Cold chain logistics in Spain exceeds 6.000 billion euros, driven by the retail and pharmaceutical sectors.

Logistics and Transportation

The temperature-controlled logistics sector in Spain is projected to reach a turnover of €6.000 billion by 2025, representing a 4,3% growth, according to the latest report from the DBK Sector Observatory of INFORMA. The boom in e-commerce, retail, and the pharmaceutical sector, along with increasing outsourcing, is reinforcing this upward trend.

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The market cold chain logistics in España has reached a turnover of 6.000 million euros in 2025consolidating a sustained growth trajectory of 4,3% in the last year. This dynamism, according to the special report "Cold Logistics" of Observatorio Sectorial DBK de INFORMA, subsidiary of CesceThis responds to the growing outsourcing of services and the strong demand from key sectors such as retail, e-commerce and the pharmaceutical industry.

The sector, which encompasses storage, handling, transport, and distribution services for temperature-controlled goods, has gained significant importance within the country's logistics and freight transport sector, now representing 27,3% of total revenue. Year-on-year growth, which was 6,5% in 2024 and moderated to 4,3% in 2025, demonstrates the maturity and resilience of a market that is fundamental to the supply chain.

Keys to growth: Transport and dynamism of storage

Activities transportation and distribution Temperature-controlled products continue to be the main driver of the sector, accounting for 79,2% of total revenue after growing by 3,8% in 2025. However, the analysis of Observatorio Sectorial DBK de INFORMA It highlights the remarkable dynamism of the area of warehousing and warehouse operationsThis segment experienced a 6,4% increase in the last year, reaching 1.250 billion euros, driven by the need for specialized and technologically advanced infrastructure.

This behavior reflects a strategic trend in international and national business: producing and distributing companies are increasingly outsourcing their logistics operations to optimize costs and guarantee the integrity of the cold chain, a critical factor for food products, pharmaceuticals and other sensitive goods.

Market concentration and structure

The structure of supply in cold chain logistics in España shows a clear process of sectoral concentrationMergers and acquisitions, as well as the closure of smaller operators, are reshaping the competitive landscape. According to 2025 data, the top five companies in the sector held a combined market share of 42,3%, while the top ten accounted for 55,8% of the business.

Despite this consolidation at the top, the report identifies the persistence of a large number of small businesses, especially in the transport subsector. In contrast, the warehousing sector shows greater concentration, with large operators controlling most of the installed capacity. This scenario has led to a significant increase in employment, which now stands at around 25.000 workers.

Key Data of the Cold Logistics Sector in Spain (2023-2025)

Indicator	Price	Reference Year
Market Billing	6.000 millones de euros	2025
Market Billing	5.750 millones de euros	2024
Market Billing	5.400 millones de euros	2023
Transportation and Distribution Fee	79,2 %	2025
Storage and Operations Fee	20,8 %	2025
Concentration (Top 5 companies)	42,3 %	2025
Concentration (Top 10 companies)	55,8 %	2025

Key points and frequently asked questions about Cold Chain Logistics in Spain

How does this growth affect a Spanish exporting company?

For a Spanish exporter, the consolidation and professionalization of the cold chain logistics sector is a competitive advantage. It means access to a more robust and technologically advanced network to guarantee the quality of their products in international markets. However, this concentration can lead to less flexibility in negotiating rates, making it crucial to conduct a thorough analysis of suppliers and diversify options where possible.

What are the consequences of market concentration for SMEs in the sector?

Market consolidation increases competitive pressure on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially in the transportation sector. To survive, these SMEs must focus on specialization, whether by product type (pharmaceuticals, gourmet products) or by specific geographic routes. Agility and highly personalized customer service are their main advantages for competing with large logistics operators.

What trends are expected in temperature-controlled logistics in Spain?

Trends point towards greater digitalization and automation of warehouses, the implementation of real-time tracking technologies (IoT) to ensure cold chain traceability, and an increasing focus on the sustainability (ESG)Reducing the carbon footprint through more efficient transport fleets and the use of environmentally friendly refrigerants will be differentiating factors in the coming years.