Interview from Mr. Akash Agarwal, CEO, Crystal Group
Six Decades of Logistics Excellence, Over Two Decades in Cold Chain Leadership
At Crystal Group, logistics isn’t just our business—it’s our legacy. Since 1962, we’ve proudly served India’s logistics landscape, and for over 20 years, we’ve been deeply committed to advancing cold chain solutions across the country. What began as a vision six decades ago has grown into a trusted name synonymous with reliability, precision, and care—especially when it comes to handling temperature-sensitive goods. Since 2000, our focused journey in cold chain logistics has been driven by the belief that every shipment matters, because behind every container is a promise we’ve made. Our journey has been one of learning, adapting, and growing—built on the strength of our people, the trust of our clients, and a shared commitment to delivering with excellence. Today, as we look back with pride, we also look forward with renewed passion to serve India with solutions that are not just efficient but thoughtful.
Fresh n Frozen: How long has Crystal Group been serving the cold chain industry?
Akash Agarwal: Crystal Group has been working in the logistics industry for over 62 years. We entered the cold chain sector in 2000 by setting up cold storage warehouses, followed by the introduction of refrigerated containers, delivering trusted cold storage and transport solutions across India. We help store and move temperature-sensitive items like milk, seafood, frozen food, medicines, and more. Today, our reach covers 23+ Indian states and several international clients in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions.
FNF: Why did you choose to start a business in this industry?
AA: That melting cone of ice cream started everything. Yes. Sometimes, big ideas come from small moments. Years ago, on a hot afternoon, I was enjoying an ice cream at a local booth. As I chatted with the vendor, I noticed how fast the ice cream was melting. I asked him if he had a better freezer or cold storage. He replied with a tired smile, “Sir, we lose so much stock every summer. What can we do? We just can’t keep things cold enough.” It made me think—if one booth loses money due to poor cooling, imagine the loss happening across India every day. I wanted to solve that problem. That simple conversation opened my eyes to a big problem—not just for that vendor, but for thousands of farmers, shopkeepers, and exporters across India.
FNF: Do you face trouble storing products when there’s a power cut or when temperatures rise too high?
AA: Yes—and that’s one of the most common challenges in this industry. To solve this, our containers are designed to perform reliably even in extreme conditions like high heat or remote areas. In case of power cuts, the system can continue operating with the help of a generator. For extra safety, especially during very high temperatures, we also offer containers with dual refrigeration machines. This ensures that even if one unit fails, the second one keeps running, so your products remain protected at all times. Plus, we provide free maintenance and repair services for all our leasing clients. Because we believe your product’s safety is our responsibility, not just yours.
FNF: Would it help if your freezer could be moved from one location to another during seasonal demand? Absolutely—and that’s exactly what we offer.
AA: Our mobile blast freezers, refrigerated containers, and portable cold rooms can be moved easily from one place to another. Whether it’s milk collection in villages, seasonal seafood catch, or a temporary storage need during peak production, we’ve got it covered. This flexibility helps our clients save money and avoid building permanent structures.
FNF: Are you using food-grade storage containers that are safe for handling dairy or seafood directly?
AA: Yes—all our containers are built with food-grade stainless steel interiors and follow strict hygiene standards. They’re completely safe for storing: Dairy products like milk, curd, paneer, butter Seafood like prawns, fish fillets, squid Frozen food like snacks, ready meals, and ice cream We also comply with international export quality standards, so your products are always safe and ready for sale. FNF : Have you thought about using ultra-low temperature containers (like –40°C or colder) for export quality freezing? AA : Yes—we already provide ultra-low-temperature containers that go down to –70°C. These are used by exporters who need deep freezing for:
- Seafood like shrimp and crab
- Frozen dairy items
- Ice creams and frozen desserts
- Pharmaceutical items
Our Blast Freezers, Super Freezers, and Superstores are built to meet strict international standards for cold storage.
FNF: Do you offer your cold chain solutions internationally, domestically, or both?
AA: We offer both. We serve over 400 clients across India, including in dairy, seafood, pharma, and FMCG sectors. We also provide containers and services in international markets like the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. With over 600 refrigerated containers, we deliver reliable service with global quality standards.
FNF: What is your mission & vision?
AA: Our mission is that Preserving treasures and fostering success. Our Mission is to safeguard the quality of temperature-sensitive goods with care and dedication, enabling you to succeed at every stage. Vision is to become the most trusted partner in cold chain logistics, empowering businesses with seamless and reliable services that bring peace of mind.
FNF: What are Crystal Group’s future plans for growth and innovation in the cold chain industry?
AA: The future of cold chain isn’t just about staying cold—it’s about staying connected to what truly matters. At Crystal Group, we believe the cold chain of tomorrow must be smarter, faster, and more human. We’re not just expanding—we’re growing with intent. Our newly developed, technologically advanced warehouses in Bhubaneswar and Kolkata, each spread over 5+ acres, are more than facilities—they’re hubs of reliability and trust. To support India’s booming quick commerce and essential healthcare needs, we’ve established dedicated cold storage hubs in every major metro—Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad—designed for speed, safety, and service. But we’re not stopping there. We’re already laying the foundation for our next-gen cold chain infrastructure in JNPT, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Ranchi, Hyderabad, Vizag, and Pune. These aren’t just locations on a map—they’re communities we aim to serve with commitment, care, and cutting-edge technology. At every step, our mission is to build a cold chain network that is not only efficient and tech-enabled but also deeply rooted in empathy and responsibility. Because at Crystal Group, we don’t just move goods—we preserve trust, deliver health, and ensure livelihoods. That’s the heart of our journey.