DP World’s Cochin Free Trade Warehousing Zone(FTWZ)is becoming a worldwide center for India’s spice trade, backed by facilities financial investments, digital logistics
Driven by encouraging policies and broadening international market, DP World’s Cochin Free Trade Warehousing Zone (FTWZ)– which currently deals with a considerable share of India’s spice trade, is poised for additional development with financial investments in temperature-controlled warehousing for delicate products such as cardamom to produce a resistant and future-ready center for India’s growing spice trade, stated Ranjit Ray, Senior Vice President– Economic Zones and Contract Logistics, MENA and India Subcontinent, DP World.
Over the previous year, there has actually been a significant boost in need from spice exporters, who took advantage of utilizing the FTWZ center to boost their export effectiveness and competitiveness, therefore showing the growing value of Cochin as both a production and trading center, he stated.
While international difficulties– such as tariff modifications in the United States– position periodic headwinds, FTWZs offer a tactical buffer, making sure freight stability and supply chain dexterity in the middle of moving trade characteristics. Freight rates, though variable, have actually not moistened the outlook for spices, a product with sustaining worldwide need, he stated in an e-mail interaction.
Set for worldwide management
He is positive that with facilities assistance, digital adoption and Kerala’s natural benefits, India’s spice sector is well-positioned to reinforce its management in the worldwide market.
The Cochin FTWZ is distinctively geared up to serve the spice sector, providing over 67 value-added services, consisting of fumigation, plant quarantine, labelling, repackaging, and quality examinations. These centers protect item stability while guaranteeing compliance with strict worldwide requirements. For exporters, the advantages equate into faster access to global markets, optimised stock management, and lowered putridity– essential to sustaining Kerala’s worldwide credibility for premium spices.
The foundation of India’s spice trade is its network of MSMEs. For these companies, digital platforms and incorporated logistics are showing transformative. National efforts, such as the Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), and National Logistics Portal (NLP), are streamlining exports by boosting openness, allowing real-time freight tracking, and enhancing compliance.
Benefitting MSMEs
Within DP World’s community, technology-driven platforms like Cargo Flow even more extend these advantages. With IoT-enabled tracking, digital documents, and single-window customizeds clearance, exporters can cut preparations, decrease hold-ups, and make sure trustworthy shipment schedules. For MSMEs, this levels the playing field, enabling them to scale their operations, fulfill worldwide requirements, and with confidence take on international gamers. With contemporary warehousing and logistics facilities, the state is developing into an international sourcing center.
Facilities such as moisture-controlled storage, pest-controlled handling, and tasting assistance at Cochin FTWZ not just maintain quality however likewise help with educated decision-making for worldwide purchasers, he stated.
In FY 2024– 25, India exported almost 18 lakh tonnes of spices, valued at over $4.7 billion, a 17 percent year-on-year development, according to Spices Board figures. Much of this momentum is driven by Kerala’s premium fruit and vegetables, consisting of pepper, cardamom, turmeric, nutmeg, and cloves. What is moving this conventional sector into a modern-day international force is the synergy of Free Trade Warehousing Zones, digital development, and logistics support
Released on September 1, 2025
