Haocool
If you are in the fruit and vegetable business in Bangladesh, you already know the problem. The country produces vast quantities of fresh produce — mangoes, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and leafy greens — but a staggering amount never reaches consumers. According to various studies, post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables in Bangladesh range from 23.6% to 43.5%, primarily due to inadequate storage solutions at the field level. That is nearly a third of the crop lost before it ever generates income.
A well-designed cold room changes that. It gives you control over when you sell, reduces spoilage, and allows you to capture higher off-season prices. But the first question is always the same: how much does a 300-ton fruit and vegetable cold room cost in Dhaka?
The Market Context: Why Cold Storage Matters in Bangladesh
Bangladesh currently has about 2.7 million tonnes of cold storage capacity across over 300 sites, yet the country’s existing cold chain infrastructure falls short of meeting demand, particularly in rural areas. Over 90% of existing cold storage units are used for potatoes alone. For fruits, vegetables, and other perishables, the gap is even wider.
The government is aware of the problem. In mid-2026, the Agriculture Minister announced a plan to establish 2,000 mini cold storages across the country within the next one to two years. Each facility will be operated by farmer cooperatives and powered by solar energy. Private investment is also flowing in — SF Express, China’s largest logistics company, has proposed investing $180 million in cold-chain logistics and bonded warehouse facilities in Mongla.
For a mid-sized fruit and vegetable trader or wholesaler in Dhaka, a 300-ton cold room is a practical entry point. It is large enough to handle a meaningful volume of produce but not so massive that it becomes unmanageable.
How Much Space for 300 Tons of Fruit & Vegetables?
Fresh produce is bulkier than frozen meat. For fruits and vegetables stored at medium temperatures (0–15°C), the industry standard is approximately 5 to 6 cubic metres per metric ton. This accounts for palletised cartons, airflow gaps between stacks, and space for forklift manoeuvring.
For 300 tons:
- 300 tons × 5 m³/ton = 1,500 m³ of usable storage volume (on the lower end).
- With a standard clear height of 4 metres, the floor area you need is roughly:
- 1,500 m³ ÷ 4 m = 375 m² (on the lower end).
- At the higher end (6 m³/ton), you need about 1,800 m³ ÷ 4 m = 450 m².
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage capacity | 300 tons |
| Storage density | 5–6 m³ per ton |
| Usable volume | 1,500 – 1,800 m³ |
| Ceiling height | 4 metres |
| Floor area | 375 – 450 m² |
Estimated Total Cost in Dhaka
Based on market data for similar projects in Bangladesh, a 300-ton fruit and vegetable cold room (medium temperature, 0–15°C) typically costs between $69,000 and $83,000 USD (approximately BDT 8.0 – 9.5 million, using mid‑2026 exchange rates of 1 USD ≈ 115 BDT).
For comparison, a 1,000m³ cold storage in Bangladesh (roughly 100–150 tons) costs between $48,600 and $62,500 USD. Scaling up to 300 tons increases the cost proportionally, but the per‑ton cost often decreases as the facility gets larger.
Here is a rough breakdown of where the money goes:
| Component | Estimated Cost (USD) | Estimated Cost (BDT) |
|---|---|---|
| Insulation panels (100mm polyurethane, double-face steel) | 20,000 – 25,000 | 2.3 – 2.9 million |
| Refrigeration equipment (compressors, condensers, evaporators) | 22,000 – 28,000 | 2.5 – 3.2 million |
| Electrical and control systems | 6,000 – 9,000 | 690,000 – 1.0 million |
| Doors and sealing | 4,000 – 6,000 | 460,000 – 690,000 |
| Installation and labour (Dhaka) | 10,000 – 13,000 | 1.2 – 1.5 million |
| Engineering, design, and permits | 4,000 – 6,000 | 460,000 – 690,000 |
| Contingency and miscellaneous | 3,000 – 5,000 | 345,000 – 575,000 |
| Total (approx.) | 69,000 – 83,000 | 8.0 – 9.5 million |
These figures assume standard specifications: 100mm polyurethane panels, a medium-temperature condensing unit from a reputable brand like Bitzer or Copeland (Emerson), and a PLC-based temperature controller with remote monitoring.
What Factors Affect the Final Price?
Several variables can push the cost up or down by 15 to 20 percent.
Temperature range: A room designed for 0–5°C costs more than one for 5–10°C because it requires more precise control and thicker insulation. If you only need 10–15°C for tropical fruits, the cost is lower.
Equipment brand: Premium brands like Bitzer or Copeland cost 20–30% more than good Chinese brands. They are more reliable and energy-efficient, which matters for a facility that runs 24/7. The long-term savings often justify the higher initial investment.
Number of compartments: A single large room is cheaper than multiple smaller rooms. But if you need separate zones for different products with different temperature requirements, expect to pay more for additional insulation walls and independent controls.
Location within Dhaka: Building in central Dhaka means higher labour and transport costs, but better access to equipment suppliers and technicians. Building on the outskirts can reduce costs but may add transport time for goods.
Why Dhaka Makes Sense for a Fruit & Vegetable Cold Room
Dhaka is the largest consumer market in Bangladesh, with over 20 million people in the greater metropolitan area. The city’s wholesale markets — including the massive Karwan Bazar and Jatrabari markets — handle thousands of tons of fresh produce every day.
A cold room in or near Dhaka gives you several advantages:
- Proximity to the market — faster delivery to retailers and consumers
- Access to transport — Dhaka is connected to major highways and the port of Chittagong
- Growing demand — Bangladesh’s middle class is expanding, and demand for fresh, quality produce is rising
Is a 300-Ton Cold Room Worth It?
The short answer is yes — for any fruit and vegetable trader, wholesaler, or cooperative who wants to reduce post-harvest losses and capture better prices.
Without proper cold storage, produce losses in Bangladesh can reach 30–40%. With a well-built cold room, you can reduce spoilage to under 5%, extend your selling window, and sell when prices are high rather than during the harvest glut. During the off-season, the same produce that sells for Tk120–Tk150 per kilogram can be sold at a premium.
For a mid-sized fruit and vegetable operation in Dhaka, a 300-ton cold room pays for itself within 2 to 3 years through reduced waste and better market timing.