USDA reports 8% increase in US refrigerated warehouse capacity in 2025

Every two years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) publishes a report presenting data on the number of refrigerated warehouses in the country. The latest biennal report was published in February 2026, presenting data for the year 2025.

 

The USDA estimated gross refrigerated storage capacity in the US to be around 113 million cubic metres  (3.99 billion cubic feet) in 2025, representing a 7.8% increase from about 104.8 million cubic metres in 2023. Usable refrigerated storage capacity, defined as the actual area used for storing commodities, represented 82% of the gross space. The total number of refrigerated warehouses was 931, a slight increase from 900 reported in 2023.

 

There was about 19.7 million cubic metres (0.694 billion cubic feet) of usable cooler capacity, defined as spaces that maintain temperatures between 0 and 10°C (0 and 50°F). There was approximately 72.4 million cubic metres (2.557 billion cubic feet) of usable freezer capacity, defined as spaces that maintain temperatures at about –17.8°C (0°F) or lower.

The authors of the USDA survey indicate that their figures should be considered as minimum figures. Indeed, the USDA survey only included warehouses that stored food products for 30 days or more at a temperature of 10° C (50° F) or lower. Facilities where the entire inventory was turned over more than once a month were excluded.

 

The report is available on the USDA website.