Global Cold Chain Alliance’s (GCCA) Global Top 25 List of temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics shows the vital increase in capacity being delivered by cold chain businesses around the world.
“The world's top cold storage companies have continued expanding their capacity over the past year, continuing a decade-long trend driven by growing demand,” says GCCA president and CEO Sara Stickler. “Cold chain services are essential for keeping food and many other temperature sensitive goods safe. Demand keeps rising as populations grow, consumer preferences evolve, and complex global supply chains navigate disruptions and challenges. By investing in capacity, technology, and workforce skills, third-party cold chain operators are well-positioned to meet future needs despite challenging market conditions.”
Key takeaways:
· The Top 25 temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics businesses now operate 7.76 billion cubic feet (219.7 million cubic meters) of temperature-controlled space, an increase of 6.3% on 2025.
· The 6.3% growth of the Global Top 25 to 7.76 billion cubic feet in 2026 is a deceleration from the 8.3% expansion recorded in 2025, as higher interest rates and tightening market conditions made operators more selective about new development.
· Regional performance tells a more nuanced story, with Latin America leading at 8.6% growth driven largely by M&A activity. North America and Europe reflect more measured organic investment in a cautious capital environment.
· While U.S.-headquartered operators continue to lead the global rankings, European and Latin American regional businesses are expanding their footprint.
· Since 2025, Global Top 25 capacity increased by 460 million cubic feet, now operating 7.76 billion cubic feet (219.7 million cubic meters) of temperature-controlled space.
· North America Top 25 capacity increased by 260 million cubic feet, now operating 5.26 billion cubic feet (148.9 million cubic meters) of temperature-controlled space.
· European Top 10 capacity increased by 172 million cubic feet, now operating 1.6 billion cubic feet (45.3 million cubic meters) of temperature-controlled space.
- Latin America Top 10 capacity increased by 56.2 million cubic feet, now operating 634.2 million cubic feet (18 million cubic meters) of temperature-controlled space.
