Commercial Refrigeration Market: Retail & Supermarket Demand, Advanced Cooling & Outlook

According to IMARC Group's latest research publication, The global commercial refrigeration market size reached USD 30.5 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 43.8 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.89% during 2025-2033.

How AI is Reshaping the Future of Commercial Refrigeration Market

• AI Predicts Equipment Problems Before They Happen: AI can monitor machines by analyzing sensor data, vibrations, and performance. It predicts when equipment might fail so maintenance can happen before a breakdown. Companies using these systems save up to 30% on maintenance costs and experience 40% less downtime, helping prevent spoilage and keeping operations running smoothly.
• AI Monitors Temperature and Ensures Compliance: IoT sensors combined with AI can track temperature, humidity, and door status in refrigeration units in real time. If something goes wrong, the system sends instant alerts via text or app. This helps businesses follow food safety regulations and reduces the risk of losing inventory.
• AI Saves Energy and Optimizes Cooling: AI platforms can study energy use and automatically adjust cooling cycles to avoid wasting power. Businesses report up to 30% savings on energy costs by using shorter defrost cycles and reducing compressor runtime, all while keeping cooling performance at its best.

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Commercial Refrigeration Industry Overview:

The commercial refrigeration industry is going through big changes because of new U.S. environmental rules under the EPA’s AIM Act. Starting this January, all new refrigeration systems must use refrigerants with a global warming potential (GWP) of 700 or less. This is encouraging the use of alternatives like R-454B, CO₂, ammonia, and propane. The rules aim to cut HFC emissions by 85% by 2036. Additionally, the HFC Management Rule requires new systems with large refrigerant charges (1,500 pounds or more) to have automatic leak detection starting this January.

Commercial Refrigeration Market Trends & Drivers

Supermarkets, hypermarkets, and retail chains are expanding their stores and upgrading cold storage, creating strong demand for modern refrigeration systems. Retailers are investing in energy-efficient walk-in coolers, display fridges, and multi-deck units with IoT-based temperature controls and real-time monitoring to ensure food safety. The global market for transporting perishable goods is expected to reach USD 32 billion by 2033, highlighting the importance of cold chain logistics.

Restaurants, hotels, cloud kitchens, and catering services are increasing refrigeration demand as they expand to meet growing consumer demand for dining out and food delivery. Quick-service restaurants are growing, and international tourism is driving hotel development, creating a need for high-performance kitchen refrigeration such as under-counter units, blast chillers, prep tables, and reach-in freezers. Companies like Voltas Limited are offering energy-efficient solutions that reduce costs and environmental impact. Green technologies are being adopted to maintain food safety while supporting sustainability goals.

Strict food safety rules and growing cold chain networks are changing commercial refrigeration worldwide. Governments are enforcing temperature control, hygiene, and traceability requirements, so food producers, logistics providers, and distributors invest in advanced systems with monitoring, data logging, and automation. Cold chain solutions are expanding in pharmaceuticals, dairy, processed foods, and fresh produce, requiring robust systems throughout the supply chain. Companies like Cold Chain Technologies are introducing reusable temperature-controlled shippers and real-time monitoring solutions. The market for these technologies is projected to grow from USD 15.35 billion to USD 116.8 billion by 2034, driven by IoT sensors, GPS tracking, and cloud software.

Leading Companies Operating in the Global Commercial Refrigeration Industry:

• Ali Group
• Baltimore Aircoil Company, Inc
• Bitzer
• CCR Commercial Refrigeration
• Danfoss A/S
• Electrolux Professional
• Haier Inc.
• Hillphoenix (Dover Corporation)
• Liebherr Appliances
• Panasonic Life Solutions India Pvt. Ltd.

Commercial Refrigeration Market Report Segmentation:

By Product Type:

• Chest Refrigeration
• Deep Freezers
• Bottle Coolers
• Storage Water Coolers
• Commercial Kitchen Refrigeration
• Medical Refrigeration
• Others

Chest refrigeration represents the largest segment, favored for its energy efficiency, large storage capacity, durability, and ease of maintenance across supermarkets, convenience stores, and hospitality sectors.

By End User:

• Full Service Restaurant, Quick Service Restaurant & Hotels
• Food Processing Industry
• Hospitals
• Retail Pharmacies
• Supermarket/Hypermarket
• Convenience Stores
• Others

Full service restaurant, quick service restaurant & hotels account for the largest market share, driven by global expansion of hospitality and food service industries requiring diverse refrigeration solutions.

Regional Insights:

• North America (United States, Canada)
• Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Others)
• Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, Others)
• Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Others)
• Middle East and Africa

Asia Pacific dominates the market, propelled by rapid urbanization, growth in the food and beverage sector, increasing consumer spending power, and expanding hospitality and retail industries across emerging economies.

Recent News and Developments in Commercial Refrigeration Market

• May 2025: Arkema announced plans to make available a variety of lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants to the worldwide market through a commercial agreement with Honeywell International Inc. This expansion enhances global supply chains, meets enhanced demand for HFO blends in the HVACR market, and provides assured continued supply aligning with the HFC phasedown.
• April 2025: Liebherr USA, Co. opened a new warehouse in the United States to better serve its presence in the commercial refrigeration industry. The facility is intended to better manage inventory and delivery times on scientific refrigerators, beverage coolers, and frozen food freezers, reflecting the company's dedication to supporting U.S.-based customers.
• April 2024: Blue Star Limited announced the launch of a comprehensive portfolio of commercial refrigeration products for summer tailored specifically to address varied refrigeration requirements. Focusing aggressively on growth, the Company seeks to develop its commercial refrigeration business and leverage the increasing opportunities in the nation.
• March 2024: The Arcticom Group (TAG) announced its expansion into Buffalo and Western New York with the acquisition of TDH Refrigeration, a respected industry leader with a reputation for technical know-how and excellent customer service. The acquisition enhances TAG's footprint in the Northeast and its capability to serve commercial and industrial customers with premier refrigeration solutions.
• February 2025: Tecumemseh Products Company LLC, a world leader in commercial refrigeration technologies, introduced the extended AL Series Compressor platform that provides up to 25% more energy efficiency, leading to significant energy savings.

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