Exploring the path to the sustainable development of cold chain logistics for fresh agricultural products in China

Cold chain logistics are crucial for transporting fresh agricultural products from farms to consumers in China. However, geographical and resource differences significantly challenge its development across provinces. Drawing on data from 30 Chinese provinces in 2022, this research identifies and examines 12 critical factors that impede cold chain logistics' progress. We use the CRITIC method to assign weights of these factors, and employ the minimum cumulative resistance model to compute comprehensive resistance values for each province. Additionally, this study utilizes the minimum-cost path and gravity model to outline potential corridors for the sustainable development of cold chain logistics for fresh agricultural products (SD-CCLFAP) at various hierarchy levels. The results indicate that number of cold chain-related policies issued by the government, railway distance, highway distance, and annual mean temperature exert higher weights on China's provincial SD-CCLFAP. Notably, the western region of China encounters greater resistance in this respect. Primary corridors for SD-CCLFAP are more prevalent in North China and East China. In contrast, Northeast China, Northwest China and Southwest China have fewer primary corridors. This study offers valuable insights for enhancing the efficiency of cold chain logistics for agricultural products, informing sustainable logistics development and strategic planning for both governments and businesses. •Established sustainable development corridors for cold chain logistics of fresh agricultural products in China.•Resistance surfaces for cold chain logistics identified using the least cumulative resistance model.•Fewer sustainable development corridors in Northeast, Northwest, and Southwest China.