Report Overview

Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market - Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2030

Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market size was estimated to be worth USD 20.76 billion in 2023. During the forecast period between 2024 and 2030, Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.60%, reaching a value of USD 27.0 billion by 2030. Major growth factors for Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market include the high popularity of packaged and convenient food products. Konbini or Japanese convenience stores offer a variety of products of high quality and fresh ingredients, which require efficient cold chain logistics to function. In addition, the expanding e-commerce industry and the presence of organized retail store chains are anticipated to drive Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market during the period in analysis.

Cold Chain Logistics – Overview

Cold chain logistics involves the transportation and storage of temperature-sensitive products, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, under controlled conditions. The process ensures that products remain within a specific temperature range throughout the supply chain, from production to delivery. Key components include temperature-controlled packaging, refrigerated transport, and specialized storage facilities. Effective cold chain logistics prevent spoilage, maintain product quality, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, ultimately safeguarding public health and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market

Growth Drivers

Growing Demand for Perishable Goods and Pharmaceuticals

Japan is witnessing a substantial rise in the demand for perishable goods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, ready-to-eat meals, and seafood, because of growing consumer preference for high-quality food and stringent food safety regulations. The expanding e-commerce platforms for food delivery are also fueling the demand for efficient cold chain logistics in Japan. In addition, the rising aging population in Japan is leading to higher demand for various pharmaceutical products, including vaccines and biologics. The growing prevalence of aging-related diseases and the COVID-19 pandemic escalated the need for efficient pharmaceutical distribution to maintain a supply of essential medical products and prevent losses, further influencing the growing demand for cold chain logistics in Japan.

Challenges

Rising Fuel and Energy Costs

Japan heavily relies on imported energy for its domestic energy consumption. It imports around 90–94% of its primary energy supply. However, fluctuations in fuel prices and the effects of geopolitical tensions can result in increased costs of cold chain logistics. The surge in energy prices directly leads to a rise in transportation and refrigeration costs, which makes cold chain services more expensive for both providers and consumers. The increase in operational cost due to energy price fluctuations also limits the affordability and scalability of the sector, hindering the growth of the overall Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market.

Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions on Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market

Escalating geopolitical tensions could adversely affect the growth of Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market. The island country is a major importer and exporter of various raw materials and finished goods. However, heightened economic, trade, and political tensions often lead to trade barriers, such as increased tariffs and sanctions, which cause delays in logistics and increased transportation costs in cold chain logistics. Particularly for high-demand goods like pharmaceuticals, food products, and medical supplies, additional costs could significantly affect the flow of goods. Furthermore, cold chain logistics require energy to function. Tensions in energy-producing regions (Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East) could lead to higher energy prices, affecting transportation costs, particularly in temperature-controlled trucking and air freight.

Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market

Segmental Coverage

Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market – By Service Type

Based on service type, Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market is segmented into transportation, warehousing, packaging, and monitoring. The warehousing segment holds the largest share in Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market. The growth of the market is mainly attributed to the growing demand for frozen food owing to the changing dietary patterns of Japanese consumers. Warehouses are not only used in the food and beverage industry but are also an essential component of the pharmaceutical sector as well. Furthermore, growing private investment in the construction of cold storage warehouses is also driving the segment growth.

Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market – By Temperature Type

By temperature type, Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market is segmented into chilled and frozen. The frozen segment accounts for the higher share in the market. Japan offers a wide range of food products under the frozen category, including dumplings, natto, takoyaki, seafood, and sliced meat, to cater to its busy consumers. It uses rapid freezing technology to increase the shelf life of products, which allows consumers to defrost them when needed to be consumed. Frozen fruits and fish are gaining significant popularity in the Japanese market, as through this technology, these products are available for consumption throughout the year regardless of the season.

Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market – By End User

On the basis of end user, Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market is segmented into food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, chemicals, and others. The food & beverages segment dominates Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market. The high popularity of packaged food products in Japan and innovations in packaging are expected to boost market growth. The hectic lifestyle of Japanese workers and the growing geriatric population are fueling the demand for convenient food in the country, eventually propelling the need for efficient cold chain logistics and driving its market growth.

Competitive Landscape

Japan Cold Chain Logistics market is highly competitive, as a number of companies are competing to gain a significant market share. Key players in the market include Nippon Express, Yamato Holdings Co. Ltd, Sagawa Express Co. Ltd, Kintetsu World Express (KWE), Itochu Logistics Corp., DHL, Kuehne Nagel, Nichirei Logistics Group, Inc., Sojitz Corporation, and CEVA Logistics. To further enhance their market share, these companies employ various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, license agreements, and new product launches.

Recent Developments

• In September 2024 – Mitsui Fudosan, a real estate company, GLP Japan, a logistics company, and other Japanese companies announced their plans to establish cold storage facilities valued at more than JPY 500 billion (approximately USD 3.5 billion) across Japan by 2030.

Scope of the Report

By Service Type

• Transportation

• Warehousing

• Packaging

• Monitoring

By Temperature Type

• Chilled

• Frozen

By End User

• Food & Beverages

• Pharmaceuticals

• Biotechnology

• Chemicals

• Others

1. Research Framework
   1. Research Objective
   2. Product Overview
   3. Market Segmentation
2. Executive Summary
3. Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market Insights
   1. Industry Value Chain Analysis
   2. DROC Analysis
      1. Growth Drivers
         1. Rising Consumer Demand for Fresh Food
         2. Aging Population in Japan
         3. Stringent Food Safety Regulations
      2. Restraints
         1. High Operating Costs in Japan
         2. Strict Regulations and Compliance Requirements
         3. Limited Availability of Skilled Labor
      3. Opportunities
         1. Increasing Adoption of Advanced Technologies
         2. Rise of Online Grocery and Food Delivery Services
         3. Adopting Sustainable Practices, such as Energy-Efficient Technologies and Eco-Friendly Packaging
      4. Challenges
         1. Ensuring Consistent Temperature Control throughout the Cold Chain
         2. Aging Infrastructure in Japan
   3. Technological Advancements/Recent Developments
   4. Regulatory Framework
   5. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
      1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
      2. Bargaining Power of Buyers
      3. Threat of New Entrants
      4. Threat of Substitutes
      5. Intensity of Rivalry
4. Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market: Marketing Strategies
5. Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market: Pricing Analysis
6. Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market Overview
   1. Market Size & Forecast, 2019–2030
      1. By Value (USD Billion)
   2. Market Share & Forecast
      1. By Service Type
         1. Transportation
         2. Warehousing
         3. Packaging
         4. Monitoring
      2. By Temperature Type
         1. Chilled
         2. Frozen
      3. By End User
         1. Food & Beverages
         2. Pharmaceuticals
         3. Biotechnology
         4. Chemicals
         5. Others
7. Competitive Landscape
   1. List of Key Players and Their Products
   2. Japan Cold Chain Logistics Company Market Share Analysis, 2023
   3. Competitive Benchmarking, By Operating Parameters
   4. Key Strategic Developments (Mergers, Acquisitions, Partnerships)
8. Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions on Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market
9. Company Profiles (Company Overview, Financial Matrix, Competitive landscape, Key Personnel, Key Competitors, Contact Address, and Strategic Outlook, and SWOT Analysis)
   1. Nippon Express
   2. Yamato Holdings Co. Ltd
   3. Sagawa Express Co. Ltd
   4. Kintetsu World Express (KWE)
   5. Itochu Logistics Corp.
   6. DHL
   7. Kuehne Nagel
   8. Nichirei Logistics Group, Inc.
   9. Sojitz Corporation
   10. CEVA Logistics
   11. Other prominent players
10. Key Strategic Recommendations
11. Research Methodology
    1. Qualitative Research
       1.  Primary & Secondary Research
    2.    Quantitative Research
    3.    Market Breakdown & Data Triangulation
       1.  Secondary Research
       2.  Primary Research
    4.    Breakdown of Primary Research Respondents
    5.    Assumptions & Limitations

*Financial information of non-listed companies can be provided as per availability.

**The segmentation and the companies are subject to modifications based on in-depth secondary research for the final deliverable.

List of Figures

Figure 1       Japan Cold Chain Logistics Segmentation

Figure 2       Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market Value Chain Analysis

Figure 3       Company Market Share Analysis, 2023

Figure 4       Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market Size, By Value (USD Billion), 2019–2030

Figure 5       Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market Share, By Service Type, By Value (USD Billion), 2019–2030

Figure 6       Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market Share, By Temperature Type, By Value (USD Billion), 2019–2030

Figure 7       Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market Share, By End User, By Value (USD Billion), 2019–2030

List of Tables      

Table 1        Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market Size, By Value (USD Billion), 2019–2030

Table 2        Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market Share, By Service Type, By Value (USD Billion), 2019–2030

Table 3        Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market Share, By Temperature Type, By Value (USD Billion), 2019–2030

Table 4        Japan Cold Chain Logistics Market Share, By End User, By Value (USD Billion), 2019–2030

Table 5        Nippon Express Company Overview

Table 6        Nippon Express Financial Overview

Table 7        Yamato Holdings Co. Ltd Company Overview

Table 8        Yamato Holdings Co. Ltd Financial Overview

Table 9        Sagawa Express Co. Ltd Company Overview

Table 10      Sagawa Express Co. Ltd Financial Overview

Table 11      Kintetsu World Express (KWE) Company Overview

Table 12      Kintetsu World Express (KWE) Financial Overview

Table 13      Itochu Logistics Corp. Company Overview

Table 14      Itochu Logistics Corp. Financial Overview

Table 15      DHL Company Overview

Table 16      DHL Financial Overview

Table 17      Kuehne Nagel Company Overview

Table 18      Kuehne Nagel Financial Overview

Table 19      Nichirei Logistics Group, Inc. Company Overview

Table 20      Nichirei Logistics Group, Inc. Financial Overview

Table 21      Sojitz Corporation Company Overview

Table 22      Sojitz Corporation Financial Overview

Table 23      CEVA Logistics Company Overview

Table 24      CEVA Logistics Financial Overview