Automation in Food Warehousing Market Size to Hit $4.58 Bn in 2025

Automation in Food Warehousing Market Sees Strong Growth Fueled by Innovation

The global automation in food warehousing market size is projected to expand from USD 4.58 billion in 2025 to USD 11.91 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 11.2% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. This market growth is driven by rising demand for efficient inventory management, labor cost reduction, and adoption of robotics and IoT technologies in food storage and logistics.

Last Updated: 18 July 2025 Category: Food & Beverages Testing Services & Logistics Insight Code: 5730 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

Automation in Food Warehousing Market Size, Share and Demand

The global automation in food warehousing market size reached at USD 4.12 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to increase from USD 4.58 billion in 2025 to an estimated USD 11.91 billion by 2034, witnessing a CAGR of 11.2% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. Rising demand for accuracy, efficiency, cost reduction and labor shortage, technological developments like robotics, AI and IoT expanding the market. 

Automation in Food Warehousing Market Size 2025 to 2034

Key Highlights

  • By region, North America dominated the global market with the largest share in 2024. The growth of online shopping and e-commerce is significantly raising the demand for automated warehouses. 
  • By region, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a notable CAGR from 2025 to 2034. Fueled by technological advancements, changing consumer demands, and rising expectations for efficiency and sustainability. 
  • By technology type, automated storage & retrieval systems (AS/RS) segment held the major market share of 34% in 2024. The swift expansion of e-commerce has resulted in an increase in the need for effective and automated warehouse processes, fueling the integration of AS/RS. 
  • By technology type, robotic picking & packing segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR in between 2025 and 2034.
  • By warehouse type, cold storage warehouses segment contributed the biggest market share of 46% in 2024. Fueled by changing consumer tastes, increasing populations, and heightened expenditure, particularly related to frozen foods, probiotics, or fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • By warehouse type, fulfilment center segment is expanding at a significant CAGR in between 2025 and 2034. The ongoing growth of online shopping is the main factor, driving the demand for the fulfilment center. 
  • By application, inventory management segment dominated the market by holding the share of 30% in 2024. Automated systems for inventory management and monitoring enhance the food and beverage sector by promoting efficiency, precision, and adherence to regulations.
  • By application, order picking & fulfilment segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the projected period. The increasing inclination of warehouse proprietors to adopt automation technologies for minimizing lifting response time driving the segment’s growth. 
  • By food type, packaged & frozen foods segment held the largest market share of 38% in 2024. The need for frozen food storage and transportation is increasing, due to greater consumer interest in ready-to-eat meals. 
  • By food type, meat, poultry & seafood segment is expected to grow at a CAGR in between 2025 and 2034. Worldwide demand for meat, poultry, and seafood is increasing, necessitating more effective and scalable storage solutions. 
  • By end use, food manufacturers segment contributed the biggest market share of 41% in 2024. Food producers encounter mounting pressure to satisfy growing consumer needs while also managing labor shortages and escalating labor expenses.
  • By end use, e-commerce grocery platforms segment is expanding at a significant CAGR in between 2025 and 2034. In the swiftly changing grocery industry, the move to online platforms has brought grocery warehousing and logistics to the center of strategic planning. 
  • By deployment mode, on-premises segment dominated the market in 2024. On-premises installations provide more control over data and infrastructure, essential for organizations. 
  • By deployment mode, cloud segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the projected period. Factors promoting cloud-based solutions include reduced initial investment, ease of integration and scalability, pay-as-you-go features.

Industry Coverage

Study Coverage Details
Growth Rate from 2025 to 2034 CAGR of 11.2%
Market Size in 2025 USD 4.58 Billion
Market Size in 2026 USD 5.09 Billion
Market Size by 2034 USD 11.91 Billion
Largest Market North America
Base Year 2024
Forecast Period 2025 to 2034
Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa

Dynamics of Automation in the Food Warehousing Market 

The automation in food warehousing market refers to the industry dedicated to deploying automated technologies within food storage, distribution, and fulfilment centers. These solutions enhance inventory accuracy, operational efficiency, food safety, and cold chain reliability. Automation systems range from robotics, AS/RS, conveyor systems, and AGVs to AI-enabled software platforms for warehouse management. This market is driven by rising labor shortages, e-commerce growth, and the need for temperature-sensitive food handling. 

  • Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems, an essential automation technology, are gaining popularity, with adoption rates anticipated to increase by more than 10% each year because of their effectiveness in optimizing space usage, lowering labor expenses, and improving accuracy. In a rapidly changing environment influenced by customer needs, ASRS is increasingly essential to contemporary warehouses and driving the expansion of the automation in food warehousing market.
  • Another emerging innovation transforming the fast-moving supply chain is the swift emergence of micro-fulfillment centers, or MFCs. These compact, automated centers, positioned strategically close to major urban areas, facilitate quicker last-mile order delivery and lower shipping expenses. 
    Businesses are progressively embracing eco-friendly innovations that serve the environment and enhance their profits. Through renewable energy systems, appropriately sized packaging automation, and energy-efficient robotics, warehouses are minimizing waste, decreasing emissions, and reducing expenses simultaneously. 
  • In the future warehouse, data will act as the catalyst for enhanced operations. Advanced warehouse management systems and analytical tools will deliver immediate insights into stock levels, order trends, and operational constraints. Utilizing machine learning, artificial intelligence, and sophisticated algorithms, these data-centric solutions can effectively forecast demand, enhance resource distribution, and refine processes for optimal efficiency. 
  • Self-driving vehicles, including Automated Guided Vehicles AGVs and Autonomous Mobile Robots AMRs are revolutionizing material management in contemporary warehouses. These autonomous robots can effectively move items from one place to another, minimizing the requirement for human involvement and enhancing efficiency.

Market Opportunity 

Technological Innovation Expanding the Market

The rise of Industry 4.0 offers a substantial chance for the automation in food warehousing industry. The current phase of the industrial revolution emphasizes automation, connectivity, real-time information, and machine learning. The implementation of advanced digital technologies like ML, AI, and IoT in manufacturing and supply chain management has fostered a more interconnected ecosystem for companies, enabling seamless sharing and real-time analysis of information and data. These technologies are especially advantageous in developing regions like Asia-Pacific and Latin America, where the swift expansion of e-commerce is creating a demand for automated fulfillment centers to handle rising order quantities. 

  • In May 2025, FoodReady, a prominent provider of food quality and safety software and consulting services, announced significant updates to its platform, featuring advanced new AI-driven tools, an improved inventory management module with smart lot tracking, and upgraded traceability capabilities to aid compliance with changing FDA regulations such as FSMA 204. (Source: businesswire)

Market Challenge 

Higher Investment Cost Challenging the Market 

A key issue is the high initial investment required for the deployment of warehouse automation systems. The upfront costs for software, robotics, and infrastructure improvements can be significant, which may create financial limitations for smaller companies. The expenses linked to adopting automation solutions, such as hardware, software, and training, may put a strain on budgets. 

Regional Insights

North America Dominated the Automation in Food Warehousing Market in 2024. 

The growth of online shopping and e-commerce is significantly raising the demand for automated warehouses. With an increasing number of shoppers opting for online purchasing, businesses need to handle large volumes of orders quickly and efficiently. This rise in demand has created a necessity for warehouses capable of handling inventories and fulfilling orders more rapidly. Automated technologies like robotic pickers, conveyor systems, and automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) allow for the removal of human labor, optimization of processes, and enhancement of productivity. This is due to progress in technology like artificial intelligence and machine learning, the demand for enhanced efficiency and productivity, and the increase in the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of automated systems in this area. 

The market for automation in food warehousing market in the United States has expanded considerably over the past few years. The county’s implementation of warehouse automation solutions is fueled by the necessity for enhanced operational efficiency, escalating labor costs, and a growing demand for quicker order fulfillment. Every year, roughly 48 million individuals in the United States become ill from foodborne diseases, based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Beneath this concerning statistic is a significant problem that the way food is preserved, managed, and moved throughout the supply chain. Food and drink warehouses function in a distinctly challenging setting.

By upholding strict temperature and humidity regulations to handling rapidly moving perishable items with automation, these facilities encounter daily obstacles that extend beyond typical inventory oversight. Additionally, such facilities frequently require certifications like FDA registration, Safe Quality Food certification, and FSSC 22000 certification to show adherence to established food safety standards. These actions ensure food products are kept in a manner that reduces contamination risks and adheres to both federal and local regulations which boosts the automation in food warehousing market. 

Asia Pacific Expects Significant Growth During the Forecast Period. 

The automation in food warehousing sector in the Asia-Pacific area is developing at an unmatched speed. Fueled by technological advancements, changing consumer demands, and rising expectations for efficiency and sustainability, companies in Asia Pacific are adopting new strategies and solutions to remain competitive. Key factors involve the growing use of robotics, heightened demand for efficiency in supply chain management, and the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies such as AI and IoT. The market emphasizes tailored automation solutions, improving operational processes and generating new employment opportunities in automation-related sectors. 

The increasing use of robotics and artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency is primarily fueling the growth of the automation in food warehousing market in India. As e-commerce, logistics, and manufacturing sectors expand quickly, companies are progressively utilizing robotic arms, automated guided vehicles, and autonomous mobile robots to enhance order fulfillment and inventory control. Systems driven by AI are utilized for predictive analytics, demand forecasting, and real-time monitoring, minimizing human mistakes and labor expenses. Moreover, government programs like the National Logistics Policy, designed to lower logistics expenses, and the Make in India campaign, promoting infrastructure investment, foster a conducive atmosphere for the implementation of advanced warehousing technologies, propelling the market's swift expansion. 

Segmental Insights

Technology Type Insights

Which Technology Type Held the Dominating Share of the Automation in Food Warehousing Market in 2024? 

Automated storage & retrieval systems (AS/RS) segment held the dominating share of the automation in food warehousing market in 2024. The swift expansion of e-commerce has resulted in an increase in the need for effective and automated warehouse processes, fueling the integration of AS/RS. Moreover, this product aids in minimizing labor shortages and lowering labor expenses linked to manual material handling tasks. An automated storage and retrieval system, employing a warehouse management system, is a leading technology making significant strides in the pursuit of minimizing, if not eliminating, recalls through real-time inventory visibility. Due to the high-speed operation of an AS/RS, products move in and out of the warehouse more swiftly, minimizing the chances of spoilage. 

Robotic Picking & Packing Segment is Seen to Grow at a Notable Rate During the Predicted Timeframe. 

A key factor influencing the robotic picking & packing segment is the increasing cost of labor. As minimum wages rise in different areas, businesses are looking for effective methods to lower operational costs. The use of robots can greatly reduce labor expenses and simultaneously boost productivity. Moreover, progress in robotics technology, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, has enhanced these robots' capabilities and reliability, accelerating their use.

Warehouse Type Insights

Which Warehouse Type Segment Dominated the Automation in Food Warehousing Market in 2024?

Cold storage warehouse segment led the automation in food warehousing market in 2024. The significance and demand for cold storage facilities have surged recently, fueled by changing consumer tastes, increasing populations, and heightened expenditure, particularly related to frozen foods, probiotics, or fresh fruits and vegetables. Different sectors depend on these facilities to ensure the quality and safety of their goods, with industries such as food and drink, and even technology utilizing cold storage facilities extensively. These storage facilities employ refrigeration systems to sustain precise temperature levels, prolonging the lifespan of these products and avoiding spoilage. They serve an essential function in the food supply chain, making sure products arrive to consumers in the best condition. 

Fulfilment Centers is Observed to Grow at the Fastest Rate During the Forecast Period. 

The ongoing growth of online shopping is the main factor, as an increasing number of consumers are opting for e-commerce for their buying requirements. Fulfilment centers allow ecommerce retailers to delegate storage and delivery tasks. This frees online retailers from needing physical space to store all items, which helps sellers who cannot directly handle inventory. 

Application Insights

Which Application Held the Largest Share of the Automation in Food Warehousing Market in 2024? 

Inventory management segment held the largest share of the market in 2024. Automated systems for inventory management and monitoring enhance the food and beverage sector by promoting efficiency, precision, and adherence to regulations. Technologies such as AMRs, environmental sensors, RFID tracking, and unified WMS systems enhance warehouse efficiency, reducing waste and boosting output. Through the implementation of these innovations, companies can strengthen supply chain resilience, lower expenses, and increase customer satisfaction. With the ongoing advancements in warehouse automation, businesses that adopt intelligent inventory systems will secure a marked advantage in the sector. 

Order Picking & Fulfillment Segment is Expected to Grow at the Fastest Rate in the Market During the Forecast Period. 

The increasing inclination of warehouse proprietors to adopt automation technologies for minimizing lifting response time and enhancing order fulfillment efficiency is expected to drive the implementation of order fulfillment systems. The swift growth of the e-commerce industry has resulted in an increase in the creation of fulfillment centers globally, consequently promoting the use of advanced order picking systems. 

Food Type Insights

Which Food Type Segment Dominated the Automation in Food Warehousing Market with the Largest Share in 2024?

Packaged & frozen food segment dominated the market with the largest share in 2024. The need for frozen food storage and transportation is increasing, due to greater consumer interest in ready-to-eat meals. Moreover, the rise in fast food consumption has generated an increased demand for improvements in the supply chain, which has subsequently aided the expansion of the automation in food warehousing market. The growth of e-commerce and companies offering their goods with new delivery methods has also increased the demand, as consumers can now get frozen products delivered directly to their homes. The advancement of cold chain technology has enhanced the quality of frozen foods, ensuring that items remain safe during distribution through reliable storage. 

Meat, Poultry & Seafood Segment is Observed to Grow at the Fastest CAGR During the Forecast Period. 

Worldwide demand for meat, poultry, and seafood is increasing, necessitating more effective and scalable storage solutions. Correct storage temperatures, which differ by product, are crucial, along with strategies to avoid cross-contamination and guarantee food safety throughout the handling and storage processes. Automation in the warehousing of meat, poultry, and seafood is revolutionizing the industry by boosting efficiency, improving food safety, and tackling significant challenges concerning labor, expenses, and the growth of e-commerce.

End Use Insights

Which End Use Segment Dominated the Automation in Food Warehousing Market in 2024?

Food manufacturers segment led the market in 2024. Food producers encounter mounting pressure to satisfy growing consumer needs while also managing labor shortages and escalating labor expenses. Automation tackles these issues by enhancing productivity and decreasing dependence on manual work. Automation in the food warehousing sector has emerged as a notable trend that employs robotics, analytics, intelligent devices, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, data management to enhance food processing innovation and efficiency. 

E-commerce Grocery Platforms Segment is Seen to Grow at a Notable CAGR During the Predicted Timeframe. 

In the swiftly changing grocery industry, the move to online platforms has brought grocery warehousing and logistics to the center of strategic planning. This shift, influenced by evolving consumer habits, offers distinct challenges as well as thrilling possibilities. Efficient grocery warehousing guarantees that products are kept in ideal conditions, controls inventory to avoid spoilage, and arranges items for streamlined distribution to retail outlets or directly to customers. The objective is to ensure product freshness, adapt to changing consumer demand, and adhere to food safety standards. 

Deployment Mode Insights

Which Deployment Mode Held the Dominating Share of the Automation in Food Warehousing Market in 2024?

On-premises segment held the dominating share of the market in 2024. On-premises installations provide more control over data and infrastructure, essential for organizations in tightly regulated sectors or with strict security requirements. On-premises implementations provide enhanced personalization of software and systems to address business requirements, delivering a level of flexibility that might not be present with cloud-based options. 

Cloud-Based Segment is Expected to Grow at the Fastest Rate in the Market During the Forecast Period.

Factors promoting cloud-based solutions include reduced initial investment, ease of integration and scalability, pay-as-you-go features, and the vendor's full accountability for updates, uptime, and security. A cloud-based platform allows data to be accessed at any time and from any location on smartphones and tablets with an internet connection. Utilizing on-premises and cloud solutions leads to quick data access and heightened productivity.

Recent Developments in the Automation in Food Warehousing Market 

India’s Department of Food and Public Distribution

  • Launch: In May 2025, India’s Department of Food and Public Distribution initiated a system powered by Internet of Things and AI to guarantee that more than 2,000 food storage depots throughout India adhere to uniform quality, safety, and performance standards. The project, featuring the Depot Darpan portal and app, aims to improve transparency and efficiency in food grain storage through the digitization of depot evaluation and monitoring. (Source: Voicen Data)

Lineage, Inc.

  • Announcement: In April 2025, Lineage, Inc., the largest global REIT specializing in temperature-controlled warehouses, announced its intention to grow its U.S. cold-storage network through various new acquisitions, construction of new facilities, and increased automation efforts. Specifically, Lineage has finalized an agreement to purchase several established cold storage facilities in the U.S. from Tyson Foods, Inc., enhancing a longstanding partnership with Lineage. (Source: businesswire)

Amazon

  • In October 2024, Amazon tested the integration of automated mini warehouses into Whole Foods grocery stores. The updated store format enables customers to purchase items from its online shop and large supermarket brand as they explore Whole Foods, and then collect them at the checkout. (Source: CNBC)

Automation in Food Warehousing Market Leading Comapnies 

Automation in Food Warehousing Market Comapnies 

  • Dematic
  • Daifuku Co., Ltd. 
  • Swisslog Holding AG
  • Honeywell Intelligrated
  • SSI Schäfer
  • Murata Machinery 
  • Vanderlande Industries 
  • Knapp AG 
  • Blue Yonder (JDA Software) 
  • Zebra Technologies 
  • GreyOrange 
  • Locus Robotics 
  • Fetch Robotics 
  • Amazon Robotics 
  • Mecalux 
  • AutoStore 
  • Symbotic 
  • Körber AG 
  • Elettric80 S.p.A. 
  • Bastian Solutions 

Segments Covered in the Report

By Technology Type 

  • Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) 
  • Conveyor & Sortation Systems 
  • Robotic Picking & Packing 
  • Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) 
  • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) 
  • Internet of Things (IoT) & Sensors 
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) 
  • Drones & Aerial Monitoring

By Warehouse Type 

  • Cold Storage Warehouses 
  • Ambient Food Warehouses 
  • Dry Storage Warehouses 
  • Distribution Centers 
  • Fulfillment Centers

By Application

  • Inventory Management 
  • Order Picking & Fulfillment 
  • Palletizing & Depalletizing 
  • Packaging & Labeling 
  • Receiving & Shipping 
  • Quality Inspection 
  • Temperature Monitoring

By Food Type

  • Dairy Products 
  • Fruits & Vegetables 
  • Meat, Poultry & Seafood 
  • Packaged & Frozen Foods 
  • Bakery & Confectionery 
  • Beverages

By End-Use

  • Food Manufacturers 
  • Retail Chains & Supermarkets 
  • Third-Party Logistics Providers (3PLs) 
  • E-commerce Grocery Platforms 
  • Foodservice Distributors

By Deployment Mode

  • On-Premises 
  • Cloud-Based

By Region 

  • North America 
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)
  • Latin America
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  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021-2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Vidyesh Swar, Senior Research Analyst at Towards Food & Beverages, specializes in market research, focusing on supply-demand evaluation, pricing analysis, alternative proteins, plant-based foods, and sustainable food technologies within the industry.

Learn more about Vidyesh Swar

Aditi Shivarkar, with 14+ years in Food and Beverages market research, specializes in food, beverage, and eco-friendly packaging. She ensures accurate, actionable insights, driving Towards FnB's excellence in industry trends and sustainability.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

Related Insights

FAQ's

The market was valued at USD 4.12 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 11.91 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 11.2% (2025-2034). Growth is driven by e-commerce expansion, labor shortages, and technological advancements in robotics, AI, and IoT.

Emerging trends include micro-fulfillment centers (MFCs) for last-mile delivery, AI-driven warehouse management systems, adoption of eco-friendly automation solutions, and increasing use of AGVs and AMRs for seamless material handling.

AI enables predictive analytics, demand forecasting, and real-time inventory monitoring, while robotics and AMRs automate picking, packing, and sorting, leading to reduced labor costs and improved operational efficiency.

High initial capital expenditure for automation systems and technical integration challenges remain barriers, especially for SMEs. Additionally, concerns around cybersecurity in cloud-based solutions are emerging.

North America led with the largest share in 2024 due to advanced logistics infrastructure and high e-commerce penetration. Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR (2025–2034), driven by government support and growing retail markets.

Regulations like the FDA’s FSMA 204 (Food Safety Modernization Act) and certifications such as FSSC 22000 drive demand for automation solutions that ensure traceability, compliance, and food safety standards.

Players like Dematic, Daifuku, Swisslog, and Amazon Robotics are investing in R&D, strategic partnerships with food manufacturers, and acquisitions of cold storage facilities to expand their market presence.

The market is set for transformative growth, with a shift toward fully autonomous, data-driven warehouses leveraging AI, IoT, and renewable energy solutions. Companies adopting cloud-based WMS and MFC models will lead the future landscape.