GCCA’s 2026 Global Top 25 List Released

GCCA’s New Top 25 Cold Chain List Shows Global Response to Demand Increase

For Immediate Release

ARLINGTON, VA (April 29, 2026) – The new Global Top 25 List of temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics, published today by the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), shows the vital increase in capacity being delivered by cold chain businesses around the world in response to rising demand for temperature-controlled logistics services. The annual list recognizes the association’s largest temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics members, determined by the total reported capacity of temperature-controlled space in GCCA membership.

The 2026 list shows that the GCCA Global 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.

Yesterday, Global Cold Chain Alliance President & CEO Sara Stickler presented the findings of GCCA’s annual top lists from the main stage at GCCA Convention 2026, taking place April 27-29 in Scottsdale, Arizona. “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,” Stickler said.

“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.” 

Today’s Global Top 25 List shows that 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.

GCCA membership includes 1,500+ temperature-controlled facilities and members in over 92 countries. Warehouse members offer a range of logistics solutions, including storage, transportation, processing, blast freezing, exports, and more.

A complimentary listing of all GCCA warehouse members can be found in the Global Cold Chain Directory.

For more information and to access this year’s lists, visit www.gcca.org/resource/top-25-lists/

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ABOUT GCCA

The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) advances the global temperature-controlled supply chain by championing safety, building trust, and driving sustainability, resiliency, and operational excellence across every link of the cold chain.

For media inquiries please contact Lindsay Shelton-Gross, SVP, Global Communications, Marketing, and Strategic Initiatives, GCCA at lsheltongross@gcca.org