transportation Mode (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Seaways
- Roadways
- Railways
North America Reefer Container, By Industry (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Food & Beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical
US Outlook (USD Billion,2019-2035)
US Reefer Container, By Size (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- 20 Feet
- 40 Feet
- More than 40 Feet
US Reefer Container, By Transportation Mode (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Seaways
- Roadways
- Railways
US Reefer Container, By Industry (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Food & Beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical
Canada Outlook (USD Billion,2019-2035)
Canada Reefer Container, By Size (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- 20 Feet
- 40 Feet
- More than 40 Feet
Canada Reefer Container, By Transportation Mode (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Seaways
- Roadways
- Railways
Canada Reefer Container, By Industry (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Food & Beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical
Mexico Outlook (USD Billion,2019-2035)
Mexico Reefer Container, By Size (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- 20 Feet
- 40 Feet
- More than 40 Feet
Mexico Reefer Container, By Transportation Mode (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Seaways
- Roadways
- Railways
Mexico Reefer Container, By Industry (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Food & Beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical
Europe Outlook (USD Billion,2019-2035)
Europe Reefer Container, By Size (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- 20 Feet
- 40 Feet
- More than 40 Feet
Europe Reefer Container, By Transportation Mode (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Seaways
- Roadways
- Railways
Europe Reefer Container, By Industry (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Food & Beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical
Germany Outlook (USD Billion,2019-2035)
Germany Reefer Container, By Size (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- 20 Feet
- 40 Feet
- More than 40 Feet
Germany Reefer Container, By Transportation Mode (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Seaways
- Roadways
- Railways
Germany Reefer Container, By Industry (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Food & Beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical
UK Outlook (USD Billion,2019-2035)
UK Reefer Container, By Size (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- 20 Feet
- 40 Feet
- More than 40 Feet
UK Reefer Container, By Transportation Mode (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Seaways
- Roadways
- Railways
UK Reefer Container, By Industry (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Food & Beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical
Italy Outlook (USD Billion,2019-2035)
Italy Reefer Container, By Size (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- 20 Feet
- 40 Feet
- More than 40 Feet
Italy Reefer Container, By Transportation Mode (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Seaways
- Roadways
- Railways
Italy Reefer Container, By Industry (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Food & Beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical
Spain Outlook (USD Billion,2019-2035)
Spain Reefer Container, By Size (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- 20 Feet
- 40 Feet
- More than 40 Feet
Spain Reefer Container, By Transportation Mode (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Seaways
- Roadways
- Railways
Spain Reefer Container, By Industry (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Food & Beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical
France Outlook (USD Billion,2019-2035)
France Reefer Container, By Size (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- 20 Feet
- 40 Feet
- More than 40 Feet
France Reefer Container, By Transportation Mode (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Seaways
- Roadways
- Railways
France Reefer Container, By Industry (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Food & Beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical
Rest of Europe Outlook (USD Billion,2019-2035)
Rest of Europe Reefer Container, By Size (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- 20 Feet
- 40 Feet
- More than 40 Feet
Rest of Europe Reefer Container, By Transportation Mode (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Seaways
- Roadways
- Railways
Rest of Europe Reefer Container, By Industry (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Food & Beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical
Asia-Pacific Outlook (USD Billion,2019-2035)
Asia-Pacific Reefer Container, By Size (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- 20 Feet
- 40 Feet
- More than 40 Feet
Asia-Pacific Reefer Container, By Transportation Mode (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Seaways
- Roadways
- Railways
Asia-Pacific Reefer Container, By Industry (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Food & Beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical
China Outlook (USD Billion,2019-2035)
China Reefer Container, By Size (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- 20 Feet
- 40 Feet
- More than 40 Feet
China Reefer Container, By Transportation Mode (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Seaways
- Roadways
- Railways
China Reefer Container, By Industry (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Food & Beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical
Japan Outlook (USD Billion,2019-2035)
Japan Reefer Container, By Size (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- 20 Feet
- 40 Feet
- More than 40 Feet
Japan Reefer Container, By Transportation Mode (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Seaways
- Roadways
- Railways
Japan Reefer Container, By Industry (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Food & Beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical
India Outlook (USD Billion,2019-2035)
India Reefer Container, By Size (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- 20 Feet
- 40 Feet
- More than 40 Feet
India Reefer Container, By Transportation Mode (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Seaways
- Roadways
- Railways
India Reefer Container, By Industry (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Food & Beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical
Rest of Asia-Pacific Outlook (USD Billion,2019-2035)
Rest of Asia-Pacific Reefer Container, By Size (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- 20 Feet
- 40 Feet
- More than 40 Feet
Rest of Asia-Pacific Reefer Container, By Transportation Mode (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Seaways
- Roadways
- Railways
Rest of Asia-Pacific Reefer Container, By Industry (USD Billion,2019-2035)
- Food & Beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemicala
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