Susana Rodríguez (AEFYT): Global industrial refrigeration market to grow by 13% annually until 2030
The Chair of the Spanish Association of Refrigeration Companies and Technologies (AEFYT), highlights how the refrigeration sector in Spain generates a turnover of around 3 billion euros, with over 80,000 direct jobs and over 15,000 companies dedicated to the installation, maintenance, distribution and manufacture of systems; it is present, directly or indirectly, in 40% of Spain's GDP. Internationally, the global market for industrial refrigeration and cold storage is expected to grow at a rate above 13% per year until 2030.
How important is cold storage in industries such as food and product preservation?
Cold storage is absolutely essential to ensure food safety and product quality at every stage of the supply chain. Thanks to refrigeration systems, the proliferation of micro-organisms is controlled, the natural deterioration of foods is delayed and their nutritional value, taste and texture is preserved.
What are the latest innovations and developments in the refrigeration sector as a whole?
The refrigeration sector is evolving, with developments aimed at energy efficiency, digitalisation and environmental sustainability. The main innovations include the following: natural and low-GWP refrigerants, enabling compliance with F-Gas regulations and reducing environmental impact; variable speed compressors, which adjust their performance according to real demand, reducing energy consumption; smart control and monitoring systems based on IoT, optimising the performance of installations, improving traceability and facilitating predictive maintenance; and waste heat recovery by using the energy generated in refrigeration cycles for other uses, such as domestic hot water or heating.
What is the turnover of the refrigeration sector in Spain?
The refrigeration sector in Spain is a major driver of the economy. It is estimated to generate a turnover of around 3 billion euros, with more than 80,000 direct jobs and more than 15,000 companies dedicated to the installation, maintenance, distribution and manufacture of refrigeration systems. The refrigeration industry is present, directly or indirectly, in 40% of Spain's GDP.
However, one of the most important structural challenges facing the sector is the shortage of skilled labour. There is a growing demand for refrigeration, automation and energy efficiency technicians that is not being met at the necessary pace. It is a priority to promote vocational and technical training and to attract new generations to the sector in order to ensure its sustainability and competitiveness over the medium and long term.
What are the forecasts for the future of the sector domestically and at international level?
Internationally, forecasts are very positive: the global market for industrial refrigeration and cold storage is expected to grow at a rate of over 13% per year up to 2030, driven by the expansion of the agri-food sector, temperature-controlled logistics, and the demand for more sustainable and digitised technologies.
Within this context, Spain has the opportunity to consolidate its position as a strategic player in Europe if it remains committed to technological innovation and training talent. AEFYT reaffirms our commitment to the development of refrigeration solutions that integrate energy efficiency, the use of low-GWP refrigerants, natural refrigerants and advanced digitalisation. Our industry is undergoing an unprecedented technical transformation, driven by European regulations, decarbonisation targets and the demands of sustainability. It is crucial for the industry to continue to focus on innovation, specialised training and public-private partnerships to ensure an orderly and competitive transition. We are working to make Spain a leader in refrigeration technologies at European level.