We have plans to expand our pharma biz in India market, focusing on Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, says Eric Ten Kate, Global Sector Leader, Healthcare, CEVA Logistics. Focusing partially on medical devices and on pharma, it is looking at temperature-controlled market and road logistics.
Ritika Arora Bhola
How is your business growing in the Indian market? Tell us about recent innovations and developments.
In the Indian market, CEVA is strengthening healthcare logistics through several key acquisitions, including Stellar Value Chain Solutions, helping CEVA advance in healthcare contract logistics in the region. Another key acquisition was Bolloré Logistics, which boosted CEVA with an additional 7,000 employees and experience in pharmaceutical logistics. The acquisitions have a lot of synergy, which allows us to strengthen our infrastructure in India. Today, CEVA has temperature-controlled facilities around the globe and a freight management network which we are further developing in the Indian market.
Tell us about the cargo handling, storage, transportation and cold chain products infrastructure.
We have a state-of-the-art contract logistics facility that is currently in its ramp-up phase. Our approach is globally integrated, where we strategically identify and map out the locations of IT competence centers and the flow of cold chain cargo. This global model guides our investments, allowing us to establish robust infrastructure tailored to regional needs. In India, we’ve made significant investments in multiple temperature-controlled stations, creating a solid foundation for our cold chain solutions. This enables us to build a connected network, ensuring seamless integration between global standards and the unique requirements of the Indian market. Our focus is on continually developing and enhancing this infrastructure, positioning ourselves to better serve the growing demands of the Indian logistics sector, especially in the cold chain and temperature-sensitive product categories.
How does technology play a role in maintaining supply chain integrity in pharmaceutical logistics?
Technology helps us drive innovation into our operations. Leveraging advanced systems, we enable lane risk validations, ensure comprehensive end-to-end visibility and provide seamless shipment monitoring. Through CEVA’s digital freight platform, MyCEVA, customers gain real-time access to rates and freight quotes, enjoy an enhanced booking experience and benefit from tailored services designed to meet diverse cargo needs. Customers can choose what’s best for their shipment or shipments—prioritising speed, cost and CO2 emissions. Our data-driven approach integrates multiple sources, allowing us to collaborate with incubators and respond proactively to challenges, such as rerouting shipments due to adverse weather conditions. By prioritising solution-based selling, we place innovation and technology at the core of our operations and exceptional service delivery for our customers.
What are CEVA’s plans in India?
India is a key growth region for CEVA, particularly in the healthcare sector, where we see strong growth potential and an optimistic future. In the past, our focus was primarily on generics, but with the rise of biosimilars (biological medicine), we’ve expanded our approach. The recent government regulations have further fueled this growth, creating opportunities for the domestic market and also for exports. We are excited
about the prospects in India and are committed to leveraging this momentum to drive further expansion.
Can you provide details on the types of cargo you are handling for transportation?
Currently, we are handling the transportation of medical device parts intending to expand into providing comprehensive end-to-end logistics solutions. We aim to become the partner of choice by driving the ease of doing business. To achieve this, we are enhancing our capabilities across various segments and developing structured blueprints within the organization. While we continue to focus on medical devices and pharmaceuticals, we are also placing a strong emphasis on temperature-controlled products and their unique needs to meet evolving market demands.
How would rate infrastructure in India for cold chain transportation and storage?
The infrastructure for cold chain transportation and storage in India has certainly improved, but there is still room for growth and enhancement. Our focus is on key cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai, which are crucial hubs for this sector. India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has stated that India aspires to become the ‘pharmacy of the world’ and we believe the country is moving quickly in that direction. With ongoing improvements, India is well-positioned to support the growing demand for cold chain logistics, particularly in sectors like pharmaceuticals.
What kind of expectations do airlines have from freight forwarding companies? And how do you fulfill these requirements?
Airlines expect freight forwarding companies to provide reliable, efficient, and cost-effective solutions. We meet these expectations through a collaborative partnership with our carrier partners, where both sides understand the value of good pricing paired with excellent service. Trust is essential for success, and we build that through consistent engagement. We participate in monthly steering committee meetings to review the pharmaceutical business with airlines, ensuring alignment on key priorities.
With our presence across Europe, the Middle East, APAC and the Americas, we work closely with airlines to provide proactive customer solutions. By collaborating with strategic partners, we ensure seamless service delivery that simplifies the ease of doing business for our customers.
Can you elaborate on sustainability initiatives at CEVA Logistics?
Sustainability is a core pillar of our strategy. We are actively integrating sustainable practices across our operations, including the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce our carbon footprint. Our warehouses are equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting and solar panels, further contributing to our environmental goals.
As part of our parent company, CMA CGM Group, we benefit from their fleet of LNG-powered ships, which help minimise emissions. Additionally, we are focused on advancing temperature-controlled packaging solutions and promoting a circular economy to reduce waste. For example, we use phase-changing materials in our packaging, which makes shipments lighter when returned, resulting in reduced CO2 emissions. These initiatives reflect our commitment to sustainability and our continuous efforts to minimise environmental impact across our logistics network.
What projects are in the pipeline for CEVA Logistics?
Following our successful merger with Bolloré Logistics, we are embarking on several strategic initiatives, including the establishment of cold chain stations across India. This effort aims to seamlessly integrate our global network with the Indian market, ensuring enhanced connectivity.
We are actively engaging with Biotech and Pharma Logistics and focusing on strengthening our in-house capabilities. A key priority is obtaining GDP certification for all our ocean-phase stations, positioning us as the provider of choice for air, ocean, and ground logistics solutions.
