The Dynamic COLD CHAIN Play – Precision and Reliability

Much like the eagerly awaited and wildly celebrated Coldplay concert, which has now resplendently concluded, the cold chain sector within our country has been basking in a similar spotlight of attention from all corners in recent years. Be it the guiding hands of government machinery, the dedicated service providers, the dynamic startup ecosystem, or the industrious user base, every sphere has been actively contributing to its growth. A collective and impassioned effort has been underway to foster innovation, elevate the sector’s competitiveness, and bring it on par with global standards. In this Special Report, we offer you a glimpse into expert insights on the evolving landscape of cold chain infrastructure, the groundbreaking technological strides, and the burgeoning promise of sustainable growth – all through an engaging Q&A format. Read on…

The last 5 years have been transformational for the cold chain segment in the country. What’s your view on this? What are some of the striking changes that you have witnessed in these years?

Chandramani Behera, Head – Transportation, Snowman Logistics Ltd.:

The cold chain segment has experienced remarkable transformation over the last five years, largely driven by the following factors:

• Technological Advancements: The integration of IOT, AI, and data analytics has significantly improved monitoring and control of temperature-sensitive goods, enabling real-time visibility and predictive capabilities that enhance operational efficiency.
• Regulatory Compliance: Heightened regulatory standards, particularly in the pharmaceutical and food sectors, have necessitated stricter temperature controls and traceability, prompting advancements in compliance-driven technologies.
• Expansion of Infrastructure: There has been substantial growth in both cold storage capacity and refrigerated transportation networks, allowing for more efficient handling of perishable goods across broader geographic areas.
• Demand Surge: The rise in e-commerce and an increasing consumer preference for perishable and health-conscious products have directly elevated the demand for efficient and reliable cold chain solutions.

These drivers have collectively fostered greater efficiency, transparency, and scalability within the cold chain industry, positioning it for sustained growth and innovation.

Soumalya Mukherjee, Co-founder, Tan90: 

The market of cold chain in India was unorganized a decade back, with major impact on pharmaceuticals and ice cream industries. Rise in urbanization and change in consumption pattern among urban population has led to the meteoric rise in quick commerce and D2C businesses. Their rise is fueled by faster delivery timelines, requiring a vast network of dark stores spread across a geography, requiring a robust cold chain infrastructure. The most searched for item on any quick commerce platform is either milk or ice cream, which both require cold chain management percolating down to the last mile movements.

Scaling operations while maintaining no thermal breach along the supply chain require modern solute ions like passive cooling through Phase Change Materials (PCMs). PCMs also allow part-load movements in normal vehicles, thereby decreasing the cost of transportation per unit by 30% as compared to refrigerated trucks. This value proposition has enabled the quick commerce industry to learn about PCMs and apply them in their operations. There has been a surge of inclusion of technology in this space as well with blockchain based tracking, IoT based temperature logging, thereby increasing confidence among consumers about cold chain in India. Movement of chilled products by newly launched EV refrigerated vehicles can be a game changer as well and holds potential for serving tier II and III cities as well.

Kartik Jalan, Founder & CEO, Indicold: 

The biggest catalyst that transformed the cold chain segment was COVID, giving it a push towards online in a big way. People lived a whole year if not months in certain communities on online ordered food, fresh vegetables and frozen/chilled foods. The industry since then has not only grown but is also changing the way the cold chain segment in the country will work going forward. Quick commerce is booming and so is the frozen food industry. This is impacting space requirements across the country. During this time, there has been a considerable push on sustainable infrastructure as well.

Indicold is playing its part in transforming the industry by installing two transformational cold storage automation projects in the country. Automation was earlier considered to be outside the domain of Indian cold chain company offerings. Now, Indicold is offering the same at competitive market rates. Further, Indicold is working towards creating net zero cold chain projects using geothermal and other renewable sources of energy.

What challenges persist in cold chain management? How can companies mitigate them?

Chandramani Behera: Despite significant advancements, several challenges remain in cold chain management:

• Infrastructure Gaps: While urban areas have seen significant advancements in cold chain infrastructure, rural and remote regions still lack sufficient temperature-controlled facilities, which limits service coverage and operational efficiency.
• Cost Pressures: The high operational costs associated with energy consumption, maintaining temperature-controlled equipment, and logistics can impact profitability. These costs are particularly burdensome for smaller players in the market.
• Temperature Variability and Risk: Unexpected disruptions—such as power outages, transit delays, or equipment failures—can lead to temperature deviations, which may compromise the integrity of the products, particularly in the pharmaceutical and food sectors.

To mitigate these challenges, companies can adopt the following strategies:

• Investing in Advanced Technologies: Leveraging IoT-based monitoring systems, AI-driven predictive analytics, and real-time temperature tracking can help ensure operational continuity and minimize risks associated with temperature fluctuations.
• Energy-Efficient Solutions: Transitioning to more energy-efficient refrigeration technologies, such as hydrocarbon-based systems or using renewable energy sources, can help reduce long-term operational costs.
• Collaborative Infrastructure Development: By forming strategic partnerships with government agencies and other stakeholders, companies can work towards expanding infrastructure in underserved regions, improving overall supply chain efficiency.

These strategies not only address existing challenges but also enhance the resilience and sustainability of cold chain operations in the long term.

Soumalya Mukherjee: A lot of work is still left in building infrastructure in the tier II and III cities, both in stationery and mobility applications. When it comes to cold chain logistics, using passive coolants, there are a lot of gaps in the awareness of Phase Change Materials (PCMs). This results in industries using rudimentary solutions like gel packs for anything that requires temperature management. When used in pharmaceuticals, gels packs result in cold shocks and often fail on long term temperature retention. Chilled water is often used for maintaining temperatures between +18 to +22 degrees centigrade, which is not effective. PCM of +16 degrees Centigrade would be the correct choice for such applications, however high costs hinder its adoption.

Serial deliveries with frequent opening of doors, prevalent in the last mile movement of quick commerce industries, often poses a challenge with maintaining temperatures over a long period of time. This can be mitigated by using PCMs in discreet insulted boxes. However, the usage of PCMs often requires the need for specialized blast freezers, which are heavy on Capex. Working on this problem, Tan90 Thermal Solutions has pioneered a model along Cooling as a Service (CaaS), wherein they give the flexibility to clients to use pre-frozen panels without owning any capital-intensive freezers.

Coming to stationary applications, cold storage warehouses are energy intensive, and require a seamless power supply, which is still missing in remote areas. Use of renewable sources of energy for running cold storages is an interesting prospect. On that front, solar powered container based cold storages have come up, but are only limited to chilled products or FnV and cannot be used for frozen foods.

Kartik Jalan: India’s cold chain market is experiencing rapid expansion, fueled by increasing demand for fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and frozen foods. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, unreliable power supply, a shortage of skilled labor, and gaps in last-mile connectivity—particularly in rural areas—remain significant obstacles. These issues contribute to inefficiencies and substantial wastage of perishable goods.

To address these challenges, companies are investing in new infrastructure, incorporating palletized and automated solutions tailored to business needs. Solar-powered cold storage and other renewable energy alternatives are being explored to mitigate energy shortages and enhance sustainability. Strengthening last-mile delivery, especially through strategic partnerships and innovative models, is crucial for improving accessibility and efficiency.

Government support through incentives, subsidies, and skill-building programs can further accelerate progress. As the market grows, collaboration between stakeholders and adoption of advanced technologies will be critical in transforming India’s cold chain into a more resilient and efficient ecosystem.

Please enlighten us on the shifting demand patterns of consumers when it comes to cold chain.

Chandramani Behera: Consumer demands are increasingly influencing the evolution of cold chain logistics, particularly in the following areas:

• Higher Expectations for Freshness and Quality: There is a growing preference for fresh, organic, and health-focused products that require stringent temperature control throughout the supply chain. This has driven the need for enhanced reliability in cold chain infrastructure, particularly for perishable goods.
• Rapid Delivery Timelines: The rise in online grocery shopping and e-commerce has accelerated the need for quicker, more efficient delivery of temperature-sensitive products. Consumers now expect faster delivery times, often requiring solutions that support same-day or next-day delivery of perishable items.
• Increased Focus on Transparency: Consumers are becoming more aware of product sourcing and quality, demanding more transparency in the supply chain. Cold chain logistics providers must now offer real-time tracking and proof of compliance with temperature requirements, particularly for sensitive pharmaceuticals and food products.

These shifts are driving the adoption of more advanced technologies, streamlined logistics networks, and enhanced tracking systems to meet the growing consumer expectations for faster, more reliable, and transparent cold chain services.

Kartik Jalan: We are now in a post-COVID era, where change has accelerated across industries. In the cold chain sector, consumer demand patterns are evolving rapidly, driven by shifting lifestyles, health-conscious choices, and the growing need for convenience. The rising demand for fresh produce, frozen meals, and ready-to-eat foods reflects a preference for quality and variety. At the same time, the pharmaceutical sector is driving increased reliance on temperature-controlled logistics, particularly for biopharmaceuticals and personalized medicine.

Additionally, hotter summers and shorter winters have heightened the need for temperature-controlled warehousing across industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and automotive. This transformation underscores the need for agile cold chain systems that can accommodate smaller, more frequent shipments — especially for e-commerce and direct-to-consumer deliveries. Urban consumers prioritize speed and freshness, prompting investments in localized distribution hubs and advanced packaging solutions to enhance last-mile delivery.

Sustainability is also a major factor shaping consumer preferences. The growing demand for eco-friendly products and processes is pushing cold chain providers to adopt green technologies, improve transparency, and optimize efficiency. As expectations evolve, the industry must balance sustainability with maintaining product integrity and operational excellence.

What’s happening on the warehousing front as well in this regard? What are the packaging innovations shaping up in the cold chain segment?

Chandramani Behera: On the warehousing front, Snowman Logistics is investing heavily in automated temperature-controlled facilities that utilize advanced robotics and AI for inventory management, temperature monitoring, and overall operational efficiency. These facilities enable scalability, greater storage capacity, and compliance with increasingly stringent regulatory frameworks. Advancements in both cold storage and packaging technologies play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of cold chain operations:

Cold Storage Innovations: The development of automated, temperature-controlled warehouses equipped with advanced robotics and AI-driven inventory management systems is enabling greater operational efficiency, improved scalability, and real-time monitoring. These innovations help meet the rising demand for rapid order fulfilment, particularly in e-commerce and perishable goods sectors.

Packaging Solutions: Packaging technologies are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with innovations such as Phase Change Materials (PCMs) and active insulation materials ensuring that temperature-sensitive products maintain optimal conditions during transit, reducing the risk of spoilage. Additionally, sustainable packaging options, including recyclable and biodegradable materials, are gaining traction as part of the industry’s move towards greater environmental responsibility.

Smart Packaging: Integration of RFID tags and temperature-sensitive labels into packaging allows for better traceability and real-time condition monitoring, offering enhanced visibility throughout the cold chain and improving product safety.

These advancements in storage and packaging not only improve the operational integrity of cold chain systems but also help companies meet consumer demands for sustainability and transparency.

Soumalya Mukherjee: Temperature retention is influenced by three major factors: Cooling, Insulation Characteristics, and the Temperature Gradient between the product and the ambient environment. A lot of work has been done on insulation design, and its characteristics. Advanced materials like aerogel and vacuum insulated panels (VIPs) are picking up pace in this segment in niche segments like pharmaceuticals. Efforts are needed to establish manufacturing of these specialized materials in India, and these are being imported from the European countries currently.

Radiative cooling finds a fit for space cooling applications, in which functional paints (in conjunction with insulating materials) are coated on surfaces, providing a temperature variation of 10 degrees Centigrade and above. Such solutions are retrofittable and require minimal upkeep, hence perfect fit for industrial applications. Using a hybrid power source to run cold storages (solar and grid) can be beneficial for their rural penetration. Presently, there are companies in India which provides AI powered services related to optimization, monitoring and controlling energy consumption in real time by cold storages and maximize their performances. Cooling as a Service (CaaS) is also available in this vertical, thereby preventing companies to invest upfront for the assets required for such monitoring.

Kartik Jalan: The cold chain segment in India is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with warehousing leading the charge. Indicold has pioneered this evolution by unveiling India’s first frozen Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) facility in Gujarat. This state-of-the-art facility exemplifies the shift toward automation, robotics, and energy-efficient refrigeration systems, making warehousing smarter, more efficient, and sustainable. Such advancements not only enhance storage capacity but also ensure precision and reliability in managing perishable goods.

Packaging innovations complement these efforts, focusing on preserving product integrity and minimizing environmental impact. Smart technologies like IoT and RFID provide real-time tracking, while temperature sensors maintain optimal conditions during transit. Sustainable solutions, including bioplastics, reusable packaging, and advanced insulation materials, ensure reduced waste without compromising quality.

Furthermore, packaging for even bulk storage, especially in automated systems, has become critical because the right quality of box will enable the material to be stored properly and retrieved properly.

Together, these advancements in warehousing and packaging are reshaping India’s cold chain landscape, setting new benchmarks for efficiency, sustainability, and innovation.

What’s your take on government policy measures when it comes to harnessing cold chain? What’s your wish list from the government?

Chandramani Behera: The government has made commendable progress in supporting the cold chain industry through initiatives such as the Integrated Cold Chain Infrastructure Scheme, which aims to improve the capacity and efficiency of temperature-controlled logistics networks. However, further policy measures are needed to address ongoing challenges:

• Standardization and Regulation: Clearer, more stringent standards for temperature control across industries, particularly pharmaceuticals, would ensure uniformity and reduce compliance complexities.
• Tax Incentives: Enhanced tax relief for companies investing in energy-efficient cold chain technologies could stimulate the adoption of green practices.
• Support for Sustainability: Providing incentives for energy-efficient refrigeration systems and green technologies could accelerate the transition towards more sustainable cold chain operations.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging collaboration between the government and private players in underserved regions would help bridge infrastructure gaps, particularly in rural and remote areas.
• R&D Funding: Increased government support for research and development in cold chain technologies, such as advanced refrigeration systems and sustainable packaging solutions, would drive further innovation and cost reduction in the sector.

These measures could provide long-term support for the cold chain industry’s growth, ensuring its ability to meet evolving market demands while contributing to environmental sustainability.

Soumalya Mukherjee: The Government has already taken substantial steps to democratize cold chain infrastructure in the country, primarily opening up grants and subsidies through the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY). Massive improvements in road infrastructure, policies to use green refrigerants in freezers have resulted in reducing carbon footprint considerably.

Promoting the use of solar energy to run cold storages would be a great step ahead. This can be realized through fostering public private partnerships which will eliminate the power issues faced in the remote areas, thereby penetrating more with world-class storage solutions. A shift in focus on cold storage warehouses, from fruit and vegetables to high value products like pharmaceuticals or frozen foods would be a welcome step.

Kartik Jalan: Government policies have significantly boosted India’s cold chain sector, with initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme paving the way for growth. These measures have enhanced infrastructure, reduced food wastage, and encouraged private sector participation. Subsidies for energy-efficient refrigeration and the GST reduction on cold storage equipment have also accelerated progress. However, there’s a pressing need to address specific gaps to unlock the sector’s full potential.

At Indicold, the vision is to see policies that foster a truly integrated ecosystem. Encouraging investments in advanced technologies, such as automation and AI, can redefine efficiency and sustainability. Government can encourage pilot projects or award existing innovations by encouraging support or grants. Simplifying land acquisition for building modern cold storage facilities, especially near consumption hubs, would ease urban storage constraints. Additionally, promoting renewable energy solutions like solar-powered refrigeration can align the sector with green goals.

The biggest expense is energy for cold storages. The government can help companies by removing peak charges for cold storages, by giving security deposit relief across cold chain facility electricity connections, by ensuring the land purchase or lease are stamp duty exemption for such critical infrastructure. These steps will go a long way in enabling the industry, as already the industry is capex heavy, and this will help without hurting the exchequer.

With these steps, the government can empower India’s cold chain industry to not just meet domestic needs but also become a global leader in sustainable cold chain logistics.

What are the technological advancements shaping up in this segment? Kindly share with examples…

Chandramani Behera: Technological innovations are revolutionizing the cold chain industry, enhancing efficiency, reliability, and traceability in key areas:

• Internet of Things (IoT) and Real-Time Monitoring: IoT-enabled sensors and monitoring systems are allowing for real time tracking of temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions across the supply chain. This continuous data flow enables immediate corrective actions in case of any deviations, ensuring product integrity and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Block chain for Traceability: The integration of block chain technology provides an immutable ledger of data that enhances transparency and traceability, particularly for pharmaceuticals, where precise tracking from origin to final delivery is crucial to meet safety standards.
• AI and Predictive Analytics: AI-powered platforms are enabling predictive analytics for route optimization, inventory management, and proactive maintenance of refrigeration systems, reducing operational costs and improving system reliability.
• Automation in Storage and Handling: Automated cold storage systems, coupled with robotic process automation (RPA), are increasing throughput and efficiency, reducing manual handling errors, and enabling scalable operations to meet growing demands.

These technological advances are driving the next generation of cold chain operations, ensuring greater control, reducing risks, and improving overall service reliability for clients across industries.

Soumalya Mukherjee: Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are positioning themselves as a future in this vertical. Not only in transportation, PCMs also have a clear value add in storage and warehousing space. Cold storage warehouses rely on continuous power supply and with time-of-day tariffs in place, the operational costs for running cold storage often balloon up. Taking a cue from peak shift, PCMs can be used to maintain temperatures in cold storages during peak hours, keeping the compressors idle, while charging them during off-peaks. This is a proven concept in the US and European countries, where a savings of 20% is seen by implementing PCMs in cold storages, with provisions for application in both green (new) and grey fields (retrofitting in present cold storages).

Working on the same principle, PCMs also have application in commercial freezers (ice cream chest freezers), making them more energy efficient, keeping performances intact even when there is a power cut. Such freezers can be of great importance when installed in rural areas.

Kartik Jalan: Technological advancements are driving significant change in the cold chain industry, improving efficiency, sustainability, and transparency. At Indicold, we are embracing these innovations to enhance our operations. Through sensors, we monitor temperature-sensitive goods in real-time, ensuring that critical parameters like temperature and humidity are continuously tracked. This allows us to maintain and ensure the quality of goods.

Automation is also transforming our warehousing, as we have implemented Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) to streamline inventory management, reduce errors, and improve efficiency. In the future, we hope to incorporate AI and predictive analytics to help us optimize demand forecasting, route planning, and inventory control. By analyzing data from IoT sensors, we predict potential disruptions and take timely actions to prevent them.

Sustainability is a key focus as we adopt energy-efficient refrigeration solutions and explore renewable energy options like solar power. Additionally, the use of natural refrigerants and electric refrigerated vehicles helps reduce our environmental impact. These advancements are enabling Indicold in building a future ready sustainable cold supply chain.

What are the innovative services you are offering to your clients?

Chandramani Behera: Snowman Logistics offers a comprehensive suite of innovative cold chain services, including:

• 5PL Services: We’re the first in the country to offer 5PL services to our esteemed clients.
• End-to-End Integrated Solutions: We offer fully integrated temperature-controlled logistics that span warehousing, transportation, and last-mile delivery, ensuring seamless operations and product integrity across the supply chain.
• Real-Time Monitoring and Analytics: Our advanced IoT-based monitoring systems provide continuous tracking of temperature, humidity, and other critical conditions, offering complete visibility and compliance with industry standards.
• Predictive Analytics: By employing AI and machine learning algorithms, we can predict potential disruptions, such as equipment failures or supply chain bottlenecks, allowing us to proactively address these issues and ensure smooth operations.
• Sustainability Integration: We focus on integrating eco-friendly technologies, such as energy-efficient refrigeration units and recyclable packaging, aligning our operations with global sustainability standards.

These innovations not only enhance operational efficiency but also provide our clients with greater control, transparency, and assurance of product quality throughout the cold chain.

Kartik Jalan: At Indicold, we believe in listening and delivering what the customer needs. We believe in delivering solutions and experiences which delight the customer. Our constant endeavor is to deliver beyond what the customer can imagine is possible.

In this endeavor, Indicold has delivered the First Frozen automated storage and retrieval system for our client. The facility is not only the first rack clad of the country but also has the first active fire prevention system installation of the country for such a facility. Our aim is to constantly CARE about the product, people and planet. At Indicold, we care about the environment, people, and the products we handle, delivering solutions that not only improve supply chain efficiency but also contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

Do you see the cold chain sustainability combination working for the industry at large? If yes, how can companies work towards ensuring sustainable cold chain operations?

Chandramani Behera: Yes, the integration of sustainability into cold chain operations is not only possible but essential. Sustainability is becoming a critical focus in the cold chain industry as companies face increasing pressure to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining operational efficiency. Key considerations for promoting sustainable cold chain operations include:

• Energy-Efficient Technologies: Companies can invest in energy-efficient refrigeration systems such as hydrocarbon-based cooling solutions that utilize natural refrigerants and optimize energy consumption, reducing both operational costs and environmental impact.
• Green Warehousing Solutions: The transition to eco-friendly warehouses, utilizing renewable energy sources such as solar power and energy-efficient lighting and cooling systems, can significantly lower carbon footprints.
• Sustainable Packaging: Emphasizing the use of biodegradable and recyclable packaging materials helps minimize waste while maintaining product integrity during transport.
• Optimize Transport Logistics: Route optimization and better load consolidation can reduce fuel consumption and emissions, while the use of electric or hybrid vehicles for last-mile delivery can further reduce carbon footprints, which is a key area for environmental improvement in cold chain logistics.
• Circular Economy Models: Implementing circular supply chain models—where resources such as packaging and containers are reused or recycled—can contribute to waste reduction and promote more sustainable practices.

By prioritizing these sustainable strategies, companies can reduce their carbon footprint, comply with global environmental standards, and meet the growing demand for environmentally responsible practices across industries. At Snowman Logistics, we are committed to embedding sustainability into every aspect of our operations, from reducing energy consumption to integrating eco-friendly packaging and logistics solutions.

Soumalya Mukherjee: Cold chain solution providers are investing massively in research and developing products that reduce the carbon footprint of cold transportation. Till now, cold chain solutions were energy hungry, running on diesel fuels. The recent launch of refrigerated containers on EVs was an interesting step in this space, reducing dependency on fossil fuels, carbon footprint and opening opportunities for a possibly lower cold transportation cost. On the other hand, companies like Tan90 Thermal Solutions employ the concept of district cooling to freeze PCM cartridges on a bulk scale, thereby distributing energy costs, and providing customers pre-frozen –24-degree Centigrade PCM cartridges to transport ice cream and frozen desserts, using normal or electric vehicles. Large companies like CONCOR are also moving towards such solutions by integrating passive cooling solutions in their containers to move temperature sensitive products by railways. This proves that the industry, by large, is optimistic towards greener and sustainable solutions, and adoption has picked up pace in the last five years.

Kartik Jalan: Sustainability in cold chain logistics is no longer just an option—it’s essential for the industry’s growth. As the demand for temperature-sensitive goods increases, companies must balance operational efficiency with environmental responsibility. This involves investing in energy-efficient refrigeration systems with low-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerants, utilizing renewable energy sources like solar power, geothermal and deploying sensors for predictive maintenance and efficient running of the plant. Sustainable packaging solutions and smarter transportation planning are also vital in reducing emissions and operational costs.

Indicold is embracing this shift by designing and building sustainable infrastructure ensuring all the above is met and more. Indicold is pioneer in Indian cold chain industry by being the first logistics company to setup a frozen ASRS in India. This infrastructure is more energy efficient and more compact than a traditional facility, hence contributing to the environment.

For the broader cold chain sector, prioritizing sustainable practices not only ensures long-term profitability and resilience but also reduces the environmental impact of the supply chain. As industry continues to evolve, adopting green technologies and practices will be crucial in building a future-ready cold chain that meets both operational and environmental goals.

How do you foresee the prospects and possibilities of cold chain? What are the upcoming trends that will shape the future of cold chain?

Chandramani Behera: The future of cold chain logistics is poised for significant transformation, with several emerging trends and opportunities set to shape the industry:

Pharmaceutical Sector Growth: The increasing demand for biologics, vaccines, and temperature-sensitive therapeutics will drive the need for highly specialized cold chain solutions, with an emphasis on precise temperature control and secure transportation. The rise of personalized medicine will further contribute to the demand for smaller, more flexible cold chain solutions.

Sustainability and Green Logistics: With growing environmental concerns, the cold chain industry is shifting towards more sustainable practices, including the adoption of energy-efficient refrigeration technologies and the use of renewable energy sources in warehouses and transportation. Eco-friendly packaging is also gaining traction as part of the drive toward a more sustainable supply chain.

Last-Mile Delivery Optimization: The surge in online grocery and food deliveries is leading to increased demand for rapid and reliable last-mile cold chain solutions. Technologies such as autonomous delivery systems and electric refrigerated vehicles are emerging as potential solutions for reducing delivery times while minimizing environmental impact.

Data-Driven Decision Making: The use of advanced analytics, AI, and machine learning will continue to grow, enabling cold chain providers to optimize routes, predict maintenance needs, and enhance demand forecasting, thereby improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Hyper-localized Warehousing: Smaller, decentralized warehouses closer to urban centres will emerge to support faster, more efficient delivery of temperature-sensitive goods, particularly in e-commerce.

These trends represent significant opportunities for innovation in cold chain logistics, providing new avenues for growth and enhancing the sector’s ability to meet evolving market demands.

Soumalya Mukherjee: Cold chain by railways, without grid power, is a dream that I envision. Railways have an extension network throughout the country and if plugged in properly, are faster than roadways. Creating an integrated ecosystem, end-to-end, from cold storages, pack houses, and logistics around railways would be highly beneficial for the country. This will not only be sustainable, but a faster turnaround for import and export transactions.

Kartik Jalan: India’s cold chain logistics market is poised for significant growth, projected to reach USD 12.77 billion in 2025 and USD 20.31 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.72%. Driven by the pharmaceutical and food sectors, industry is undergoing rapid transformation. India is the world’s largest provider of generic drugs, supplying over 50% of global vaccine demand, with pharmaceutical exports reaching USD 25.4 billion in FY23. In the food sector, India ranks as the largest producer of milk and the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables.

Key trends shaping the industry include automation, sustainability, and enhanced supply chain visibility. A lot of new companies in IOT space across machine health, vehicle tracking etc., are ensuring transparency and visibility. Government initiatives, such as 20 mega food parks, 371 cold chain projects, and 68 agro-processing clusters, are strengthening infrastructure and driving value addition. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) continues to play a crucial role in developing preservation infrastructure to support this growth.

As the industry adapts to geopolitical challenges and rising consumer demand for plant-based and organic products, upgraded cold storage facilities and strategically located distribution hubs will be essential for enhancing efficiency and resilience in both pharmaceutical and food logistics. I see that more private capital is slated to be deployed in the next 4-5 years than all years since independence. A lot of global interest in the Indian food industry will drive this demand.