September 1, 2025

DP World’s Cochin Free Trade Warehousing Zone (FTWZ) is quickly becoming the shining star of India’s spice trade on the global stage. With heavy investments in top-quality infrastructure and smart digital logistics platforms, plus strong government support, this hub is set to turn the heat up in spice exports like never before. Ranjit Ray, Senior Vice President at DP World for Economic Zones and Contract Logistics in MENA and India Subcontinent, shared exciting insights. He said investments are now focusing on temperature-controlled warehouses for sensitive spices like cardamom, making the hub strong and future-ready. This comes as spice exporters are demanding more, using the FTWZ to boost export efficiency and stay competitive worldwide. "Over the past year, there has been a marked increase in demand from spice exporters," said Ray. This reflects Cochin’s growing role not just as a manufacturing center but also as a spice trading hotspot. Challenges like changing US tariffs come and go, but the FTWZ acts like a strategic shield. It keeps cargo safe and supply chains agile, even when the trade winds shift. Ray is confident India will lead the global spice market thanks to strong infrastructure, digital tools, and Kerala’s natural spice-growing advantages. The Cochin FTWZ stands out with over 67 special services, like fumigation, lab testing, plant quarantine, repackaging, and quality checks. These ensure spices maintain their top quality and meet tough international rules. Exporters benefit from faster exports, better stock management, and less loss — all helping Kerala keep its sparkle as a premium spice producer. MSMEs, the backbone of India’s spice sector, are gaining big from digital and logistics upgrades. National projects like ULIP (Unified Logistics Interface Platform), ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce), and NLP (National Logistics Portal) make exports easier by giving clear info, real-time cargo tracking, and simpler paperwork. Inside DP World’s system, platforms such as Cargo Flow use IoT tracking, digital docs, and one-stop customs clearance to cut delays and guarantee on-time delivery. This technology levels the playing field, helping small businesses grow and meet global standards confidently. The state’s modern warehousing includes moisture-controlled storage, pest control, and sampling rooms, which keep spice quality high and help buyers make smart choices. Numbers tell an exciting story: In fiscal year 2024–25, India shipped out nearly 18 lakh tonnes of spices worth over $4.7 billion, growing 17% from the year before, according to Spices Board data. Kerala’s top spices like pepper, cardamom, turmeric, nutmeg, and cloves are driving this boom. This traditional sector is turning into a powerful global player thanks to the magic mix of Free Trade Warehousing Zones, cutting-edge digital innovation, and strong logistics. With Cochin FTWZ at the heart, India’s spice trade is ready to rule the world!

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Tags: Dp world, Cochin ftwz, India spice trade, Digital logistics, Msmes, Export growth,