The transport landscape in Spain is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and the temperature-controlled sector appears to have found its cruising speed. According to the latest data collected by experts from the DBK Sector Observatory of INFORMA, this industry has achieved a record turnover of €6.000 billion , representing a 4,3% increase compared to the previous year. This growth is not a matter of chance, but rather reflects a broader trend where outsourcing services has become the norm for many companies that prefer to entrust their products to specialists.
This current boom cannot be understood without looking at the shopping habits of Spaniards, who are increasingly opting for refrigerated and frozen products. The unstoppable rise of e-commerce, coupled with the needs of critical sectors such as pharmaceuticals and food retail, has led to cold chain logistics gaining significant importance within the global logistics market, now representing more than 27% of total transport and warehousing revenue in Spain.
Business snapshot: transportation versus storage
Looking at how the pie is divided, transport and distribution remain the undisputed kings of the sector. This branch of activity accounts for almost 80% of total revenue, demonstrating that moving goods under strict temperature conditions is the main driver of the refrigerated industry . Although its growth has been somewhat more moderate, at around 4%, it continues to be the area that generates the most recurring business volume on Spanish roads.
On the other hand, the warehousing and warehouse operations segment is demonstrating a dynamism that has surprised everyone. With a 6,4% increase, this area has already exceeded €1.250 billion, driven by the need for technologically advanced infrastructure , such as NewCold's automated cold storage facilities , which ensure product traceability. Maintaining the cold chain is not only a matter of quality, but also a regulatory requirement that necessitates constant investment in state-of-the-art cold storage and control systems.
Towards a market of large operators
The cold storage business ecosystem in Spain is undergoing a rapid transformation. A clear consolidation process is underway, with mergers and acquisitions becoming commonplace, resulting in a landscape where the ten largest companies already control 55,8% of the market share. This trend aims to optimize costs and build financial strength to meet upcoming technological challenges, often leading to the demise of smaller operators unable to keep pace with investment.
Despite the dominance of large corporations, there is still significant room for small businesses, especially in road transport where extensive network coverage is crucial. The same cannot be said for warehousing, where the high concentration of large operators is almost total due to the high costs of maintaining a modern and efficient cold storage facility. This duality defines a sector that, while becoming more professional, still retains its essence as a fragmented network in last-mile delivery services.
Human capital and the challenges of the future
Behind the trucks and refrigerated trailers is an army of professionals who ensure that the supply chain never stops. Currently, the sector employs around 25.000 people, a figure that has been steadily increasing. However, it's not all rosy, as the shortage of skilled labor and the harsh working conditions in sub-zero temperatures are forcing companies to rethink their talent retention strategies and find ways to make the jobs more attractive.
Technology emerges as a key ally here, as process automation aims not only to improve profitability but also to reduce the physical strain on employees in extreme environments. Working at -25 degrees Celsius is a significant challenge, and for this reason, companies are investing in training and internal promotion to ensure their staff feel a sense of ownership and commitment. Ultimately, cold chain logistics depend as much on a reliable thermostat as on a dedicated team capable of managing incidents in real time.
The consolidation of this sector as a backbone of the Spanish economy is evident in its ever-increasing revenues and a specialization that is increasingly valued by shippers. With demand remaining strong thanks to new consumption habits and a pharmaceutical industry that requires a drug distribution system with surgical precision in its deliveries, temperature-controlled logistics is positioned as a fundamental strategic activity to ensure that the most sensitive products reach the end consumer in perfect condition.
