Hunger for high-quality fresh products and e-commerce growth force supply chain upgrades
New data released by the China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing (CFLP) has revealed that the country’s total cold-chain logistics volume reached 381.4mn tonnes in 2025, up 4.5 per cent year on year.
According to a report from Global Times, consumer demand for high quality, fresh produce has driven more volume, increased capacity and technological advances. CFLP data also showed total cold storage capacity rose to 267mn cubic meters in 2025, an increase of 5.53 per cent from the year prior. China’s cold chain sector has also prioritised efficiency, utilising more automation and intelligent management.
The report said these trends are aligned with changes in China’s consumer market, which are driving growth. The first is the demand for fresh products, with freshness and traceability becoming more important to consumers. Improvements in cold chain logistics allow perishable products such as fresh fruit and vegetables to reach more consumers with greater consistency. Examples include the growth of New Zealand kiwifruit and Chilean cherries, with both travelling significant distances to reach the China market, and requiring secure cold chains to maintain quality.
The growth of e-commerce has also had an impact; online grocery services with rapid delivery offerings now require same-day or even same-hour delivery. Qin Yuming, secretary-general of the cold-chain logistics committee of the CFLP, told CCTV News that online and instant retail channels have created new demand for cold-chain services.
As cold-chain infrastructure has expanded into smaller cities and regions across China, more consumers in third- and fourth-tier markets have gained access to high quality imported produce, upgrading consumption and driving further investment in new technologies and infrastructure to reduce costs and improve efficiencies.
