China Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Market, By Product (Transportation Refrigeration Equipment, Refrigerators & Freezers, Beverage Refrigeration, Display Showcases, Ice Merchandisers & Ice Vending Equipment, Other), By System Type (Self-Contained, Remotely Operated), By Capacity (Less than 50 cu. Ft., 51 cu. Ft - 100 cu. Ft., More than 100 cu. Ft), By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

China commercial refrigeration equipment market was valued at USD 3.87 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 5.42 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period. The China Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand from the food retail, hospitality, and pharmaceutical sectors, along with rapid urbanization and rising disposable incomes. 

Key Market Drivers

Rapid Expansion of the Food and Beverage Industry

The food and beverage industry in China is experiencing significant growth, driven by rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and changing consumer preferences. The increasing demand for fresh, frozen, and processed food products necessitates reliable refrigeration solutions across supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and food service outlets. Additionally, the growing popularity of online food delivery and ready-to-eat meals has further propelled the need for commercial refrigeration equipment. As food safety regulations become stricter, businesses are investing in advanced refrigeration systems to ensure product quality and extend shelf life, boosting market growth.

Growth of Cold Chain Logistics and E-Commerce

The expansion of cold chain logistics in China, supported by government initiatives and private sector investments, is a major driver for the commercial refrigeration market. With the rise of e-commerce platforms specializing in fresh and frozen food delivery, there is a heightened demand for transportation refrigeration equipment, cold storage, and refrigerated display cases. The government’s push to modernize agricultural supply chains and reduce food wastage has also accelerated the adoption of refrigeration technologies. As online grocery shopping gains traction, retailers and logistics providers are increasingly investing in energy-efficient and smart refrigeration solutions to meet consumer expectations.

Increasing Demand for Energy-Efficient and Eco-Friendly Refrigeration Systems

Environmental concerns and stringent energy efficiency regulations are pushing manufacturers to develop sustainable refrigeration solutions. The Chinese government has implemented policies promoting the use of eco-friendly refrigerants and energy-saving technologies to reduce carbon emissions. Businesses are increasingly adopting refrigeration systems with inverter compressors, LED lighting, and IoT-enabled monitoring to cut operational costs and comply with environmental standards. The shift toward natural refrigerants like CO₂ and hydrocarbons is also gaining momentum, driven by global sustainability trends and regulatory pressures. This focus on green refrigeration is expected to drive innovation and market growth in the coming years.

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Key Market Challenges

High Initial and Maintenance Cost

Commercial refrigeration equipment requires significant upfront investment, particularly for advanced, energy-efficient models. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often face financial constraints when purchasing high-capacity refrigeration systems, limiting market penetration. Additionally, maintenance and servicing costs can be substantial, especially for complex systems like remotely operated refrigeration units. The need for skilled technicians and periodic upgrades further adds to operational expenses, posing a challenge for businesses with tight budgets.

Stringent Regulatory and Compliance Requirements

The Chinese government has imposed strict regulations on refrigerant usage, energy consumption, and food safety standards, which can be challenging for manufacturers and end-users. Compliance with evolving environmental policies, such as the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, requires continuous R&D investments to phase out harmful refrigerants like HFCs. Meeting these standards while maintaining cost competitiveness is a key challenge for market players. Additionally, regional variations in regulations can complicate supply chain and distribution strategies.

Intense Market Competition and Price Sensitivity

The commercial refrigeration market in China is highly competitive, with both domestic and international players vying for market share. Price sensitivity among buyers, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors, leads to margin pressures for manufacturers. Local brands often offer low-cost alternatives, making it difficult for premium manufacturers to justify higher prices. This competition forces companies to focus on cost optimization, sometimes at the expense of innovation, which could hinder long-term market growth.

Key Market Trends

Adoption of Smart and IoT-Enabled Refrigeration Systems

The integration of IoT (Internet of Things) and AI-driven technologies in refrigeration equipment is transforming the market. Smart refrigeration systems with real-time temperature monitoring, predictive maintenance, and remote diagnostics are gaining popularity among retailers and food service providers. 40% of new commercial refrigeration units now use CO2 or hydrocarbon refrigerants (China Refrigeration Association, 2023).These technologies help reduce energy consumption, prevent equipment failures, and optimize inventory management. As digitalization accelerates, more businesses are expected to adopt connected refrigeration solutions for enhanced operational efficiency.

Rising Popularity of Modular and Customized Refrigeration Units

Businesses are increasingly seeking flexible and customizable refrigeration solutions to fit specific space and operational requirements. Modular refrigeration units, which allow for easy expansion and reconfiguration, are becoming a preferred choice for supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants. Manufacturers are focusing on offering tailored designs, including multi-temperature display cases and compact refrigeration systems for urban retail outlets. This trend aligns with the growing demand for space-efficient and versatile refrigeration options.

Expansion of Frozen and Chilled Food Consumption

Changing dietary habits and the increasing popularity of frozen desserts, ready-to-cook meals, and dairy products are driving demand for specialized refrigeration equipment. Ice cream parlors, bakeries, and specialty food stores are investing in advanced merchandisers and freezers to cater to consumer preferences. Frozen food sales surged to ¥560 billion (2023), driving demand for freezers (China Cold Chain Logistics Development Report). The trend toward premium and imported frozen foods is also contributing to the growth of high-performance refrigeration systems in retail and food service sectors.

Segmental Insights

Product Insights

The China Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Market is segmented into Transportation Refrigeration Equipment, Refrigerators & Freezers, Beverage Refrigeration, Display Showcases, Ice Merchandisers & Ice Vending Equipment, and Others. Among these, Refrigerators & Freezers dominate the market due to their widespread use in supermarkets, hypermarkets, and food service industries. The increasing demand for frozen and chilled food products, driven by changing consumer lifestyles and urbanization, has significantly boosted this segment. The fastest-growing segment is Beverage Refrigeration, fueled by the rising consumption of cold beverages, including soft drinks, beer, and dairy products. The expansion of convenience stores, cafes, and quick-service restaurants (QSRs) has further accelerated demand for beverage coolers and display refrigerators. Additionally, innovations such as energy-efficient and smart refrigeration systems are propelling growth in this segment.

System Type Insights

The market is divided into Self-Contained and Remotely Operated refrigeration systems. Self-Contained systems lead the market due to their ease of installation, lower maintenance costs, and compact design, making them ideal for small retail stores and food service outlets. These systems are widely adopted in urban areas where space constraints are a concern. The fastest-growing segment is Remotely Operated systems, primarily used in large supermarkets, cold storage warehouses, and industrial refrigeration applications. These systems offer higher energy efficiency and better temperature control for large-scale operations. The growth of organized retail and the expansion of cold chain logistics in China are driving demand for remotely operated refrigeration systems.

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Regional Insights

In the China commercial refrigeration equipment market, East China was the leading region in the commercial refrigeration equipment market, driven by high urbanization, a strong retail sector, and the presence of major food & beverage companies. Cities like Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou have a high concentration of supermarkets, hotels, and QSR chains, boosting demand for refrigeration systems. The region’s advanced cold chain logistics and high disposable income further contribute to its dominance. South-West China region is experiencing steady growth due to rising urbanization and the expansion of retail chains in cities like Chengdu and Chongqing. The increasing penetration of convenience stores and QSRs is boosting demand for compact refrigeration systems.

North-East China, while smaller in market size, North-East China is witnessing growth due to the development of cold storage for agricultural products. Government support for food preservation and logistics is driving demand for refrigeration equipment.

Recent Developments

• ​​In October 2024, Haier Smart Home completed the acquisition of Carrier Commercial Refrigeration from Carrier Global for USD 775 million. This strategic move is expected to enhance Haier's presence in the commercial refrigeration market, particularly in China.
•  In January 2025, China expanded its consumer trade-in program to include additional household appliances such as microwaves, rice cookers, dishwashers, and water purifiers. This initiative aims to stimulate domestic consumption by offering subsidies of 15-20% to consumers trading in old appliances, with an allocation of Rmb81bn (USD11 Billion) for the year. ​
• In March 2025, Chinese authorities announced a significant expansion of the consumer trade-in scheme, doubling the allocation to 300 billion yuan for the year. The program now covers a broader range of products, including household appliances, cellphones, tablets, smartwatches, and automobiles, with subsidies ranging from 15% to 20%.

Key Market Players

• Ashford Hospitality Trust Inc.
• Lennox International Inc.
• Altus Group Ltd
• Carrier Global Corp.
• Whirlpool Corp
• Dover Corp
• Daikin Industries Ltd
• Electrolux AB ADR
• Illinois Tool Works Inc
• Johnson Controls International PLC

Report Scope:

In this report, the China commercial refrigeration equipment market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• China Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Market, By Product:

o   Transportation Refrigeration Equipment

o   Refrigerators & Freezers

o   Beverage Refrigeration

o   Display Showcases

o   Ice Merchandisers & Ice Vending Equipment

o   Other

• China Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Market, By System Type:

o   Self-Contained

o   Remotely Operated

• China Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Market, By Capacity:

o   Less than 50 cu. Ft.

o   51 cu. Ft - 100 cu. Ft.

o   More than 100 cu. Ft

• China Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Market, By Region:

o   South-Central

o   South-West

o   East

o   North-East

o   North-West

o   North

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the China commercial refrigeration equipment market.

Available Customizations:

China commercial refrigeration equipment market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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