Published on: March 14, 2025 / update from: March 14, 2025 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
Ecological transformation and digitization in the refrigerated logistics industry-Image: Xpert.digital
Ensure cooling chains: Innovative approaches in modern food supply
Current developments and future trends in cooling and fresh logistics
The cooling and fresh logistics represents a central component of modern food supply and is currently facing profound changes. Industry experts observe a rapid development in various areas of this specialized logistics industry, which is characterized by digitization, sustainability and market consolidation. The continuous expansion of logistics capacities reflects the growing market for temperature -managed transports, while at the same time there are strict requirements for maintaining the cold chain. Fresh logistics in particular establish itself as an independent growth area with specific requirements and solutions. This report illuminates the current developments and future perspectives of the industry, taking into account economic, technological and ecological aspects.
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Basics of cooling and fresh logistics
The cooling logistics include all logistical processes and activities that deal with the transport, storage and the envelope of temperature -sensitive goods. In contrast to conventional logistics, the focus is on maintaining a constant temperature in order to ensure the quality and safety of the transported products. Depending on the product group, different temperature ranges are defined: frozen products require temperatures below -18 ° C, fresh products such as fruit and vegetables are usually transported between 2 ° C and 7 ° C, while for pharmaceuticals, precisely defined temperature windows often have to be met.
Fresh logistics as a sub-area of the cooling logistics focuses especially on perishable food such as fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products. In addition to the temperature, other factors such as air humidity, ethylene concentration and particularly short transport times play a crucial role here. The particular challenge is that the durability of these products is severely limited and that every delay or interruption of the cold chain has an immediate effect on product quality.
The cooling chain refers to the consistent temperature corridor from producers to the end consumer. Any interruption can not only lead to economic losses, but also cause serious health risks. Therefore, the cooling and fresh logistics are subject to particularly strict legal requirements. In Germany and the European Union, the Food, Needs and Feed Code (LFGB) and the HACCP guidelines (HAZARD Analysis and Critical Control Points) form the legal framework. The provisions of ATP Convention (Convention on International Promotions of Lightful Food), which specifies specifications for vehicles and transport containers, also apply to the transport of food.
The economic importance of cooling and fresh logistics is constantly increasing. Changed consumption habits, the increasing demand for convenience products and the growing online trade in foods drive market growth. At the same time, the industry places special requirements for infrastructure, from specialized transport vehicles to cold stores to intelligent monitoring systems. These factors make cooling logistics a capital -intensive sector with high entry barriers, which favors the market concentration.
Digitization and automation as an innovation driver
Digitization fundamentally revolutionizes cooling and fresh logistics and opens up new opportunities for increasing efficiency and quality assurance. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays an increasingly important role. For example, companies such as Ecocool use AI algorithms to optimize the energy consumption of cooling systems and achieve significant power savings. These systems continuously analyze operating data, environmental conditions and load profiles in order to control the cooling units as required and avoid energy tips.
Internet of Things (IoT) solutions form the backbone of modern cold chain monitoring. Miniaturized sensors record temperature, air humidity, vibrations and other parameters in real time and transmit this data to central monitoring systems. The telematic solutions, such as those used by the Swiss logistician crooked Kerzers, enable complete documentation of the transport conditions. In the event of deviations from the setpoints, an immediate alarm takes place, so that it can be intervened in good time. Such systems have become indispensable, especially in the pharmaceutical transport, where temperature tolerances of less than one degree Celsius have to be observed.
The automation of logistics centers is also progressing. Netto brand discount has, for example, relyed on largely automated processes in its new freshmen. Driverless transport systems, automatic high -bay warehouse and robots for picking increase efficiency and at the same time reduce the error rate. The automated systems work around the clock and can process the goods under constant temperature conditions, which improves product quality. In addition, the precise control of the goods flows minimizes the time that the products are outside of optimal cooling conditions.
The networking of the entire supply chain through digital platforms represents another milestone. Integrated systems enable real-time data exchange between producers, logistics service providers and trade. For example, thermotraffic has implemented a comprehensive digitization strategy that integrates all actors in the cold chain and creates complete transparency. This not only facilitates the planning and control of the goods flows, but also enables a faster reaction to unforeseen events such as traffic disorders or technical problems.
Big Data and Predictive Analytics open up further optimization potential. Through the analysis of large amounts of data, logisticians can identify patterns and create forecasts - for example for volume, to traffic flows or the performance of the cooling units under different conditions. This enables proactive capacity planning and preventive maintenance, which minimizes downtime and reduces operating costs. Self -learning systems continuously improve their predictive accuracy and enable ever more precise control of the logistics processes.
Sustainability and emission reduction as a central challenge
Cooling logistics face special challenges in terms of environmental protection and sustainability. Conventional refrigerated transports cause considerable CO2 emissions-on the one hand due to the fuel consumption of the vehicles, on the other hand due to the additional energy requirement for the cooling units. In addition, many older cooling systems are still operated with refrigerants that have a high greenhouse potential. The industry is therefore under increasing pressure to improve its environmental balance.
Electrical drive concepts are becoming more important. For example, the Nagel Group is increasingly relating to electric trucks for inner-city distribution traffic. Ritter Sport is also increasingly using electric vehicles for the distribution of its temperature-sensitive chocolate products. The particular challenge for e-trucks in cooling logistics is that in addition to traction, energy must also be provided for cooling. This requires larger battery capacities or innovative solutions such as separate energy storage for the cooling units. However, the current developments show significant progress in the reach and economy of these vehicles.
Alternative drive concepts such as LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) and hydrogen are also tested. The Swiss transporter of Thurtrans has integrated LNG-powered refrigerated vehicles into its fleet, which have lower emissions than diesel vehicles. The company Stroetmann tests hydrogen -powered vehicles for cooling logistics that practically do not cause local emissions. However, both technologies still face challenges regarding the infrastructure and economy in everyday operation.
Innovative approaches to the energy supply of the cooling units are intensively researched. The Fraunhofer Institute is working on the development of photovoltaic roofs for refrigerated trailers that use solar energy to supply the cooling units. This could significantly reduce the external energy requirements and improve the environmental balance. Electrically operated cooling units that are supplied with electricity during the trip via the vehicle engine or separate batteries are increasingly replacing the conventional diesel -powered units. These systems not only work less emissions, but also much quieter, which is a decisive advantage, especially for nightly deliveries in residential areas.
Sustainable coolant gain in importance. The industry is gradually switching to natural refrigerants such as ammonia, CO2 or propane, which have a significantly lower greenhouse potential than the previously used FCKW or partially fluorinated hydrocarbons. This switch sometimes requires significant investments in new cooling systems and security systems, but contributes to the long term to reduce the environmental impact.
Optimized route planning and improved utilization of the vehicles offer further potential for emission reduction. Modern disposition systems based on AI algorithms can bundle the transport needs of various customers and calculate the optimal routes. This reduces empty journeys and shortens the routes covered. In addition, innovative concepts such as the city logistics are tested, in which goods are bundled on consolidation centers on the outskirts and then delivered to the city centers with environmentally friendly vehicles.
Market dynamics: consolidation and investments
The market for cooling and fresh logistics is in a phase of intensive consolidation. Large financial investors are increasingly recognizing the potential of this sector, which leads to significant takeovers. A striking example is the purchase of cooling logistics properties of the nail group by the investment giant Blackstone. This transaction illustrates the growing interest in the specialized infrastructure of the cooling logistics as a asset class. The nail group can release capital for its core business by selling its real estate, while Blackstone benefits from the stable return and the long-term rental contracts.
Market consolidation also takes place among the logistics service providers themselves. The Austrian Müller Transporte has taken over the Fedl cooling logistics to strengthen its market position in alpine space. Hellmann expanded his portfolio by taking over a joint venture for fresh logistics and the HPL Apollo, which was enabled the company to expand its competence in the area of temperature -managed transports. The entry of UPS in the European cooling logistics market was particularly remarkable by taking over Frigo-Trans and BPL. These acquisitions show that global logistics groups have also recognized the growth potential of cooling logistics and enter this specialized market. FM LOGISTIC took over the transport for the food group Mondelez in Italy, which reflects the increasing integration of commercial and logistics activities.
The cooling logistics industry has impressive growth. According to the Trans.info industry analyzes, the market continuously grows with rates between 5 and 7 percent annually. This growth is driven by various factors: the increasing demand for fresh and freely cooled foods, increasing online trading with temperature-managed products and stricter regulatory requirements that require specialized logistics solutions. Thermologistic is an example of a specialist who benefits from this trend and pursues a clear course of growth.
The positive market development is also reflected in extensive investments. A new cooling center with an investment volume of 25 million euros is being built in Bad Hersfeld. The Nagel Group is expanding its logistics system in Nuremberg in order to meet the increasing demand. The large retail chains also invest massively in their fresh logistics: Edeka and Rewe build new freshness centers to strengthen their competitiveness in the quality -oriented fresh segment. These investments illustrate the trust of companies in the long -term development of the market for temperature -managed logistics.
The internationalization of cooling logistics is also progressing. European providers are expanding into new markets, especially in Eastern Europe and Asia, where the growing middle class generates an increasing demand for high -quality, fresh foods. At the same time, the supply chains for fresh products are becoming increasingly global: fruit and vegetables from different climate zones are in demand all year round, which requires complex intercontinental cold chains. This development places high demands on logistics service providers, which must ensure complete cold chains over large distances and various modes of transport.
New business models are created in the course of digitization and changed market requirements. Specialized providers for the last mile develop solutions for the delivery of temperature -managed goods directly to end customers. Platform -based approaches enable the flexible conveying of transport capacities for cooling goods, similar to an Uber for cooling logistics. In addition, pay-per-us models are becoming more important in which cool containers or aggregates are no longer bought, but rented as required. These new business models promote the flexibility of the industry and lower the entry barriers for smaller providers.
Challenges and risk management in the cold chain
Maintaining an interruption -free cold chain is a central challenge in the industry. Any deviation from the prescribed temperature conditions can have serious consequences - from loss of quality to considerable health risks for consumers. The causes of interruptions of the cold chain are diverse: technical defects in cooling units, power outages in storage facilities, human failure in loading or inadequate cooling during the envelope between different means of transport. The transfer points between the various actors of the supply chain are particularly critical phases, where responsibility changes and often waiting times arise.
The numerous product recalls of the past few years illustrate the risks of interrupted cold chains. Examples such as the recall of liver sausage or pesto due to cold chain interruptions show that even established manufacturers are faced with these challenges. Such incidents not only cause significant direct costs for the withdrawal and destruction of the affected products, but can also result in long -term reputation damage for the companies concerned. Particularly alarming are reports of uncooled foods on the market that can indicate systematic problems in the cold chain.
Quality assurance and control is therefore becoming increasingly important. Modern quality management systems include continuous temperature monitoring, regular audits of the logistics processes and comprehensive training of all employees who deal with temperature -sensitive products. The industry also develops stricter standards for the transport of temperature -managed goods that go beyond the minimum legal requirements. These higher standards are often documented by certifications such as GdP (Good Distribution Practice) for pharmaceutical products or IFS logistics for food and checked by independent areas.
Innovative technologies support quality assurance. Time temperature indicators can be attached directly to product packaging and indicate by color envelope when a product is exposed to too long increased temperatures. RFID tags with integrated temperature sensors enable the complete documentation of the temperature conditions during the entire transport. Advanced insulation bags with phase change materials can compensate for short -term temperature fluctuations and thus ensure the product quality even with temporary interruptions of active cooling.
Risk management in the cold chain is developing into a discipline of its own. Companies implement systematic risk reviews, identify critical control points and develop emergency plans for different scenarios. The definition of clear responsibilities and instructions for the case of cold chain interruptions is particularly important. The question is also the question of when and how affected products have to be pulled out of circulation and which proof of evidence against authorities. Insurance solutions, especially for damage caused by cold chain interruptions, gain in importance, whereby the premium height is increasingly coupled to the proven risk management and the implemented monitoring systems.
Corona pandemic has brought special challenges for cooling logistics, especially when transporting vaccines. The mRNA vaccines required temperatures of up to 70 ° C, which required special transport solutions and particularly careful monitoring of the cold chain. These extreme requirements have accelerated the development of ultra -deep cooling solutions and set new standards for risk management in pharmaceutical logistics. The experiences and developed technologies have now also benefit other areas of cooling logistics and contribute to the general improvement of the standards.
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Fresh logistics as a specialized growth market
Fresh logistics develop into a particularly dynamic sub -area of the cooling logistics. The focus is on products with short durability such as fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products, fish and meat. These product groups place special requirements for the logistics chain: in addition to the temperature, other parameters such as air humidity or gas concentrations often have to be checked, and short transport times also play a decisive role in product quality. The growing demand for fresh, natural foods as well as the trend towards regional products is driving up the growth of this segment.
The optimization of structures and networks is the focus of many corporate decisions. Landgard, one of the largest European marketers for flowers, fruit and vegetables, has comprehensively revised his logistics network to shorten the transport routes and improve the freshness of the products. The Veiling Rhein-Maas, an important auction platform for flowers and plants, has also optimized its logistics processes in order to minimize the time between harvest and sale. Large logistics service providers such as Dachser, Nagel and Nordfrost have built specialized fresh departments that are tailored to the special requirements of these product groups.
New forms of cooperation and platforms revolutionize fresh logistics. Aldi Süd has developed its own platform for the direct reference of fresh fruit and vegetables to shorten the supply chain and improve freshness. The food dealer Greenyard relies on integrated supply chains, in which all steps from the producer to retail are seamlessly coordinated. This vertical integration enables better planning and shorter throughput times, which offers decisive advantages, especially with sensitive fresh products.
Retailers invest massively in their fresh logistics to achieve competitive advantages. EDEKA and REWE build new, state -of -the -art freshness centers in which temperature -managed goods can be handled under optimal conditions. These centers are usually divided into several temperature zones in order to meet the different requirements of the different product groups. At the same time, the process speed is increased by automated conveyor technology and intelligent warehouse management systems, which minimizes the time from receipt of goods to delivery to the branches.
Specialized logistics service providers for fresh products are becoming increasingly important. Companies like AT Frischervice specialize in certain product groups and regions and offer tailor -made solutions. The dairy specialist Karwendel has developed its own logistics solution that is tailored to the special requirements of its sensitive products. These specialists have the necessary know-how and the right infrastructure in order to safely transport and store even demanding fresh products.
Innovative solutions for the last mile represent a special challenge, especially in the growing area of online trading with fresh food. The delivery to end customers requires special vehicles with multi -chamber cooling systems that can cover different temperature ranges. In addition, insulated transport boxes, cooling packs with phase change materials and intelligent packaging solutions are developed, which can also bridge longer periods (for example if the recipient is absent). Delivery windows are increasingly defined to minimize the time outside the optimal cooling conditions.
Future prospects of cooling and fresh logistics
The future of cooling and fresh logistics will be significantly shaped by technological innovations. Autonomous vehicles could play an important role in the medium term, especially in the face of acute lack of driver in the logistics industry. The first pilot projects for self -driving refrigerated vehicles show promising results, although there are still considerable technical and legal hurdles to be overcome until the widespread use. Drones and autonomous robots are already tested on the last mile for delivery, especially in areas with difficult accessibility or in time -critical programs such as medical samples.
New cooling and insulation technologies will further improve the efficiency and reliability of the cold chain. Vacuumisolation panels, which offer a significantly better insulation effect than conventional materials at less thickness, could significantly increase the energy efficiency of cooling vehicles and containers. Thermoelectric cooling based on the pelting effect offers potential for compact, low-maintenance cooling solutions without moving parts. Phase change materials that absorb or release heat when changing temperature can serve as a thermal buffer and compensate for short -term interruptions of active cooling.
Blockchain technology could revolutionize transparency and traceability in the cold chain. Due to the unchangeable documentation of all relevant data - from temperatures to locations to responsibilities - in a distributed database, everyone involved can view the status and history of the transported goods at any time. This not only makes quality control easier, but also compliance with regulatory requirements. In addition, smart contracts could automatically trigger payments or activate insurance benefits if certain conditions are met or violated.
Changed consumption habits will further shape the requirements for cooling logistics. The continued trend towards fresh, unprocessed food increases the demand for efficient fresh logistics solutions. At the same time, awareness of sustainability is growing, which increases the pressure on the industry to develop more environmentally friendly solutions. The online trade in foods, which has experienced a clear thrust during Corona pandemic, places special requirements for the delivery of temperature-sensitive goods directly to end customers.
Global warming presents cooling logistics with additional challenges. Higher average temperatures increase the energy requirement for cooling and place higher demands on the insulation of transport vehicles and warehouses. Extreme weather events such as heat waves can lead to top loads of the cooling systems. At the same time, the global production and trade structures for agricultural products change, which requires adjustments to the logistics networks. The industry must therefore develop resilience strategies in order to deal with these challenges.
The increasing regulatory density will further shape cooling logistics. Stricter regulations for food safety, environmental protection and climate neutrality require continuous adjustments to processes and technologies. EU taxonomics for sustainable economic activities as well as national and international climate protection laws will increase the pressure on the industry to reduce their CO2 emissions. At the same time, these regulations also offer opportunities for innovative companies that rely on sustainable technologies at an early stage.
Tomorrow of tomorrow: Autonomous systems and smart packaging in logistics
The cooling and fresh logistics are in a profound change, which is characterized by the megatrends digitization, sustainability and market consolidation. The industry is developing from a pure transport sector to an integrated system service provider that holistically manages complex temperature -sensitive supply chains. Digitization enables previously unmatched transparency and control option of the cold chain, while at the same time the requirements for sustainability and emission reduction are increasing. The market reacts to these challenges with consolidation, specialization and considerable investments in new technologies and infrastructures.
For the future of the industry, those companies will be successful that find the balance between economic efficiency, ecological sustainability and the highest quality standards. The successful integration of digital technologies, the development of environmentally friendly cooling concepts and the consistent orientation towards the changing customer needs will represent decisive success factors. Fresh logistics in particular offer considerable growth potential, but at the same time places the highest demands on the speed and precision of the logistics processes.
The coming years will be shaped by further professionalization and technology in the industry. Autonomous transport systems, intelligent packaging with integrated sensors and blockchain-based transparency systems are available on the threshold. At the same time, the development of sustainable cooling concepts will progress, from alternative drive technologies to more energy -efficient cooling units to optimized insulating materials. The increasing demand for fresh, high -quality foods and the growing importance of pharmaceutical logistics will continue to drive market growth.
The cooling and fresh logistics are therefore facing great challenges, but also considerable opportunities. The industry will make a significant contribution to security of supply with high-quality, temperature-sensitive products and at the same time have to develop innovative solutions for environmental and climate problems. Companies that actively design this transformation and invest in future -proof technologies and concepts will be successful in the long term and shape the future of temperature -managed logistics.
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