How Much Does a 4,000 sqm Fruit & Vegetable Cold Storage Cost? Real ROI Examples from Emerging Markets

For agribusinesses in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and West Asia, investing in cold chain infrastructure isn’t just about preservation—it’s a strategic move to reduce post-harvest losses, extend shelf life, and capture higher market value. One of the most common questions we receive at Haocool is: “What’s the real cost—and return—of building a 4,000-square-meter fruit and vegetable cold storage facility?”

📏 Standard Configuration for a 4,000 sqm Cold Room

• Floor Area: 4,000 m²
• Clear Height: 6 meters (standard for pallet racking and efficient airflow)
• Total Volume: 24,000 m³ (4,000 m² × 6 m)
• Storage Capacity:
  • Industry standard: 1 metric ton of fresh produce occupies 4.5–6 m³
  • Therefore, total capacity = 4,000 – 5,300 metric tons
    (Using conservative estimate: 24,000 m³ ÷ 6 = 4,000 tons; optimistic: 24,000 ÷ 4.5 ≈ 5,333 tons)

💰 Total Project Cost Breakdown

Based on recent projects by Haocool in emerging markets, the total turnkey cost for a 4,000 m² multi-chamber cold storage (with pre-cooling, chilling, and freezing zones as needed for fruits/vegetables) typically ranges between:

USD 400,000–520,000

(≈ RMB 2.8M – 3.7M, or ~$95–130 per m²)

This includes:

• Insulated panels (PU 100–120mm)
• Refrigeration system (scroll compressors, evaporators, condensers)
• Temperature control & monitoring (IoT-enabled)
• Installation, commissioning, and basic training
• Local logistics and civil prep (foundation, drainage)

Note: Costs vary by country due to import duties, labor rates, and power infrastructure.

🌍 Real Investment Examples from Target Regions

✅ Case: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Southeast Asia)

• Project: 4,000 m² mixed-use cold storage for mangoes, dragon fruit, and leafy greens
• Height: 6 m → 24,000 m³ volume
• Capacity: ~4,500 tons
• Total Cost: $470,000
• ROI Insight:
  • Client charges $15–25/ton/month for storage
  • At 80% occupancy: $5,400–9,000/month revenue
  • Payback period: ~4–5 years (excluding land cost)

At Haocool, we design modular, energy-efficient cold rooms specifically for tropical and arid climates—ensuring reliability even in 45°C+ environments common across your target markets.

📩 Ready to Build Your Cold Chain?

If you’re planning a 4,000 m² cold storage project in Vietnam, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Kenya, or the UAE, contact Haocool for a free feasibility report—including local cost estimates, layout options, and projected ROI based on your crop type and market.