Lineage releases results of cold chain survey to improve supply chain resilience
Key takeaways
- Lineage survey shows 73% expect tariffs to hit 2026 finances, pushing fleets to adjust sourcing and cost strategies.
- 60% rank AI and data as top operational drivers, with investments focused on visibility, routing, and warehouse automation.
- 72% report rising refrigerated/frozen demand, increasing reliance on 3PL partners with flexible cold storage capacity.
Lineage recently released the results of its Cold Chain Insights Survey, examining how food and beverage companies are navigating 2026. The company, which operates as a global temperature-controlled warehouse REIT, surveyed 1,000 decision-makers across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
The survey found supply chain leaders are managing increasing complexity driven by geopolitical disruption and shifting market dynamics. In response, companies are prioritizing resilience, increasing investments in data and automation, and seeking closer collaboration with logistics partners to improve execution.
Tariffs, regulations, and political shifts are major factors shaping supply chain decisions, with 73% of respondents expecting tariffs to negatively affect finances in 2026. More than half reported tariff impacts in 2025 were higher than expected, prompting adjustments to plans. At the same time, demand remains strong, with 72% reporting increased demand for refrigerated and frozen foods.
Technology adoption is closely tied to resilience strategies. Sixty percent of respondents ranked data and AI among the top forces transforming operations, with companies focusing on transportation optimization, real-time visibility, AI-informed decision-making, and warehouse automation. Many reported positive returns, with 24% exceeding ROI expectations and 62% meeting or nearing targets.
Companies are also turning to third-party logistics providers to strengthen resilience. Flexible storage capacity and improved data and analytics from partners are key priorities, as are efforts to expand supplier networks, enhance visibility, and improve risk management strategies.
“Supply chain leaders are operating in an environment where volatility is the norm, not the exception,” Greg Lehmkuhl, president and CEO of Lineage, stated. “As companies navigate 2026, the focus is on making faster, better-informed decisions, using flexibility, insight, and technology to keep operations running reliably.”
