In Conversation With Mr. Ashish Mundhra, Business Head, Coldverse

What’s the inception story of Coldverse? How did it form?

Coldverse was established by Shree Maruti Integrated Logistics Solution (SMILe) to revolutionize cold chain logistics under the guiding principle, ‘Every Degree Matters.’ Leveraging SMILe’s 39 years of experience, Coldverse was designed to serve temperature-sensitive industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and Quick Service Restaurants (QSR). Combining cutting-edge technology with expert logistics, Coldverse ensures optimal conditions are maintained throughout the supply chain, from storage to last-mile delivery. With eco-friendly, real-time temperature monitoring, and tailored solutions for different sectors, Coldverse has become synonymous with precision and quality.

What sets Coldverse apart in the cold chain logistics industry?

Born from one of the leading logistics companies, Coldverse stands out with a distinct advantage—leveraging an extensive network, deep understanding of customer needs, and cutting-edge technology. We excel in end-to-end temperature control, real-time data tracking, and maintaining regulatory compliance across diverse markets. What truly sets us apart is our ability to deliver customized solutions across sectors., whether for Quick Commerce (Q-commerce), or Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), ensuring that each product is managed according to its unique specifications. Our fully integrated cold storage, transportation, and delivery services offer unparalleled flexibility, transparency, and reliability, making us the go-to partner for industries that demand uncompromised product quality throughout the supply chain.

How does Coldverse ensure the quality and safety of perishable goods during transport?

We have deployed over 100 state-of-the-art reefer trucks and temperature-controlled warehousing solutions, all of which are equipped with live data tracking systems. Our logistics software continuously monitors temperature, providing real-time alerts for any deviations. This proactive approach allows our team to immediately respond to potential issues, ensuring that perishable goods such as food and pharmaceuticals maintain their integrity from origin to destination. Moreover, Coldverse follows strict handling practices tailored to different industries, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring compliance with both domestic and international standards.

Can you share some of the biggest challenges in cold chain logistics today?

Key challenges in cold chain logistics include the shortage of advanced, tech-driven cold storage facilities, managing high operational costs, and ensuring seamless real-time coordination between storage and transport. Quick commerce has further amplified these challenges, requiring faster delivery times without compromising product quality. Additionally, adhering to evolving regulatory standards, especially in pharmaceuticals and food, is critical. Coldverse addresses these issues by establishing state-of-the-art large cold storage facilities, implementing data-driven tracking systems, optimizing storage solutions, and leveraging scalable infrastructure to ensure both operational efficiency and cost control.

How does Coldverse handle regulatory compliance in different markets?

Compliance is a non-negotiable for Coldverse, especially when dealing with sensitive products like pharmaceuticals and food. We adhere to global standards such as the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and U.S. FDA regulations. Our operations are regularly audited to ensure that we meet all legal requirements, regardless of market. Coldverse also takes an active role in anticipating regulatory changes, ensuring that we remain ahead of compliance challenges while delivering consistent service in various geographies.

How does Coldverse manage peak season demand or unexpected spikes in logistics needs?

Coldverse’s scalable logistics network allows us to quickly adapt to increased demand, whether due to seasonal peaks or unforeseen spikes. We use predictive analytics to forecast demand and optimize resource allocation, ensuring sufficient cold storage and transportation availability during high-demand periods. Our partnerships with a vast network of transportation providers give us the flexibility to expand our fleet and staff when needed. This agile infrastructure ensures we maintain service levels without disruption, even during peak seasons in industries like QSR and eCommerce.

How does Coldverse leverage data to enhance service quality and efficiency?

  • Data-driven decision-making is at the heart of Coldverse’s operations. We collect data from temperature sensors, GPS systems, and client feedback, using these insights to refine our supply chain processes. This allows us to anticipate and address issues before they escalate, reducing downtime and enhancing delivery accuracy. Our data analytics also improve cold storage efficiency by identifying optimal storage conditions and fleet performance. This ensures we provide tailored, proactive solutions that keep our clients informed and their goods secure throughout the logistics journey.

How does Coldverse support the growth and scalability needs of its clients?

Coldverse offers fully scalable solutions tailored to the needs of each client. Our services can easily scale up or down depending on demand fluctuations, offering on-demand cold storage and transportation. We also provide advanced logistics planning to support clients’ expansion into new markets or product lines. Our ability to deliver end-to-end cold chain solutions—from procurement to last-mile delivery—ensures that businesses can scale efficiently without the need for significant infrastructure investments.

What is your approach to Crisis Management in cold chain logistics?

Coldverse follows a proactive crisis management strategy, rooted in preparation and agility. We utilize real-time data monitoring to identify potential disruptions and have contingency plans in place to respond quickly. In case of equipment failure, we can re-route shipments to alternative storage facilities or deploy backup resources to ensure minimal impact on product quality. Our crisis response teams are trained to manage emergencies efficiently, ensuring our clients face little to no disruption in service, even during unforeseen challenges.

Where do you see Coldverse in the next five years?

Over the next five years, Coldverse aims to be a global leader in cold chain logistics, known for its innovative, technology-driven solutions and sustainable practices. We plan to expand our service portfolio to include fully automated cold storage facilities, AI-powered logistics planning, and electric fleets for last-mile delivery. By continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in cold chain logistics, we intend to set new standards for efficiency, reliability, and environmental responsibility across the industry.

What future trends in cold chain logistics are you preparing for?

We foresee several trends shaping the future of cold chain logistics, including automation, enhanced transparency, and sustainability. Coldverse is investing heavily in AI and machine learning to streamline operations, from storage automation to autonomous delivery vehicles. As sustainability takes center stage, we’re continuously exploring eco-friendly innovations to reduce energy consumption and improve packaging recyclability. Additionally, we expect stricter regulatory oversight in the transport of food and pharmaceuticals, and we’re proactively enhancing our compliance frameworks to stay ahead of these changes.

What are the sustainability goals, and how are they integrated into your operations?

Sustainability is embedded in Coldverse’s DNA. We focus on reducing carbon footprints by utilizing energy-efficient refrigeration units and optimizing delivery routes to minimize fuel consumption. In the near future, we plan to expand our electric vehicle fleet, particularly for last-mile deliveries. We are committed to balancing ecological responsibility with logistical efficiency, ensuring that our clients receive sustainable solutions without compromising the quality or speed of service.

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