Tech is transforming Coldverse and beyond

With the surge in demand for temperature-controlled logistics, businesses are investing in innovative cold chain solutions.  Priyank Patel, Chief Executive Officer, says, Coldverse is leading the change in India’s cold chain sector, leveraging Smart automation, AI-driven monitoring, and advanced energy-efficient technologies.  It is reshaping cold storage as a strategic asset, proving that Smarter and tech-enabled operations are the future of temperature-controlled logistics.

India’s cold chain market, an icy giant ready to thaw, is rapidly evolving, driven by the rising demand for temperature-sensitive goods in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, dairy, vegetables or seafood. Estimated to reach USD 53 billion by 2027, the sector stands at the confluence of logistics, sustainability, and technology. Yet, beneath this frosty facade lies a glaring inefficiency that could cost businesses millions in outdated cold storage and warehouse practices. As businesses scale up to meet the surging demand, improving warehouse efficiency is necessary.

ROI of efficiency in cold warehousing

Inefficient cold warehouses bleed money through poor energy use, delayed shipments, and wastage from temperature fluctuations. Efficient cold storage systems, on the other hand, offer compelling returns. Advanced insulation, automated controls, and IoT-based monitoring can reduce power consumption by 25–30 percent.

Smart temperature mapping and predictive maintenance help lower spoilage rates by as much as 40 percent. The automation enables 20–35 percent faster movement of goods, which is crucial for perishable supply chains.

With cold chain costs accounting for nearly 60 percent of total logistics expenses in temperature-controlled goods, even a marginal improvement in efficiency can create a financial impact across the supply chain.

Leading this transformation is a new wave of cold chain innovators who understand that success lies in how cold you store, and how smartly you manage. Coldverse is an innovator with its next-generation cold chain solutions based on cutting-edge technology. It is setting new benchmarks for energy efficiency and operational control. “Cold storage is no longer just about preserving goods—it is about optimising time, energy, and space. At Coldverse, we have engineered systems that reduce temperature variance and increase throughput with intelligent automation.”

Smart facilities and operations

i. Intelligent Storage System: At its flagship facility in Gujarat, Coldverse implemented a sensor-based, AI-driven warehouse management system (WMS). The result? A 15 percent increase in storage capacity through optimised stacking and a 30 percent improvement in pick-and-pack speed. Its dynamic temperature zoning tech allows different sections of the warehouse to operate at varied temperatures—from frozen (-18°C) to chilled (2–8°C)—all from a single control system, slashing energy consumption by 28 percent compared to traditional single-zone cold rooms.

ii. Agricultural Exports Use Case: A leading potato fries manufacturer partnered with Coldverse to optimise their cold chain. By switching to its real-time monitoring and predictive alert systems, spoilage dropped from 12 to 4 percent in one season. This translated to ₹1.2 crore in annual savings and higher customer satisfaction in international markets.

What businesses should do now!

Improving warehouse efficiency should be at the core of your operations strategy if you are a stakeholder in food processing, pharma logistics, or agri-exports. Here is a five-point action plan:

• Conduct a cold storage audit: Begin with a thermal imaging and energy audit. Understand inefficiencies in insulation, compressor usage, and loading patterns.

• Implement automation: Upgrade to automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) and WMS platforms tailored for cold environments.

• Monitor, do not just measure: Install IoT sensors to track temperature, humidity, door openings, and equipment status in real time.

• Train for cold environment temperature: Cold storage requires a trained workforce. Invest in SOPs and simulation-based training for efficient cold handling and inventory turnover.

• Engage cold chain experts: Partner with providers who supply infrastructure and provide intelligence and ongoing operational support.

Technologies redefining cold storage

The new age of cold warehousing is digital, driven by advanced technologies that improve efficiency, sustainability, and reliability. IoT-based temperature mapping enables real-time monitoring with instant alerts for any deviations. It allows for quick corrective actions and minimizing product spoilage. AI-driven predictive maintenance analyzes equipment performance to forecast failures, helping to reduce downtime and extend the lifespan of critical systems.

Cloud-connected warehouse management systems (WMS) streamline operations by integrating inventory management, order processing, and regulatory compliance into an intuitive dashboard that optimizes cold environments. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are transforming the cold chain by reducing labor dependency and accelerating pallet movements within freezing zones.

Smart energy systems that utilise renewable energy sources and compressors with variable speed drives optimize power consumption based on real-time demand. Coldverse, for instance, has been planning to implement a hybrid model using solar-backed cooling systems, reducing grid dependency by 18 percent annually. This move will ensure power reliability and align with sustainability goals.

Market validation and regulatory trends

Recent mandates by FSSAI and global export certifications like HACCP and BRCGS emphasize temperature compliance and traceability. Companies that fail to upgrade risk losing export opportunities and domestic market share.

The ICRA 2024 report noted that companies investing in modern cold chain infrastructure had 32 percent higher EBITDA margins than those operating with legacy systems. The message is clear: warehouse efficiency is not just operational—it is strategic.

Future-proofing the cold chain

As India’s cold chain ecosystem matures, companies will be judged by how well they preserve products and how intelligently they move them. Coldverse focuses on what is possible when innovation meets necessity. Their blend of tech, sustainability, and strategic design offers a roadmap for cold storage in the coming decade.

In a future that demands speed, traceability, and sustainability, cold warehouse efficiency will be the difference between surviving and thriving in the B2B supply chain landscape.

Priyank Patel says, “Efficiency is a mindset. The right infrastructure, empowered by the right technology, can turn cold storage from a cost center into a competitive advantage.”