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    Reefer Container Market

    ID: MRFR/PNT/55845-CR
    155 Pages
    Varsha More
    June 2025

    Reefer Container Market Research Report Information by Size (20 Feet, 40 Feet, More than 40 Feet), by Transportation Mode (Seaways, Roadways, Railways), by Industry (Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Chemical) and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific) - Forecast till 2035

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    Reefer Container Market  Infographic
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    Reefer Container Market Summary

    The Global Reefer Container Market is projected to grow significantly from 7.21 USD Billion in 2024 to 16.6 USD Billion by 2035.

    Key Market Trends & Highlights

    Reefer Container Key Trends and Highlights

    • The market is expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.89 percent from 2025 to 2035.
    • By 2035, the market valuation is anticipated to reach 16.6 USD Billion, indicating robust growth potential.
    • In 2024, the market is valued at 7.21 USD Billion, reflecting the increasing demand for temperature-sensitive cargo transport.
    • Growing adoption of reefer containers due to the rising need for efficient cold chain logistics is a major market driver.

    Market Size & Forecast

    2024 Market Size 7.21 (USD Billion)
    2035 Market Size 16.6 (USD Billion)
    CAGR (2025-2035) 7.89%

    Major Players

    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.

    Reefer Container Market Drivers

    Expansion of Global Trade

    The ongoing expansion of global trade serves as a pivotal driver for the Global Reefer Container Market Industry. As international trade agreements facilitate cross-border commerce, the demand for reefer containers rises to accommodate the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods across vast distances. This trend is particularly evident in emerging markets, where increased trade activities necessitate robust logistics solutions. The market's growth trajectory, from 7.21 USD Billion in 2024 to an anticipated 16.6 USD Billion by 2035, underscores the essential role of reefer containers in supporting global supply chains and meeting the needs of diverse industries.

    Market Growth Projections

    The Global Reefer Container Market Industry is poised for substantial growth, with projections indicating a market value of 7.21 USD Billion in 2024 and an anticipated increase to 16.6 USD Billion by 2035. This growth trajectory suggests a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.89% from 2025 to 2035, driven by various factors including rising demand for perishable goods, technological advancements, and the expansion of global trade. The market's dynamics reflect a robust response to the evolving logistics landscape, emphasizing the critical role of reefer containers in ensuring the safe and efficient transport of temperature-sensitive products.

    Rising Demand for Perishable Goods

    The Global Reefer Container Market Industry experiences a notable surge in demand driven by the increasing consumption of perishable goods. As global populations expand and urbanization accelerates, the need for efficient transportation of food items, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive products intensifies. In 2024, the market is valued at 7.21 USD Billion, reflecting the critical role reefer containers play in maintaining product integrity during transit. This trend is expected to continue, with projections indicating a market growth to 16.6 USD Billion by 2035, highlighting the importance of reefer containers in global supply chains.

    Technological Advancements in Refrigeration

    Technological innovations significantly influence the Global Reefer Container Market Industry, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of refrigerated transport. Advanced refrigeration technologies, such as energy-efficient cooling systems and IoT-enabled monitoring solutions, are increasingly adopted to optimize temperature control and reduce energy consumption. These advancements not only improve operational efficiency but also contribute to sustainability efforts within the logistics sector. As companies seek to minimize their carbon footprint, the integration of such technologies is likely to drive market growth, aligning with the projected CAGR of 7.89% from 2025 to 2035.

    Regulatory Compliance and Food Safety Standards

    Stringent regulatory compliance and food safety standards significantly impact the Global Reefer Container Market Industry. Governments worldwide are implementing rigorous regulations to ensure the safe transport of perishable goods, necessitating the use of specialized refrigerated containers. Compliance with these standards not only safeguards public health but also enhances consumer confidence in food products. As a result, logistics companies are increasingly investing in reefer containers that meet these regulatory requirements, thereby driving market growth. The emphasis on food safety is likely to persist, further solidifying the demand for advanced refrigerated transport solutions.

    Growth of E-commerce and Online Grocery Delivery

    The rapid growth of e-commerce and online grocery delivery services is reshaping the Global Reefer Container Market Industry. As consumers increasingly turn to online platforms for their grocery needs, the demand for efficient and reliable refrigerated transport solutions escalates. This trend is particularly pronounced in urban areas, where quick delivery of perishable goods is essential. The market's expansion, projected to reach 16.6 USD Billion by 2035, reflects the critical role of reefer containers in facilitating timely and safe deliveries. Companies are likely to invest in advanced refrigerated logistics to meet the evolving demands of the e-commerce sector.

    Market Segment Insights

    Reefer Container Market

    Reefer Container Market Segment Insights

    Reefer Container Market

    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.

    Reefer Container Market

    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

    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

    Get more detailed insights about Reefer Container Market Research Report – Forecast Till 2035

    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)

    REEFER CONTAINER MARKET VALUE BY REGION 2024 AND 2035

    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.

    Key Players and 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 market include

    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

    Future Outlook

    Reefer Container Market Future Outlook

    The Reefer Container Market is poised for growth at 7.89% CAGR from 2024 to 2035, driven by increasing global trade, demand for perishable goods, and technological advancements in refrigeration.

    New opportunities lie in:

    • Invest in IoT-enabled reefer containers for real-time monitoring and efficiency.
    • Develop eco-friendly refrigerants to meet regulatory standards and consumer preferences.
    • Expand leasing options to enhance accessibility for small and medium enterprises.

    By 2035, the Reefer Container Market is expected to achieve substantial growth, reflecting evolving consumer demands and technological innovations.

    Market Segmentation

    by Size Outlook

    • 20 Feet
    • 40 Feet
    • More than 40 Feet

    Regional Outlook

    • US
    • Canada
    • Mexico

    by Industry Outlook

    • Food & Beverage
    • Pharmaceutical
    • Chemical

    by Transportation Size Outlook

    • Seaways
    • Roadways
    • Railways

    Report Scope

    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

    FAQs

    How much is the Reefer Container Market?

    USD 16.62 Billion is the Reefer Container Market in 2035.

    Which Industry holds the largest market share?

    The Food & Beverage segment by Industry holds the largest market share and grows at a CAGR of 8.85 % during the forecast period.

    Which region holds the largest market share in the Reefer Container Market?

    Asia-Pacific holds the largest market share in the Reefer Container Market.

    Who are the prominent players in the Reefer Container Market?

    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 the prominent players in the Reefer Container Market.

    Which Transportation Mode segment led the Reefer Container Market?

    The Seaways segment dominated the market in 2024.

    Reefer Container Market Research Report – Forecast Till 2035 Infographic
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    Customer Stories

    “I am very pleased with how market segments have been defined in a relevant way for my purposes (such as "Portable Freezers & refrigerators" and "last-mile"). In general the report is well structured. Thanks very much for your efforts.”

    Victoria Milne Founder
    Case Study
    Chemicals and Materials