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The Market is Heating Up
Australia’s cold chain logistics sector is undergoing constant and rapid transformation, spurred by rising demand for fresh food, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce deliveries.
Australia’s cold chain logistics sector is undergoing constant and rapid transformation, spurred by rising demand for fresh food, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce deliveries.
Demand is on the Rise
The main drivers of growth are in the food and beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. Over 40% of Australian retail spend is on food, and that figure is climbing with population growth and the surge in online grocery shopping. In 2023 alone, Australians spent approximately A$13 billion online on food and liquor. In 2024, Australians spent approximately A$13.6 billion online on food and liquor, marking an increase from the A$13.2 billion spent in 2023. This growth reflects a continued shift towards online shopping for everyday essentials, driven by factors such as convenience and cost-effectiveness.
The rise in online food and liquor sales is part of a broader trend in Australia's e-commerce sector; in 2024, total online spending reached a record A$69 billion, up 12% from the previous year. This sustained growth in online food and liquor sales underscores the importance of efficient cold chain logistics and storage solutions to meet the evolving demands of Australian consumers.
Our export profile is also sharpening. Food and beverage exports make up 11% of national manufacturing exports by value. As Asian markets continue to seek Australian produce, the need for robust cold logistics intensifies.
Capacity Crunch
Australia currently has around 10.2 million cubic metres of refrigerated warehouse space. That’s only 0.4 m³ per urban resident.
With vacancy rates sitting near zero, the sector is already at full stretch. A limited supply pipeline of temperature-controlled warehouses means this crunch is likely to worsen without substantial investment.
The 3 major players dominate the Australian cold storage landscape, Lineage Logistics, Americold and NewCold. These operators are expanding aggressively to meet demand, with facilities like NewCold’s continuing expansion in Truganina, showcasing modern, high-capacity design.
Rents and Returns
Cold storage isn’t just a hot sector—it’s a premium one. Leasing rates for temperature-controlled facilities are often double those of standard industrial assets. Yields are also attractive, offering 50 to 100 basis points more than dry warehouses due to their scarcity and high barriers to entry. Location is critical. Proximity to transport hubs and urban centres greatly affects cost, demand, and turnaround efficiency.
The Road Ahead
Forecasts are bullish: from a market size of A$2.67 billion in 2024, Australia’s cold storage sector is projected to grow nearly sixfold to A$14.83 billion by 2034. To support this growth, new developments—both speculative and built-to-suit—are already underway across Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. As Australia grapples with supply constraints, opportunities abound for investment, innovation, and expansion in this vital sector of the supply chain.
As champions of the cold chain, we stand at the forefront of a sector that's not just growing but thriving with purpose and potential. Now is our moment to lead with innovation, collaboration, and confidence in the future we’re helping to build for Australia. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming conference at the Langham to thrash out more facts and figures, and of course solutions for the year ahead.
Chill out with Swisslog at CeMAT 2025
Swisslog is bringing its global expertise and local experience in temperature-controlled warehouse automation to CeMAT 2025, held in Sydney from July 22–24.
See the latest temperature-controlled warehouse automation and intelligent software at Stand A9
Swisslog is bringing its global expertise and local experience in temperature-controlled warehouse automation to CeMAT 2025, held in Sydney from July 22–24.
Visit Swisslog at Stand A9 to experience:
Cold storage automation that reduces energy use by up to 20% and minimises the time humans spend in harsh freezer environments
Up to 4x more storage within the same building footprint with space-efficient warehouse automation solutions
Live demonstrations of our AutoStore grid-based ASRS integrated with Swisslog’s ItemPiQ multi-functional gripper (held at Swisslog’s head office, a short walk from CeMAT)
Showcases of our SynQ software and PowerStore high density pallet shuttle system
Tech tours – sign up to visit customer sites and see warehouse automation in action on July 23 from 12-3pm, including BevChain’s award-winning PowerStore – transport is provided.
Swisslog’s solutions are designed to maximise productivity, reduce operating costs, and futureproof warehouses for ambient, chilled, or deep-freeze operations.
Ready to see temperature controlled warehouse automation in action? Click below to set up a meeting, book a demo, or arrange a site visit with a Swisslog expert.
Swisslog is a proud member of the Refrigerated Warehouse & Transport Association of Australia (RWTA).
Swisslog Australia Pty Ltd.
Level 7, 10 Herb Elliott Avenue
Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127, Australia
Phone: +61 2 9869 5900
E-mail: anz@swisslog.com
Exploring Global Cold Chain Solutions with Link Logistics – Chilled Out Series Update
In this week's Chilled Out instalment, RWTA Executive Officer Marianne Kintzel caught up with Matt and Lee from Link Logistics, based in chilly Tasmania.
In this week's Chilled Out instalment, RWTA Executive Officer Marianne Kintzel caught up with Matt and Lee from Link Logistics, based in chilly Tasmania.
As an Australian-owned cold storage provider and international freight forwarder, Link Logistics offers a comprehensive supply chain solution encompassing both air and sea freight.
Their global network is streamlined through a single point of contact, ensuring efficient and reliable service delivery.
You will see Matt at the RWTA August Conference, where members can explore the full extent of their capabilities. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the team and learn more in person!
Gyre Energy
Introducing new RWTA International member Gyre Energy!
Introducing new RWTA International member Gyre Energy!
Gyre Energy is an Oxford based venture that is working to reduce cooling costs and emissions within the Cold Storage industry by utilising advanced AI software and thermal energy storage.
Developing their product in collaboration with academics from the University of Oxford, they were recently a winner of the OxBridge AI Challenge (from over 220+ Cambridge and Oxford startups) and were shortlisted finalists at the UK Innovation Zero awards (the UK’s largest sustainability event).
Gyre Energy are keen to connect with members of the RWTA community to discuss collaborations to reduce their energy costs and enable large scale flexibility of their cooling assets.
Like to get in touch?
Contact:
Dougald Coulson
Co-founder and CEO – Gyre Energy
Harnessing AI to Cool Smarter: A Chilled-Out Chat with Gyre Energy.
Watch: In this edition of our ‘Chilled Out’ series, I sit down with Dougald Coulson, co-founder and CEO of Gyre Energy, a new RWTA Member bringing UK innovation to Australia’s shores.
SPACE AVAILABLE Sydney and the East Coast
Through expansions, Minus1 have capacity on the East Coast.
Interested? Get in touch now.
Through expansions, Minus1 have capacity on the East Coast.
Interested? Get in touch now with
Billy Barba
CEO & Managing Director
P. 1300minus1
Celebrating Our 2025 Exhibitors
We’re excited to shine a spotlight on the exhibitors who transform our conference into a vibrant hub of knowledge exchange, hands-on discovery, and meaningful business connections.
We’re excited to shine a spotlight on the exhibitors who transform our conference into a vibrant hub of knowledge exchange, hands-on discovery, and meaningful business connections.
By engaging directly with delegates, our exhibitors help spark fresh thinking and forge valuable relationships across the cold chain industry.
RWTA is proud to provide a platform where ideas are shared, innovations are explored, and meaningful connections are made.
Thank you to all our 2025 exhibitors—you are a vital part of what makes the RWTA National Conference a must-attend event for our community.
Simple Actions that Change Lives – Find Out How
Whether it’s protein, produce, or pantry staples, your surplus could help feed Australians doing it tough. Click to learn how your business can be part of something bigger, simply by donating what you no longer need.
Do you have excess stock or discontinued products taking up space?
What if those goods could do more than gather dust — what if they could make a real difference in someone’s life?
Here is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the community, reduce waste, and support food rescue at scale.
Whether it’s protein, produce, or pantry staples, your surplus could help feed Australians doing it tough. Click to learn how your business can be part of something bigger, simply by donating what you no longer need.
NSW Launches Major Freight Reform to Secure Economic and Environmental Future
NSW has released a sweeping freight reform plan to future-proof the sector amid population growth, climate pressures, and emerging technologies.
NSW has released a sweeping freight reform plan to future-proof the sector amid population growth, climate pressures, and emerging technologies.
The report highlights critical challenges in land availability, emissions, infrastructure resilience, and skilled labour shortages. A roadmap of industry-wide and network-specific reforms—covering planning, data use, workforce, decarbonisation, and pricing—is now set for implementation. These changes aim to boost efficiency, lower freight emissions, and improve service continuity across road, rail, port, and air networks.
An overview:
Transport for NSW’s June 2025 report, Delivering Freight Policy Reform in NSW, presents a comprehensive roadmap to overhaul the state’s freight sector amid rapid population growth, climate change, and evolving technologies. Prepared by an independent panel, the reform focuses on optimising freight networks across road, rail, sea, and air, and ensuring the system is resilient, sustainable, and economically competitive.
Key challenges identified include severe industrial land shortages, outdated pricing frameworks, and workforce deficits—especially in trucking and rail. Strategic reforms will centre on improved planning, better data sharing, stronger integration of freight in land use decisions, and investment in skills development. Notably, decarbonisation is a high priority, with a modal shift from road to rail recognised as crucial to emissions reduction. Rail produces 16 times less CO₂ per tonne-kilometre than road freight, and even a 1% shift could reduce national emissions by over 330,000 tonnes.
The NSW Government has accepted all recommendations and committed to implementing the reform roadmap. Future actions will include support for night-time freight operations, new infrastructure, incentives for low-emissions technologies, and regulatory reform across all freight corridors.
NSW has released a sweeping freight reform plan to future-proof the sector amid population growth, climate pressures, and emerging technologies. The report highlights critical challenges in land availability, emissions, infrastructure resilience, and skilled labour shortages. A roadmap of industry-wide and network-specific reforms—covering planning, data use, workforce, decarbonisation, and pricing—is now set for implementation. These changes aim to boost efficiency, lower freight emissions, and improve service continuity across road, rail, port, and air networks.
Rental Office and Storage Space available in Brisbane
Single tenant preferable to utilise the office and freezer as a package.
Single tenant preferable to utilise the office and freezer as a package.
Available at the end of July and includes:
A small, self-contained office, suitable for three people, including a kitchenette and air-conditioning.
Up to 100 pallets of freezer storage (flexible storage based on availability)
80 pallets of chiller storage (flexible storage based on availability)
Toilets
Use of 3 shared loading docks
24-hour access to the facility
Monitored security and remote temperature monitoring
Waste removal
2 allocated, on-site parking spaces
Like to know more? Call Mitch Day, M: 0432 450 346
Celebrating Our Gold Sponsors: Powering Excellence in the Cold Chain
The RWTA is proud to recognise and thank our valued Gold Sponsors—Flow Power, Labourforce and Scantec for their generous support of our 2025 National Conference.
The RWTA is proud to recognise and thank our valued Gold Sponsors—Flow Power, Labourforce and Scantec for their generous support of our 2025 National Conference. These industry leaders exemplify innovation, dedication, and excellence in their respective fields, playing a pivotal role in the strength and sustainability of the Australian cold chain. Their sponsorship ensures that our conference remains a vital platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and industry advancement. We deeply appreciate their commitment not only to this event but to the ongoing evolution of refrigerated warehousing and transport in Australia and beyond.
A little about our Sponsors:
Flow Power’s Gold Sponsorship of the 2025 RWTA National Conference highlights their leadership in delivering smarter, more sustainable energy solutions to the cold chain industry. With a mission to reshape how businesses interact with energy, Flow Power empowers operators to take control of electricity costs while supporting a more resilient grid. Their innovative technologies and demand response strategies are helping cold storage and logistics businesses navigate the energy transition with confidence. We’re proud to partner with Flow Power as they continue to drive cost savings, sustainability, and operational excellence throughout the temperature-controlled supply chain.
As a Gold Sponsor, Labourforce continues to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to the specialised workforce needs of the cold chain industry. With decades of experience in logistics recruitment, Labourforce understands the unique challenges of refrigerated transport and warehousing—and delivers tailored workforce solutions to match. Their deep sector knowledge, compliance expertise, and emphasis on safety make them a trusted partner for cold chain businesses across Australia and New Zealand. We thank Labourforce for their continued support of the RWTA and the critical role they play in ensuring our industry has the talent it needs to thrive.
Scantec Refrigeration Technologies' Gold Sponsorship affirms their role as a pioneer in advanced refrigeration engineering for Australia’s cold storage sector. With a strong reputation for designing high-efficiency industrial refrigeration systems, Scantec is committed to reducing energy usage and environmental impact while enhancing performance. Their systems are renowned for reliability, safety, and longevity—attributes that align perfectly with the needs of modern cold chain operations. We are honoured to have Scantec's backing for our 2025 conference and applaud their ongoing innovation and leadership in delivering next-generation refrigeration solutions.
Global Cold Chain Expands in 2025: What It Means for Us
You will find here the recently released 2025 Global Top 25 List. This highlights significant growth in the industry, with the Global Top 25 now operating a combined 207 million m3 of refrigerated space, marking a 10% increase from the previous year.
You will find here the recently released 2025 Global Top 25 List. This highlights significant growth in the industry, with the Global Top 25 now operating a combined 207 million m3 of refrigerated space, marking a 10% increase from the previous year.
Lineage Logistics holds the top spot again, with almost 3 billion cubic feet of space, followed by Americold at 1.45 billion. NewCold made the biggest jump, moving up to third place after nearly doubling its capacity. Several other companies, like FreezPak and Constellation, also moved up the ranks, showing how quickly this sector is changing.
So, what’s driving all this growth? Increasingly, people worldwide want fresh and frozen foods, and markets in Asia, Latin America and other regions are expanding fast. At the same time, cold storage is becoming more advanced, with a big focus on automation, energy efficiency, and better tracking.
What does this mean for us in Australia? As part of a global supply chain, these changes will affect how we store and move temperature-controlled goods. There will be more pressure to modernise, improve performance, and meet higher standards for food safety and sustainability.
For RWTA members, it’s important to stay on top of these trends. The cold chain is no longer just about keeping things cold — it’s about being smart, connected, and ready for what’s next.
RWTA Networking Night at Spotswood Hotel Welcomes New Faces and Big Ideas
On a clear and crisp Wednesday evening in Melbourne, the RWTA community gathered at the Spotswood Hotel for a vibrant networking function that exceeded expectations.
On a clear and crisp Wednesday evening in Melbourne, the RWTA community gathered at the Spotswood Hotel for a vibrant networking function that exceeded expectations. With strong representation across the cold chain sector—including a notable number of “RWTA Curious” non-members—it was a night marked by connection and momentum.
The casual setting fostered meaningful conversation, with attendees keen to expand their networks, exchange insights, and explore opportunities for collaboration. Longstanding members and first-timers alike embraced the RWTA spirit, building relationships that drive real business outcomes across refrigerated warehousing and transport.
Guests engaged in dynamic conversations around industrial relations reforms in 2026 and their implications for transport, as well as the impact of new technologies in cutting energy output costs by over a third. Staffing trends, sustainability, and Australia’s evolving position in global supply chains were also front and centre.
Events like these continue to show the strength of the RWTA network—and the value of creating space for thought leadership and genuine connection.
Thank you to all who attended and contributed to a successful and enjoyable evening.
Spotlight on Daifuku – New RWTA Member!
In this week’s Chilled Out Series, RWTA’s Marianne sits down with Arijit from Daifuku, a global leader in warehouse automation and our newest member.
In this week’s Chilled Out Series, RWTA’s Marianne sits down with Arijit from Daifuku, a global leader in warehouse automation and our newest member. Discover how Daifuku is revolutionising the Australian and New Zealand cold chain with cutting-edge automation designed for frozen environments. Learn about their solutions for rising energy costs, labour shortages, sustainability goals, and future-ready technologies. With real-time data, space-saving systems, and 99.99% inventory accuracy, Daifuku is shaping smarter cold chain operations.
Watch the full interview to see how innovation meets efficiency!
The RWTA is proud to acknowledge Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) as a Diamond Sponsor of our upcoming National Conference.
The RWTA is proud to acknowledge Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) as a Diamond Sponsor of our upcoming National Conference.
TMHA’s generous support plays a vital role in helping us deliver, yet again, a high-impact event for the refrigerated warehousing and transport industry, and we are truly grateful for their commitment.
A trusted name in logistics and material handling, Toyota Material Handling is synonymous with quality, innovation, and safety.
Their wide range of world-class equipment — from forklifts and automated systems to warehouse solutions — helps power the cold chain sector across the country.
Their sponsorship demonstrates a strong alignment with the RWTA’s vision to elevate standards and performance in our industry.
By investing at the highest sponsorship level, TMHA is supporting not just a conference, but a platform that drives collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and long-term progress across the temperature-controlled supply chain.
Their presence at the event will be a highlight, showcasing both their leadership and continued investment in our industry's growth and sustainability.
We thank Toyota Material Handling Australia for standing with us and our members — their support makes a real difference.
Join us in applauding TMHA for their role in making this year’s RWTA Conference one to remember!
Check out the Conference website for registration and more information
RWTA Brisbane Golf Day – A Swinging Success!
What a fantastic day on the green at Brisbane Golf Club! With a record-breaking 118 players registered, the RWTA Brisbane Golf Day proved once again to be a premier networking event for our industry.
What a fantastic day on the green at Brisbane Golf Club! With a record-breaking 118 players registered, the RWTA Brisbane Golf Day proved once again to be a premier networking event for our industry.
Despite the threat of rain, the weather remained cool and wonderful—ideal conditions for golf.
The course was in great shape, camaraderie was high, and delicious food and refreshments were enjoyed throughout the day.
A heartfelt thank you to our valued sponsors for making this event possible:
Platinum Sponsor: Americold
Gold Sponsor: Scully RSV
Silver Sponsors: Askin, Eurocold, Lindsay Australia, TriTech Refrigeration
Bronze Sponsors: Cascade, Crown, Gordon Brothers, Inghams, JD Refrigerated Transport, Lineage, Metecno PIR, SBP, Stow, Toyota Materials Handling, Young Guns
Family Owned, National Cold Storage Logistics Freight Company Announces Closure after 77 years in business.
Our industry has been saddened by the recent news that long term RWTA Member, Don Watson Transport, one of the country’s leading refrigerated logistics operations, announced late last week it would make its final collections on June 9 before its final deliveries.
The Victorian-founded company had 300 staff and ran cold store businesses in Sydney, Wodonga and Melbourne.
To add your support to those looking for work, please assist by adding job vacancies to the Job Board. Click here
RWTA Member Leads the Charge with Australia’s Largest Electric Truck Order
Linfox Logistics is taking a significant step toward decarbonising Australia’s freight transport sector with the country’s largest electric truck order to date.
Linfox Logistics is taking a significant step toward decarbonising Australia’s freight transport sector with the country’s largest electric truck order to date. In partnership with Volvo Group Australia, Linfox has committed to purchasing 100 Volvo FL Electric trucks.
The new electric fleet will be deployed across major Australian cities to support urban deliveries for major clients including Coles, Woolworths, and Telstra. The move reflects Linfox’s continued focus on sustainability and innovation in transport logistics.
Designed for metro and last-mile operations, the Volvo FL Electric trucks are zero-tailpipe-emission vehicles that offer a cleaner and quieter alternative to diesel. This is expected to reduce both emissions and noise pollution in densely populated areas, contributing to more sustainable and community-friendly delivery operations.
Linfox has previously trialled electric vehicles across its network and this latest initiative significantly expands its capabilities. The company’s investment also signals growing industry confidence in the commercial viability of electric heavy vehicles.
Volvo Group Australia is supporting the rollout with expertise in electric vehicle infrastructure, maintenance, and training. As public and private sectors continue to prioritise emission reduction goals, such investments set a strong precedent for broader adoption of electric transport solutions.
We commend Linfox’s large-scale commitment, demonstrating leadership in environmental responsibility and paving the way for a more sustainable freight future.
GridBeyond and ABB Deepen Partnership to Launch BESS-as-a-Service
GridBeyond and ABB have expanded their strategic partnership to deliver ABB’s new Battery Energy Storage Systems-as-a-Service (BESS-as-a-Service) for commercial and industrial clients.
GridBeyond and ABB have expanded their strategic partnership to deliver ABB’s new Battery Energy Storage Systems-as-a-Service (BESS-as-a-Service) for commercial and industrial clients. Leveraging ABB’s electrification expertise and GridBeyond’s AI-driven platform, the service offers fully managed energy storage with no upfront capital investment.
This enables real-time optimisation, demand-side response, and market revenue access. Tallarna joins the partnership, adding financial risk management and project feasibility tools.
Together, the trio aims to accelerate the transition to net zero by providing businesses with smarter, more flexible energy solutions that reduce costs, emissions, and reliance on the grid.
Like to know more? Click here for the full story (link: GridBeyond and ABB deepen their strategic partnership)
Celebrating Cold Chain Leadership at the Cold Chain Institute Australia - May 2025
The Cold Chain Institute Australia wrapped up another impactful year in Melbourne, delivering an intensive three-day program that continues to shape the next generation of cold chain leaders.
The Cold Chain Institute Australia wrapped up another impactful year in Melbourne, delivering an intensive three-day program that continues to shape the next generation of cold chain leaders.
Hosted by the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA), with support from the RWTA, this annual educational event brought together industry professionals from across the sector.
This year’s institute featured a curriculum focused on essential competencies including hazard analysis, food safety, emergency response planning, and foundational leadership, where attendees immersed themselves in the technical and strategic challenges of our industry.
A special thank you to the dedicated faculty of volunteer instructors and appreciation also goes to Adam Thocher and Jenna Campbell of the GCCA for expertly coordinating the event’s logistics and programming.
The Cold Chain Institute is more than just education—it’s an investment in capability, career advancement, and community.
Congratulations to the Year 3 graduates whose commitment signals a bright future for cold chain excellence.
Graduates of Cold Chain Institute Australia (Year 3):
Raj Bhoraniya, Lineage
Cory Campbell, NewCold
Alyshya Corke-Cox, NewCold
Ryann Laguerta, Lineage
Andrew Laurin, Conestoga Cold Storage
Andrew Lorenzi, NewCold
William Sargeant, Conestoga Cold Storage
Felicia Vung, NewCold