Cost to Build a 100–1000 sqm Cold Storage for Food Processing Factories

Typical Cost Range for Food Processing Cold Storage

Cold storage construction is not a standardized product. Final cost depends on storage temperature, facility size, insulation thickness, refrigeration system, and operational requirements.

Based on industry averages for 0–5°C food processing cold storage, the following ranges are commonly used as reference:

1. Small cold storage (≈100 m²)
   • Total investment: USD 18,000 – 24,000
   • Unit cost: USD 180 – 240 / m²
2. Medium cold storage (≈500 m²)
   • Total investment: USD 42,000 – 56,000
   • Unit cost: USD 85 – 115 / m²
3. Large cold storage (≈1,000 m²)
   • Total investment: USD 85,000 – 125,000
   • Unit cost: USD 85 – 125 / m²

As project scale increases, unit cost per square meter decreases, making medium and large cold storage projects more attractive from an investment perspective.

How Much Product Can a Food Cold Storage Hold?

For chilled food storage (0–5°C), a widely used industry estimate is:

1 ton of food products ≈ 3–4 m³ of cold storage volume

Assuming a 4-meter internal height:

• 100 m² cold storage:
  • Volume: ~400 m³
  • Capacity: 100–130 tons
• 500 m² cold storage:
  • Volume: ~2,000 m³
  • Capacity: 500–650 tons
• 1,000 m² cold storage:
  • Volume: ~4,000 m³
  • Capacity: 1,000–1,300 tons

Actual capacity depends on pallet layout, rack systems, and product type.

Operating Cost and Energy Consumption

Energy efficiency is a major concern for food factories operating cold storage year-round.

• Average power demand:
  • 100 m²: 8–12 kW
  • 500 m²: 25–35 kW
  • 1,000 m²: 45–60 kW
• Estimated annual electricity cost:
  • 100 m²: USD 8,000 – 10,000
  • 500 m²: USD 18,000 – 25,000
  • 1,000 m²: USD 30,000 – 40,000

High-efficiency compressors and proper insulation thickness significantly reduce long-term operating expenses.