Logistics Automation NZ puts cold chain automation on show
Demand for cold chain logistics continues to accelerate worldwide, placing increasing pressure on warehouse operators to expand capacity, improve efficiency and maintain product integrity while managing rising operating costs.
Global demand for cold chain logistics and services is forecast to push the market beyond US$400 billion within the next four years. At the same time, refrigerated warehouse operators are facing ongoing challenges including labour shortages, increasing energy costs, higher rents and the need to maximise every square metre of available space.
Those challenges are expected to be a major focus when new industry exhibition Logistics Automation New Zealand Powered by CeMAT launches in Auckland this November, bringing together international technologies and local expertise to help operators explore practical automation solutions for the country’s supply chains.
Event manager Deb Haimes says the timing couldn’t be better. Having recently attended CeMAT Australia in Melbourne, she saw firsthand how automation is reshaping cold chain and warehouse operations around the world.
“What we saw in Melbourne reinforced that automation isn’t a future state for cold storage – it’s happening now. The technology is proven, the ROI is clear, and New Zealand operators need to see it working firsthand. That’s what November’s event is about,” says Haimes.
Market research company Grand View Research says the refrigerated warehousing market is expected to grow more than 18% annually through to 2030, with Asia Pacific forecast to outpace every other region. As demand continues to grow, finding capacity, strengthening reliability, reducing risk and making better use of warehouse space will become increasingly important.
“Automation is rapidly becoming part of that equation. Kiwi operators are increasingly adopting technologies including robotics, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), and AI-driven warehouse management, reflecting a broader global shift towards smarter, more efficient logistics operations.”
The strong visitor turnout at the prelaunch of New Zealand’s first logistics and automation trade exhibition earlier this year highlighted the growing interest from local industry in exploring those technologies.
Building on the long-established CeMAT trade show brand, Logistics Automation New Zealand will be the first event of its kind held in New Zealand.
“The exhibition has been developed to connect local operators with suppliers capable of delivering automation solutions tailored to New Zealand’s requirements while drawing on international experience and innovation,” says Haimes.
Haimes adds that for cold storage operations in particular, automation offers significant operational advantages.
“Automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) warehouses reduce the need for people to work in sub-zero environments, improving workplace safety while reducing energy losses associated with personnel doors and forklift traffic”
Dense storage configurations can also lower ongoing refrigeration costs by reducing the refrigerated cubic volume required, while fewer door openings help maintain more consistent temperatures throughout the facility – an important consideration where product quality depends on tightly controlled environmental conditions.
“For an industry that has traditionally faced ongoing challenges attracting and retaining staff willing to work in cold environments, automation represents more than an incremental improvement. It offers a different way of designing and operating cold storage facilities,” says Haimes.
The launch of the exhibition also marks the arrival in New Zealand of the world’s largest logistics automation exhibition brand.
“Operated internationally by Hannover Fairs, CeMAT brings a global perspective to intralogistics while supporting local businesses looking for solutions suited to New Zealand conditions,” says Haimes.
She says CeMAT trade shows, held in multiple locations around the world, showcase the latest developments in robotics and automation, intralogistics, materials handling, warehousing, logistics, forklifts and supply chain management.
The New Zealand event, which will be held every two years, is sponsored by Automate X, Axelent, Kaup, Hyundai Material Handling, Dexion and Argon & Co. Major exhibitors include Geek+, Dematic, Pensa Doors, Southward Warehouse Automation, Interlogic, Crown, Jungheinrich and Dexion.
Logistics Automation New Zealand is free-to-attend and will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 10-11, 2026, at Auckland Showgrounds.
Sponsored content: For more information or to register visit www.logisticsautomation.co.nz.