Cold Chain 2.0: Smart tech driving India’s growth

Neville Mevawala, Head of Sales & Marketing – Material Handling Equipment at Godrej Enterprises Group, shares insights on India’s cold chain logistics, suggesting technology integration, infrastructure investment, and new handling solutions to drive growth, which will reduce food waste and meet rising consumer expectations

What do you envision for the cold chain warehousing and logistics market?

The Indian cold chain logistics market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 5.67 percent, from USD 10.30 billion in 2024 to USD 13.58 billion by 2029. This trajectory reflects several market forces that are reshaping the industry landscape.

Primary growth drivers include increasing disposable income and rapidly evolving consumer preferences toward fresh, frozen, and ready-to-eat food products. We are witnessing a fundamental shift in consumption patterns as health-conscious consumers demand year-round access to seasonal and perishable goods, creating sustained momentum across the cold chain ecosystem.

E-commerce growth has been particularly transformative, with quick commerce platforms promising delivery of perishables within minutes rather than days. This has created unprecedented demands on cold chain logistics, requiring expanded capacity and intelligent, connected cold chain solutions offering real-time monitoring and traceability.

At Material Handling Equipment, the business of Godrej Enterprises Group, we recognise these market dynamics as opportunities to pioneer innovative solutions that address emerging challenges.

How do IoT, AI, and blockchain optimise performance in logistics operations?

The integration of IoT in cold chain logistics has revolutionised the way temperature-sensitive products are monitored and managed. IoT devices and sensors provide real-time data on temperature, humidity, and other critical parameters throughout the supply chain. These devices can be attached to storage units and vehicles, allowing for continuous monitoring and immediate alerts if any deviations from the desired conditions occur.

Implementing the Internet of Things has revolutionised visibility and monitoring capabilities in logistics operations. Smart sensors now track location and environmental conditions—temperature, humidity, shock, and light exposure—providing real-time data on cargo status.

How can cold chain logistics play a pivotal role in reducing food waste and improving food security in South Asia?

Cold storage facilities are essential for preserving perishable goods, ensuring they remain safe and high-quality until they reach the consumer. Strategic cold chain investments could reduce food waste across various commodity categories while extending shelf life for perishable products. This extension represents a transformative opportunity for waste reduction and expanding market reach, stabilising prices, and improving accessibility of nutritious foods.

Please suggest measures to strengthen the cold chain business in India.

Investment in cold storage facilities and adopting renewable energy sources are critical for modernising the cold chain infrastructure. Public-private partnerships can significantly expand and upgrade cold storage capabilities, particularly in underserved areas. The infrastructure gap between the required temperature-controlled storage capacity and current availability remains substantial. This deficit is even more pronounced in the distribution segment, where refrigerated transport capacity meets only a fraction of estimated requirements. Addressing these gaps requires more than just capacity expansion; it demands a comprehensive approach to overcome persistent structural challenges.

Please share your views on material handling equipment to meet the demands of faster shipping and last-mile delivery.

The e-commerce explosion and evolving consumer expectations have fundamentally transformed material handling requirements across the supply chain. Today’s markets demand fulfilment speeds that were unimaginable just a decade ago, with same-day and even same-hour delivery becoming standard expectations rather than premium services.

Maintaining freezing temperatures incurs significant refrigeration costs, necessitating high pallet locations to optimise cubic space. Godrej offers solutions in partnership with Crown, a leading MHE provider for cold and freezing stores.

Crown’s Double Deep Reach trucks are built to endure the harsh conditions of cold storage and are utilised by major cold chain companies across India. Additionally, these trucks can be equipped with Infolink, a fleet management system perfect for companies with multiple facilities nationwide.