The UK’s cold chain and logistics sectors are experiencing a period of rapid change and expansion. Reduced carbon targets, rises in energy costs and workforce cost and supply chain challenges, alongside growth in cold storage demand, are leading to increased investment in modern infrastructure. The aim is to deliver supply chain decarbonisation, digitalisation, and automation, so the industry can increase productivity and sustainability.

Globally, the cold storage and logistics sector is growing, as demand for food increases with population growth and as supplies chains become more complex.  In the UK, the frozen food market is currently worth over £9 billion, and the chilled food market more than £13 billion, supporting food sales worth over £70 billion.

The country’s cold chain industry is growing at an annual rate of 4%, driven by a steady increase in demand for frozen food.  If potential increases in cold storage demand continue as expected, the requirement for cold storage facilities and solutions will continue to grow.  The focus of the food industry is on more resilient supply chains with increased storage capacities close to market.

The combination of labour constraints, rising labour costs and the drive for decarbonisation will need to be addressed by using high efficiency, low-carbon refrigeration systems and advanced, digitalised and automated warehouses and supply chains.

This transformation presents a range of opportunities for businesses through investments in existing or new cold storge and logistics facilities.  Greater Lincolnshire uniquely combines large-scale farm production, food processing, cold storage and logistics capacities with leading-edge cold chain and Food Industry 4.0 and AI technologies and expertise.  All of this creates a powerful location proposition for businesses seeking to profit from growing UK demand, and the transition to more efficient, productive and sustainable cold chain and logistics operations.

The UK Food Valley in Greater Lincolnshire is keen to support more investment in food chain logistics and cold storage and is interested in talking to any business considering these types of investment. 

For more information please contact: Effie.Warwick-John@lincolnshire.gov.uk  / +44 07881 006130  and read the Greater Lincolnshire Logistics and Cool Chain investment brochure.